While many of you are preparing for the 4^th 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.

Yellow starthistle flower
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)

As you celebrate July 4^th, be sure to cover up to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors and watch out for yellowjackets that may be foraging for food while you barbecue. If you're watching fireworks light up the sky, we hope you'll be reminded of dandelion puffballs “exploding” and sending their seeds in the wind to establish new plants (and then look up how to remove them).

If you are going camping, be sure not to move any invasive insects with you by buying firewood near your camping location. At the campsite, beware of raccoons, ants, and poison oak!

Wishing you a safe (and pest free) holiday!