As many people you know have turned to baking during quarantine, it is likely that ingredients such as flour will continue to be in high demand. While you may be tempted to stock up when you find these ingredients, you should also consider how to properly store your ingredients to prevent pests.

Insects can easily be introduced into kitchens and pantries through infested material such as flour, dried fruits, and other grains. These pests can go unnoticed when materials are first brought home because the insects may be present as eggs or larvae. If you are purchasing items like flour or sugar from bulk bins, be sure to store your ingredients to tightly sealed containers at home. This practice can deter

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

Days are getting shorter and evenings cooler as winter approaches. Sweater weather also means a change in the to-do list around the yard.

Here are a few things to consider when preparing your landscapes and gardens for winter.

Frost

• Protect sensitive plants from cold injury when freezing or frost is predicted. Cover plants with cloth or a similar material at night, leaving the covers open at the bottom so heat from soil can help warm plants.
• When frost or freezing is expected, irrigate dry topsoil at least 3 days before the cold weather to increase the soil's ability to retain...

Most of us have clutter we've hidden away in closets, drawers, garages, or in other storage space. Although you may not have the time or energy to go through these excess “stuff” and cluttered areas, we have an incentive for you: pest reduction and prevention.

Consider the following pests when thinking whether you should reduce clutter and get rid of unneeded items in your house:

Cockroaches may come into contact with human and pet excrement and can transmit bacteria to food. They prefer to hide in warm, moist environments. The German cockroach female is capable of laying over 30,000 eggs per year,...