- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Posted by: Lauren Fordyce
The invasive pest spotlight focuses on emerging or potential invasive pests in California. In this issue, we cover the brown widow spider.
Brown Widow Spider Facts
The brown widow spider became established in Southern California in 2000 and appears to be displacing the black widow in some of its habitats, especially in urban areas. They build their webs in secluded areas around homes and in vegetation. Mature female brown widows are smaller than mature female western black widows. The normal brown widow spider coloration is a mottled mixture of tan, brown, and gray. It has a lengthwise stripe halfway up the back side of the abdomen with two isolated dots in front of it and diagonal stripes on...
![Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect not yet found in California. [Credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture, Bugwood.org]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/90148small.png)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the webinar scheduled for April 21 has been canceled and will be rescheduled for another date. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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What are you doing the third Thursday of each month at noon? Joining UC IPM for our monthly webinar, we hope!
This Thursday, come and learn about invasive species in California and what you can do to combat them! In Part 2 of this topic, Karey Windbiel-Rojas from the UC Statewide IPM Program will continue sharing information on new pests of concern or pests we are trying to keep out of California.
Can't make it? That's ok-- all the UC IPM webinars are recorded and later posted on UC IPM's YouTube channel....
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
It's that time of year again for UC IPM's semi annual Easter Egg hunt!
Can you guess which insect, spider, or mollusk laid the eggs pictured below? These critters may already be hiding in your home, landscape, or garden! Leave a comment with your guesses. Answers will be posted on Friday, April 15.
- Author: Belinda J. Messenger-Sikes
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Like outdoor plants, houseplants can also experience pest problems. Did you know that too much or too little watering is the most common way that houseplants die? They can also suffer from too much or too little light, incorrect fertilization, and a variety of pests and diseases. Knowing the proper growing conditions for your houseplant and checking regularly for signs of pests or disease are the best ways to keep your houseplants healthy.
If your houseplant is looking unhealthy, our newest publication Pest Notes: Houseplant Problems can help you find out what may be wrong. Authored by UCCE Environmental Horticulturalists Dennis...
- Author: Belinda J. Messenger-Sikes
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
![Head lice adults, nymphs, and eggs (nits). [Credit: Dr. Shujuan (Lucy) Li]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/72443small.jpg)
Most people are practicing social distancing due to the current pandemic, so contracting head lice might not be a top concern right now.
However, many families with young children have at least one encounter with head lice at some time or another. Finding effective ways to manage these pests can be difficult, but it is possible. And remember, anyone can get head lice.
In the newly updated Pest Notes: Head Lice, authors Victoria Leonard and Dawn Gouge bring their public health and pest management expertise to the topic of head lice management, providing easy, safe, and effective...
