Pests in the Urban Landscape

Western drywood termites (Incisitermes minor, Figure 1) are an important pest of structural wood in California, causing millions of dollars in damage annually. These termites are very cryptic, hidden in their galleries within wood members (pieces of wood), and only emerge during swarming.

Like you, we at the UC Statewide IPM Program are responding to the COVID-19 situation in ways that help protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Roses in the garden can be infected with a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Roses may also be damaged by nutrient deficiencies and other environmental problems.

Plantains are common weeds in lawns, athletic fields, ornamental plantings, roadsides, and pastures. Two species, broadleaf and buckhorn plantains (Plantago major and P. lanceolate) are commonly found throughout California year-round.

Armillaria root rot is a severe fungal disease that affects trees, woody plants, and some herbaceous plants including palms and succulents.