Garden Troubleshooting

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) is a problematic perennial weed that plagues California orchards and vineyards, spreading through seed production and perennial rhizomes. Established johnsongrass populations are typically controlled through use of systemic post-emergent herbicides (typically glyphosate…

Blood-sucking ticks can spread bacteria and other germs when they bite, causing diseases like Lyme disease in people and pets. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can go a long way in reducing your exposure to ticks. Preventing Tick BitesTicks are efficient hitchhikers—they can easily latch on to your…

Noxious weed! This “cute” perennial plant grows about 3 feet tall, displaces desirable vegetation, and reduces the biodiversity of our native ecosystems. It was introduced from southern Europe as an attractive ornamental. But it has no natural deterrents, takes over natural habitats, and is quite invasive…

Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an attractive green plant with small yellow flowers commonly seen growing prostrate along the side of the road. A native to Southern Europe, it’s also referred to as “goathead.” However, underneath its foliage lies danger: spiky seedpods with needle-point spikes. If…

Earwigs, sometimes also called pincherbugs, can be damaging or just a nuisance around our homes and gardens. While these insect pests aren’t harmful to humans, they can cause quite the ruckus in home gardens. The most common species found in California is the European earwig, Forficula auricularia. This…

A few strands of thin, feathery, green plants growing under the dock didn’t catch anyone’s attention last spring. But those strands spread quickly and within months the lake’s calm waters were tangled in mats of the feathery Eurasian watermilfoil, an aggressive aquatic plant that grows quickly and clogs…

Summer is in full force and while it's been quite hot in many parts of California, it's been very cool in others. That's why UC IPM's Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a useful tool to help you figure out what to do in your region each month! Here are some general tips for keeping your landscape…

Barn Owls seem to be the go-to owl when it comes to biological control of rodent pests, dominating the literature on owls and IPM. According to several studies, pocket gophers, mice, and voles constitute most of the Barn Owl diet.