Have you ever leaned in to smell a beautiful rose, only to have an earwig dart out of the bloom? Unpleasant, yes—but despite old myths about earwigs crawling into ears, these insects are far less sinister than their reputation suggests. Understanding their habits can help you decide whether they are a problem or a tolerable […]
Earwigs: Garden Nuisance or Helpful Resident? Read More »
Peach leaf curl is a common fungal disease affecting peach and nectarine trees, causing distorted, thickened, reddish leaves in spring. The good news is that it can be effectively managed using low-toxicity, preventative methods that focus on timing, tree health, and minimal intervention. Understanding Peach Leaf Curl Least Toxic Treatment Methods Cultural and Preventative Practices
Distorted Leaves on your Peach Tree? May be Peach Leaf curl Read More »
It’s the chilly time of year when gardeners look ahead to spring—starting cool-season vegetables, finishing pruning chores, and finally paying attention to long-neglected houseplants. Taking a closer look at indoor plants can sometimes reveal more than dust, and one common winter surprise is mealybugs. How to Recognize Mealybugs Plants Commonly Affected What They Are and
What Is That White Sticky Stuff on My Plant? Read More »
“Rats everywhere!” read a recent NextDoor headline, followed by nearly a hundred frustrated homeowner comments. These days, it seems everyone has a rat story—from costly car repairs caused by chewed wiring to missing bird seed, gnawed garden produce, and unwelcome droppings in garages. One thing is clear: rat activity is on the rise, and it’s
In Marin, It Is Always Rat Season Read More »
Many products commonly found in the home are legally considered pesticides, even though they may not be sold in the traditional “bug spray” aisle. A pesticide is any substance used to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests. Because these materials can affect people, pets, and the indoor environment, safe and informed use is important, especially
Take Care When Using Pesticides Inside the House Read More »
Removing winter weeds from the garden is most effective when you combine timely action with the right tools and cultural practices. Winter weeds such as chickweed, burning nettle, and annual bluegrass thrive in cool weather and exposed soil. Addressing them early prevents rapid spreading in spring. Best Methods for Removing Winter Weeds By relying on
With a Bounty of Rain Comes Winter Weeds Read More »
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that sometimes turn up inside homes, especially in older houses. They are silvery-gray, carrot-shaped, and move quickly when disturbed. While their sudden appearance can be unsettling, silverfish do not bite, sting, or spread disease. From a household perspective they are mainly a nuisance pest, feeding on starchy materials such as
What are Silverfish? Read More »
Winter is an important time for home gardeners to reduce pest and disease problems before the next growing season begins. Good garden sanitation during the dormant months can greatly limit the number of insects, pathogens, and weeds that survive to cause trouble in spring. Many common garden pests overwinter in plant debris. Insects such as
Clean-up Now to Prevent Spring Problems Read More »
Enjoying your houseplants but noticing some small flies zipping around the soil? They may be fungus gnats. These dark, delicate-looking flies look similar to mosquitoes. They’re attracted to light, so you first might notice these pests flying near windows indoors. Check your plant pots. If the soil in the pots is overly moist, fungus gnat
Got gnats buzzing around your houseplants? Read More »
Many exotic invasive pests are of major concern in California. The glassy-winged sharpshooter (an insect) and purple loosestrife (a weed) are two invasive species that are established in some areas but still threaten to invade other areas. Newer exotic species of concern include Diaprepes root weevil, light brown apple moth, and various aquatic weeds. Some
Be on the Lookout for Exotic and Invasive Pests Read More »
