Have something creating holes in your garden soil, or eating your oranges? But don’t see any obvious pests? The new tool from the University of California, Wildlife Pest Identification Tool, may help you find an answer. This online tool will help you narrow down potential vertebrate pests using signs of the critter. Using a photo […]
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What do blue cheese, conks, penicillin, athlete’s foot, and soy sauce have in common? Fungus! These represent both the good and the bad that come from this amazing group of living things. Neither plant nor animal, the fungi inhabit a world mostly hidden from view, the mushroom-like things popping out of the ground often the
Most of us know the tradition: on February 2, Groundhog Day, our old friend the groundhog will emerge from hibernation, come out of his den, and predict whether winter will deliver more cold weather this year. If the groundhog sees his shadow, the story goes, he will return to hibernation and cold weather will persist
Visions of plump, juicy peaches dance in your head as you tend your fruit trees in the early days of spring; you’re already dreaming of peach pie, ice cream, or fruit plucked warm off the tree. But your daydreams might be squelched by seeing instead, blistered, bumpy, puckered, twisted leaves – not exactly what you’re
Lumpy Leaves on your Peach Tree? Read More »
Do you have plants growing indoors? National Houseplant Appreciation Day is January 10, and it’s a good reminder to give your houseplants a little extra attention to keep them thriving. Take a close look at the leaves when cleaning them. Do any appear a little pale or have some sticky stuff on the leaves? If
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Have you been startled by a flurry of little flying beasts bursting out of the container of flour or corn meal you planned to use? If so, you’ve met one of the nasty “pantry pests.” Meal moths and pantry beetles are unwanted visitors to your food and dry goods stash. They can crawl through cracks,
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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
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Ticks are sucking insects that can live all year round in our mild climate. If you’re planning to do some hiking around the holidays, learn how to protect yourself from having one hitch a ride on you. If you do get bitten, here’s how to properly remove the tick. These insects are not only a
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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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One of the easiest insect pests to recognize is the whitefly. You might notice them sitting on the underside of an infested leaf or see them flutter off as you water or handle the plant, looking like tiny white moths. They’re easily disturbed but fly only a short distance before they quickly return to the
Are those Whiteflies? Read More »
