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A white butterfly with a black spot on its wing feeding on a purple flower.
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Check for Cabbageworms!

October 16, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
If you recently planted cabbage, broccoli, or kale, (often called Brassicas and cole crops) keep an eye out for cabbageworms! The adult cabbageworm is a white butterfly with one to four black spots on its wings. They lay eggs individually on the leaves of brassica plants.
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Pest prevention tips for October.
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October Pest Tips

October 1, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
Fall is finally here! Things may be slowing down in our gardens and landscapes, but don't forget to check for pests and take steps to prevent them from returning next year. The UC IPM Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a monthly guide to help you avoid common pests of landscape plants.
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A white bucket of clear liquid being poured into a smaller container.
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Mixed up too much of a pesticide? Now what?

September 24, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
You bought a pesticide product that needs to be mixed with water before applying. Did you accidentally mix up too much and now have leftover pesticide? What should you do with it? Before mixing or applying a pesticide, always read the pesticide label to see where the product can be used (i.e.
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A flower pot with yellow sticky cards stuck in the soil.
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Gnats in your houseplants?

September 16, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
If you've noticed tiny, dark insects flying around your houseplants, you likely have fungus gnats. These tiny flies can be a nuisance indoors and may also damage your plants. Fungus gnats lay their eggs in moist soil and their larvae feed on plant roots and decaying organic matter.
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Pest tips for September.
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September Pest Tips

September 4, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
Just a few more weeks of summer remain! As the weather begins to shift, you may need to adjust your landscaping practices to prevent and monitor for fall pests. The UC IPM Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a monthly guide to help you avoid common pests of landscape plants.
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CDC General Recommendations for Flea Disease Prevention: reduce rodent and animal habitat around your home; limit exposure to wild or stray animals; wear repellent if you will be exposed to fleas; keep pets on flea control products year round; bathe and brush pets regularly; limit pet time outdoors; clean pet bedding frequently with soap and water; do not allow pets to sleep on your bed; do not accidentally swallow a dead flea.
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Fleeing Fleas!

August 15, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
Fleas can be found on pets year-round, but populations tend to increase dramatically in spring and summer when temperatures are warmer. Larvae develop rapidly in areas where temperatures reach 70 to 90F.
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Pest tips for August
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August Pest Tips

August 7, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
Summer is in full swing and while it's been quite hot in many parts of California, it's been very cool in others.
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Cobwebs on top of a patch of brown grass.
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Cobwebs Everywhere?

July 30, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
Are you noticing an abundance of cobwebs outside, on plants, fences, homes, or outdoor furniture? While many people fear spiders or dislike their cobwebs, most spiders are beneficial to have around even in the home! Spiders are predators of many insect pests and rarely cause harm to people.
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A person looking at a bottle of 20% acetic acid vinegar weed killer with a signal word DANGER.
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Can I Use Vinegar to Control Weeds?

July 18, 2024
Acetic acid, also known as vinegar, is used in products for weed control. Many people choose it because it is natural. However, acetic acid can damage skin and eyes, especially at concentrations commonly found in weed killers.
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