[From the May 2015 issue of the UC IPM Green Bulletin]

Squirrels can be problem pests in many landscapes, gardens, and structures. California is home to several species of squirrels which can be divided into three groups: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.  While ground squirrels and some species of tree squirrels can be pests, flying squirrels are very elusive and not often seen and not considered...

To successfully eliminate bed bugs, pest management professionals (PMPs) say they need the cooperation of people living the pests, according to a survey conducted by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources scientists.

California's pest management pros are divided over whether they believe that some of the state's bed bug populations are resistant to insecticides, but they agree that the bugs may survive treatments by finding safe harbor in excessive clutter and personal items that tenants didn't want treated or thrown away. In addition, some settings – such as hotels, motels, college dorms and homeless shelters – may be continually reinfested.

Bed bugs are among the most...

[From the December 2014 issue of the UC IPM Green Bulletin]

For at least a decade, thousand cankers disease (TCD) has been killing walnut trees across California wildlands and landscapes. The causative agent is a yeast-like fungus (Geosmithia morbida) spread by a tiny native beetle called the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) (Figure 1). TCD has killed thousands of walnut trees and threatens not only ornamental and landscape trees but also English walnut trees in commercial orchards. Once a tree becomes infected no control is available; therefore, it is...

[Article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of the Retail Nursery & Garden Center IPM News]

Although urban areas are important habitats for migrating birds, birds can also quickly become a nuisance or economic issue when they begin nesting in colonies on buildings and other structures. Their activities can result in disruptive noises, lead to potential structural damage (Figure 1), and their droppings can create aesthetic and human health problems. The most effective method to keep migrating and nesting birds from becoming a nuisance or causing building damage is to exclude them.

Laws...