Did you know that mothballs, moth flakes, crystals, and bars are insecticides? They come in a solid form that slowly gives off a toxic gas that kills clothes moths and other insects. Mothballs in the U.S. contain very high concentrations of the chemical naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. They are meant to be used […]
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With the first real rains of the season, weeds are sprouting all over. Since Nature doesn’t like bare soil, weeds will fill in any available space including pots, raised beds, or anywhere space and soil are available. Prevent weeds by planning ahead for new planting areas and using a combination of competitive plants, mulches, and
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Fall is a great time to spruce up your yard with some new plants. Consider adding plants that attract and support natural enemies that can help manage pest populations. And try some natives! You can introduce more biodiversity that helps your yard be more resilient to pests and diseases, while conserving water. Because they evolved
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You may not think about rats, mice, or gophers until they become a problem around your home. As these rodents can be major pests in and around homes, gardens, landscapes, restaurants, and other buildings, each year pest control experts “celebrate” Rodent Awareness Week. Rodent Awareness Week (October 16-22) is an annual campaign created by the
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Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced new legislation that would create a pollinator-friendly plant labeling program, modeled after the Organic Foods Production Act that created organic labeling. The program would require the Department of Agriculture to create a certification program for plant producers in order to certify that their plants are not treated with pesticides
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Did you know what happens to weed and feed products you put on your lawn in the fall? A few things. As it’s a combination of an herbicide and a fertilizer, if your dog rolls around on the lawn even days after treatment, it can ingest some of that pesticide (weed killer). If you water
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You bet! Rat poisons or rodenticides are pesticides designed to kill rodents, like mice and rats. They are formulated as baits that include tasty ingredients like peanut butter, molasses, and grains to attract animals. These ingredients can be also attractive to children and pets. Rodenticide baits are not only poisonous for rodents, but they can
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World Snake Day, held every year on July 16, aims to increase awareness about the more than 3,500 snake species that exist across the world. It’s a good time to recognize these natural pest controllers! Gardeners should be glad to see snakes glide through the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests, including slugs, grubs,
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Many gardeners fertilize their yard based on the calendar rather than what is actually needed by the plant. Do you know if the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (main nutrients in fertilizer) levels are actually low? You can save yourself time and money by testing your soil with simple test kits. When you know what is
Before you fertilize ….. Read More »
National Pollinator Week, this year June 19 – 25, is an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and fifteen years ago the U.S. Senate’s
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