- (Public Value) UCANR: Promoting healthy people and communities
- Author: National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
![A person looking at a bottle of 20% acetic acid vinegar weed killer with a signal word DANGER.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/107876small.png)
Acetic acid, also known as vinegar, is used in products for weed control. Many people choose it because it is natural. However, acetic acid can damage skin and eyes, especially at concentrations commonly found in weed killers.
What is the difference between acetic acid, vinegar, and horticultural vinegar?
You may know acetic acid best as vinegar. Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid in water. Acetic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in all living things. It is formed during fermentation. Acetic acid can also be made industrially. It is used in many industrial processes, including the manufacture of dyes, plastics, some drugs, and other industrial chemicals. It is also used in textile...
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
- Author: Belinda Messenger-Sikes
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
![The EPA’s three leaf logo may appear on pesticides that meet NOP standards. Some pesticides may also include the NOP statement “For Organic Gardening”.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/107886small.png)
You've heard of terms such as green, organic, natural, ecofriendly, and less toxic to describe pest control products and services. But what do these terms really mean? To different people, they can mean different things, creating obvious confusion. But some of these terms have specific meanings, regulations, and rules when referring to pesticides and pest control. This article aims to clarify the differences.
What is organic?
Some people think organic means no pesticides, but that is incorrect. The term organic (in the context of food production and pest control) can mean no pesticides were used, but it can also mean that only organically acceptable pesticides and fertilizers were...
/h2>- Author: Lauren Fordyce
![A freshly made bed with white sheets and striped pillows.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/107483small.jpg)
As vacation season begins, people will be traveling much more in the coming months. Whether you'll be staying at a hotel, hostel, motel, rental home, or summer camp, you should always be on the lookout for bed bugs. A bed bug check takes only a few minutes to complete and can give you and your family peace of mind when staying at new places.
Bed bugs are small insects, but big enough to see with the naked eye. They are oval shaped, wingless, and reddish brown. Bed bugs feed only on human blood, usually at nighttime while we are sleeping.
It's important to remember that bed bugs can occur anywhere and are not always an indication of poor hygiene or care. Bed bugs can be moved to new places on furniture, luggage,...
![A grey brown rat on the ground with its hands by its mouth feeding on something.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/107401small.jpg)
Rats can contaminate our food, damage structures, and spread diseases. To help residents and urban pest professionals safely and effectively manage rats, UC IPM has updated the Pest Notes: Rats publication. This revised fact sheet is authored by UC Cooperative Extension Human-Wildlife Conflicts advisor Dr. Niamh Quinn, a recognized expert in urban rat management. Updates include additional information on rat damage, specific sanitation tactics for both Norway and roof rats, tips for rodent-proofing your home, and new illustrations to clearly show correct placement of traps. Rules and regulations regarding rodenticide use in California are...
![Pest prevention tips for June.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/107312small.png)
Summer is here and so are the pests! Keep an eye out for the following pests and take these steps to prevent problems in the garden or landscape this June. To see more tips specific to your region, visit the Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist on the UC IPM website.
- Check plants for leaf stippling or webbing from spider mites. Irrigate adequately, mist leaf undersides daily, reduce dustiness, or spray horticultural oil to...