![Life stages of the western blacklegged tick. [CA Dept Public Health]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/36433small.jpg)
May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, so what better time to tell you about the updated Pest Note: Lyme Disease in California.
This updated publication, by authors Robert S. Lane and Anne Kjemtrup, contains new information on incidents of Lyme disease in California.
You can read about the main carrier of Lyme disease, the western blacklegged tick, including the biology of the tick, specific habitats (dense woods and trails with leaf litter), places and times of the year where bites from disease-carrying ticks are...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Since this week is California Mosquito Control Awareness Week, we thought we'd run a recent mosquito-related post again. [See the full post here.]
How is Zika Transmitted? The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes egypti mosquito, a species also known to carry yellow fever. The Zika virus is thought to also be transmitted via blood transfusion and sexual contact, and in rare cases from mother to child. Researchers are currently investigating the link between the Zika virus and birth defects including microcephaly.
How to Protect Yourself. To protect yourself...
![Adult mosquito. [J.K.Clark]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/35774small.jpg)
It's Mosquito Awareness Week (April 17-23) in California. The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is promoting this week to educate the public about how to control mosquitoes, as spring is when mosquito populations begin to multiply and can reach large numbers.
The MVCAC recommends the public practice the “D's” of mosquito prevention:
- DRAIN all standing water.
- DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outside.
- DRESS in long sleeves to avoid being bitten.
- DEFEND yourself from mosquitoes with an effective repellent.
- DOOR and window...
![Reproductives of dampwood, drywood and subterranean termites (L-R). [R. Tabuchi]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/35186small.jpg)
Termite Awareness Week (March 16-22) is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to call attention to the damage termites can cause to structures and to make sure homeowners understand how to prevent and deal with termite infestations.
Did you know?
- Of the 23 species of termites in California, only three are considered pests. The three pest species are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.
- Subterranean termites are the most common in California. They can be found infesting wood that is in contact with the soil, including structural lumber in homes and landscapes, as...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Anne Schellman
![Big periwinkle, vinca major. [J. M. DiTomaso]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/34678small.jpg)
Did you know that every 60 days, California gains a new and potentially damaging invasive species? Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult to eradicate and can cause not only ecological disruption, but economic problems as well.
This week (February 21-27) is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The goal of the week is to raise awareness and identify solutions to invasive species.
What is an invasive species? The term “invasive” is often used to describe something that appears to be taking over a garden or landscape. However, according to the National Invasive Species Council, a true invasive species is...
