Pests in the Urban Landscape

Urban neighborhood and park.

The Pests in the Urban Landscape blog shares the latest resources and information from the UC IPM Urban & Community team to help you sustainably manage pests in the home, garden, and landscape. 

Primary Image
A stand of weedy grass with many five-part flower heads growing against a redwood fence.
Article

Bermudagrass Control

July 17, 2025
There are many weedy grasses that can invade a lawn or landscaped area, but bermudagrass is one of the most hated and difficult to control weeds. It’s a low-growing, wiry perennial that has above and belowground structures which are both capable of rooting and growing into new plants.  The secret…
View Article
Primary Image
Adult coyote walking through grass area with prey in its mouth.
Article

Rodenticides: Further Restrictions in 2025

July 14, 2025
Toxic baits, or rodenticides, used to control rodents around the home and garden can harm nontarget animals, such as pets, birds, coyotes, and other wildlife. To reduce these negative impacts, California has passed several laws to limit what rodenticides can be used, how, and by who. Here’s what you need to…
View Article
Primary Image
A variety of colorful produce at an outdoor market
Article

Updates to Invasive Fruit Fly Quarantines

July 9, 2025
By Lindsey Hack
In the last two years, California has experienced a surge of invasive fruit fly infestations. Invasive fruit fly outbreaks endanger our state’s agriculture and economy, as well as homegrown fruits and veggies. They can infest many different fruit, nut, and vegetable crops. Adults lay their eggs under the…
View Article
Primary Image
A close up of a mosquito feeding on a person
Article

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus Throughout CA

July 7, 2025
By Lauren Fordyce
Mosquito season is in full swing in California, and the deadly West Nile virus is making its way around the state. Health officials have identified the virus in 17 counties and there has been 1 confirmed human death so far this year. West Nile virus is one of several diseases that can be transmitted to…
View Article
Primary Image
Person with a black dog that is standing ontop of a white box
Article

Dogs Sniff Out Pest Problems

July 2, 2025
By Lindsey Hack
Dogs use their keen sense of smell to help humans every day. Their powerful noses alert us to danger, aid in search and rescue operations, and even have the potential to diagnose diseases. But did you know that some dogs have been trained to sniff out potential invasive pests? Enter—the detector dogs! …
View Article