- Author: Lauren Fordyce
You've likely come across a bee, wasp, or hornet this summer. While these insects can cause painful stings, and allergic reactions for some, they are not usually aggressive. In the landscape, they can be beneficial by providing pollination to plants and, for some, preying on pest insects. And luckily for Californians, there is no need to fear the Asian giant hornet (now officially renamed to northern giant hornet), also known as the “murder hornet”, since this insect has not yet been found in the state.
While sometimes beneficial, these insects can also create nests in unfavorable locations and become a nuisance around picnics and...
Many of us at UC IPM are cat lovers and owners. Cats are popular household pets that bring joy and companionship to many families. Feral cats, on the other hand, can cause problems in our communities and around our homes and gardens.
Feral cats are unsocialized, unowned cats that live outdoors. The problems they can cause are well documented. Feral cats are not treated by owners or veterinarians so they can carry contagious diseases like flea-borne typhus and rabies, and parasites like hookworm and fleas which can affect pets, humans, and other animals. Cats are also well-known hunters of songbirds and can significantly impact wildlife populations. While feral cats hunt, they do not completely control populations of house mice...
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
The Urban & Community IPM Webinar Series has several exciting webinars coming up this summer and fall. These webinars occur on the third Thursday of every month from 12:00 to 1:00pm PDT. Read more about them and register below:
July 20, 2023: Natural Enemies & Beneficial Bugs: What are they?
While some insects can be damaging pests, many others are actually useful and keep pest species in check by parasitizing them or preying on them. These beneficial bugs are known as natural enemies and are vital to help keep pests from getting out of control. In this webinar, learn about natural enemies, how to identify them, and how they...
- Author: Mike Hsu
During summer swarming season, homeowners urged to check for signs of Formosan subterranean termite
In the lottery of troublesome termite infestations, “Roger,” a Rancho Santa Fe homeowner, hit the jackpot (a pseudonym is used to protect his privacy). In 2021, his house in San Diego County was identified as home to only the fourth documented colony of the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus) in California.
“FST is one of the most destructive urban pests in the world,” said University of...
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
The cool, wet spring that California has experienced this year comes with many benefits, but also some drawbacks. For the false chinch bug, a small insect commonly found in grassy or weedy areas, this year's weather may result in a population boom. For those who live near grassy areas, it could mean hundreds to thousands of these insects invading homes and other nearby structures.
False chinch bugs are a common springtime pest. They overwinter in unmanaged areas and often feed on winter weeds, like mustard. As spring plant growth increases, so do populations of false chinch bugs. When spring weeds die back, the false chinch bugs will then move to landscape plants and crops to feed. They are usually only a pest of...
