Gardening

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Tanbark oaks killed by Phytophthora ramorum. (Credit: P Svihra)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Spotlight: Sudden Oak Death

June 7, 2020
Sudden oak death is a disease of oak trees that is caused by an invasive plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. The disease has been found infecting trees in coastal California counties from Monterey to Humboldt and can be spread by moving infested soil and plant material. In California, P.
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Asian citrus psyllid nymphs feeding on citrus can vector a serious plant pathogen that causes disease and tree death within 5 years.<br>(Credit: ME Rogers)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Species Action Week 2020

June 5, 2020
For a 7th year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will celebrate California Invasive Species Action Week, which this year will be from Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 14, 2020.
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Indian meal moth adult in wheat flour. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Quarantine Baking and Kitchen Pests

June 2, 2020
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.
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covid-infographic NPIC

Correct Use of Disinfectants

May 21, 2020
By Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Many people have increased their use of disinfectants and sanitizers due to the COVID-19 crisis. It is important to use these products correctly to ensure they are effective and to protect ones health.
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Asian Giant Hornet <i>V. mandarina</i><br>(Credit: Washington State Department of Agriculture)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Murder Hornets! Everyone Calm Down

May 20, 2020
By Karey Windbiel-Rojas
First things first: "murder" hornets, or more correctly, the Asian giant hornet, have NOT been found in California. The term murder hornet is also not quite accurate.
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Black leaf spots caused by Chinese elm anthracnose.<br>(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Anthracnose Pest Note Updated

May 14, 2020
Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that infect many trees and shrubs, causing dark lesions on leaves and cankers on twigs and stems. In some areas of California, vegetables and turfgrass can also be infected with anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose vary by plant host and weather conditions.
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Adult European crane fly on white backdrop.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

"Mosquito Eaters" and Mosquitoes

May 10, 2020
Warmer weather means many pests are flying and joining you indoors while you shelter-in-place or outdoors while you are getting some exercise or keeping connected yet socially distant from the neighbors. Lately you may have seen some large, leggy insects bumbling around on your walls and windows.
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Swarm of honey bees resting atop redwood fence in backyard garden.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Spring Swarms

May 6, 2020
While we are staying home during the pandemic, insects are most definitely not! In fact, you may have seen different types of insects swarming over the last few weeks.
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Yellow nutsedge growing through a shallow layer of mulch.<br>(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

April Gardening Tips: Weeding

April 24, 2020
As you practice social distancing during COVID-19, you may find yourself spending more time in the garden. As we move into nice weather, we are sharing a few gardening tips for pest management. Manage weeds using nonchemical methods such as cultivation, handweeding, or mowing.
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