Pest Management & Plant Health

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Text reads "Pest Tips for July". In the background you see a picture of a summer garden, abundant with flowers and fruit trees.

July Pest Management Tips

July 1, 2026
By Yulie Velez
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…
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Ripe red tomatoes with rough uneven discolored surfaces next to a green tomato surrounded by browning green leaves near the ground. Copyright information is at the bottom
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Common Vegetable Garden Diseases and Disorders

June 17, 2026
By MacKenzie F Patton
When you have a vegetable garden, sometimes you might discover your plants aren’t growing as well as expected and look sick. Vegetable plants can get diseases just like animals. A plant disease is an abnormal condition caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, water molds, or viruses. These are known…
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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Don't Plant a Pest

June 16, 2026
Protect your environment from invasive plants Pests in the garden are not always creepy crawlers, they can also be plants, and some are very attractive. However, attractiveness does not always mean good, and you may be surprised to learn that some plants in your landscape should not be present at all…
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Four sections showcasing tools for pest management and identification with corresponding images. Transcribed Text reads: Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool: Identify 650+ plant pests, diseases, and abiotic problems across 300+ species by narrowing down issues by plant and affected part. Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist: A monthly IPM checklist helping landscape professionals and gardeners manage common ornamental and fruit tree plant pests with a list of actions. Wildlife Pest Identification Tool: Identify Calif
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

UC IPM Tools are Back Online!

June 15, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Last month, we shared on our blog that UC IPM's website was undergoing changes to redesign and update the content to improve not only the overall look, but accessibility for those with disabilities to be in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   We also…
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Campfire burning
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Camping, Firewood, and Hitchikers

June 4, 2026
By Cherie Shook
Visiting Yosemite National Park is an awe-inspiring experience, even for the most seasoned of travelers. The valleys, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and iconic Glacier Point are all bucket list destinations ideal for a family camping vacation. To continue enjoying beautiful parks like Yosemite, it is important…
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Adult japanese beetles, one with two macrotype parasite eggs of Hyperecteina aldrichi (Tachinidae) on its thorax
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Protect California from Invasive Species

June 2, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Help raise awareness of invasive species by participating in the California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) held June 6-14, 2026! Invasive species are non-native pests that can negatively impact our waters, native ecosystems, agriculture, health, and economy. Each day during the week, UC IPM will…
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Hand and arm covered with glove and long sleeve spraying clear mist from a bottle onto a green shrub.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Understanding Pesticides

June 2, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Many tools are available to help gardeners, pest management professionals, and growers practice sustainable pest management without the use of pesticides. Sometimes, however, a pest infestation is too high or nonchemical methods haven’t worked, so the next solution might be to use a pesticide. Pesticides are…
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