- Author: Elaine Lander
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
These days, most people are wearing masks when out in public for personal protection for themselves or others. In nature, there are a few pests that have their own type of face coverings, markings, or that other types of protective covers or behavior.
Below are a few such pests that you might be encountering now in your gardens and landscapes.
Masked Pests
Masked chafers are golden brown beetles with dark heads that give them their name. The adults are not typically considered pests although they do show up on window screens, in pools, or wander into the home. The immatures, white C-shaped grubs, are considers pests because they feed...
/h2>- Author: Elaine Lander
- Editor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
While many of you are preparing for the 4th of July holiday, we at UC IPM are also thinking about stars and stripes but in a slightly different way: yellow starthistle and striped skunks.
We usually have pests on the brain, so we wanted to remind you of the resources we have to help you with pest management. Whether you have a pest in your home, or outdoors on lawns,
- Author: Elaine Lander
Spring has arrived and with many Californians at home due to local coronavirus directives, now could be an opportune time for some spring cleaning. This annual ritual also has the benefit of preventing and reducing indoor pests.
Cleaning and decluttering removes access to food, water, and shelter for pests such as ants, cockroaches, pantry pests, mice, and
Raccoons may look adorable at times, but when this nocturnal animal appears in your yard at night, its “cuteness” factor quickly disappears.
Raccoons normally live in natural areas, but they can easily adapt and survive in urban settings where they may damage garden plants, knock over garbage cans or compost piles, and eat backyard fruits, nuts and vegetables. Female raccoons may nest in backyards, attics, or beneath decks or homes.
Raccoons are known to carry parasites and diseases so family pets could be at risk if they come into contact with these animals. If you live in an area where raccoons are common, make sure to get your pets vaccinated for rabies and distemper.
If raccoons become a...