- Author: Chris M. Webb
As air temperatures start to rise at this time of year, so too can the mosquito population. There are about 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States, and all require water to complete their life cycle. Although mosquitoes are plant pollinators, they are generally considered a nuisance to humans and can transmit disease.
The Clean Water Act requires states to develop and implement nonpoint source pollution management programs. While these developments are making steps towards improving our water, mosquito management is often overlooked during the planning stages of these projects.
To learn how to integrate mosquito management and stormwater treatment, please read UC’s free publication Managing Mosquitoes in Stormwater Treatment Devices that explains options available for reducing health risks, lowers costs associated with abatement and lessening legal liability.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The global marketplace increases the likelihood of invasive pest and diseases entering California. Invasive pests and diseases can affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity, and water quality and quantity.
The threat of invasive pests and disease is real in Ventura County. Please do your part in minimizing the potential impacts by:
- staying informed about local invasive pest and disease threats.
- notifying the CDFA or County Ag Commissioner if a suspected invasive pest is found.
- following guidelines and procedures designed to minimize the spread of pests and disease.
The current top invasive pest and disease threats to Ventura County, and what you can do to help, can be found on our previous blog posts.
Monitoring waterways for invasive quagga and zebra mussels
Invasive species in the Santa Clara River
- Author: Chris M. Webb
There is much community and grower support to stop the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) from becoming established in Ventura County. While it has not yet been identified in our county, it is very close. An ACP was found recently in Van Nuys.
This is an extremely dangerous pest because it can carry the vector for the disease, Huanglongbing (HLB, also known as citrus greening), that destroys citrus trees, orchards and related industries in locations were ACP becomes established.
Invasive pests and disease, such as the ACP/HLB pest-disease complex negatively affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity and our own backyards.
Thank you all for your support. Please contact our office if you would like hard copy outreach materials for yourself or for groups.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Ants are a common a pest. Did you know that the household pesticides commonly used to control them are major contributors to water quality problems in California?
Pyrethroid insecticides are the chemicals typically used to control ants in and around residential structures. After the insecticides are applied they find their way into our waterways via urban runoff. Even at low concentrations, these chemicals can be toxic to aquatic organisms. With a few changes in our behavior, we can greatly reduce the amount of these pesticides in our water. For ways to reduce ants around your home visit UC’s urban pest management online or view this video.More information about urban ant management and other UC IPM projects can be found in the 2009 Annual Report UC Statewide IPM Program Highlights.
Life Cycle of the Argentine Ant
Crack in pavement can be a nesting site for ants or other pests.
Large gap near ceiling pipe in school kitchen allowing ants and other pests to travel to connecting rooms.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) continues its advance through Southern California. This is an extremely destructive pest. The disease it carries is capable of destroying citrus trees, orchards, and related industries.
An ACP Task Force has been formed in Ventura County. Top priority is to reduce the spread of the psyllid, which in turn will reduce the spread of disease. Your help is needed to stop this pest. You can help in the following ways:
- Do not bring citrus trees, other plants, or fruit into the state from other counties, states, or countries.
- If you have citrus on your property, please check regularly (at least monthly) for signs of infestation. Details on what to look for can be found here.
- Encourage your friends, neighbors and relatives to do the same
- A suspected ACP infestation should be reported immediately to the CDFA hotline at 800.491.1899, or your county agricultural commissioner. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner can be reached at 805.933.2926
The Ventura County ACP-HLB task force will be conducting a workshop on February 25, 2010 designed for growers and pest-control advisors. More information about the workshop can be found here.
Our office has outreach materials available to help spread the word. Please contact us if you would like some.
Psyllid eggs and nymphs tucked into crevices and folds.
Asian Citrus Psyllid nymph
Asian Citrus Psyllid adult
