Integrated Pest Management

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Winged subterranean termites. Photo credit: Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
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Got Termites?

March 15, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Termite Awareness Week is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to call attention to the damage termites can cause to structures and to make sure residents and professional pest managers understand how to prevent and deal with termite infestations.
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A photo of the Wildlife Pest Identification Tool.
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Online Tools from UC IPM

February 28, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Pest issues are much easier to deal with when you know what they are and have the right tools to address them. The UC Statewide IPM Program has several free, online tools to help you diagnose plant problems, determine if an animal pest is present, or get a monthly checklist of landscape tasks.
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Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
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Pests in Your Food?

February 24, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
No one likes to find pests in the pantry or kitchen, especially when they are found inside your food! A variety of insect and animal pests can infest and contaminate flours, grains, dry beans, pastas, dried herbs, dried fruit, and even chocolate! Earlier this month, UC IPM's Urban Program hosted a w...
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A screenshot from the Urban Pyrethroid and Fipronil Use: Runoff and Surface Water Protection course offered by UC IPM.
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Online IPM Course Discount for 2023

February 7, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
UC IPM's online courses for 2023 are now available! All of UC IPM's courses can be accessed for free. However, if you need Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a certificate of completion, most courses require payment.
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A groundhog eating a flower.
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Happy Groundhog Day!

February 1, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
As you may know, Groundhog Day is observed on February 2nd to predict if there will be an early spring or if six more weeks of winter are in order. Groundhogs are large, ground-dwelling rodents found mainly on the East Coast that can cause severe damage to landscapes, gardens, and structures.
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Blooming Bermuda buttercup next to a residential fence.
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Weeds in Landscape Plantings

January 25, 2023
[Originally featured in the Winter 2022 Issue of UC IPM's Green Bulletin Newsletter] Weeds can be a problem in any landscaped areas including around trees, shrubs, flower beds, or lawns and turf.
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Emerald ash borer. Photo by Howard Russell, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org
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Important Invasive Species Updates

January 17, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce, Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Invasive pest species threaten California's natural environment and can have an impact on public health. Help spread the word about these invasive species and how to limit their introduction, spread, and harm. Learn to recognize these pests and distinguish them from look-alikes.
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A flooded backyard in Elk Grove, Calif. following exceptional amounts of rain in January. Taking steps to improve drainage and reduce water damage following flooding is crucial to the health of your plants and lawn. Photo credit: Erica Schroepfer, used with permission.
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How to Care for Flood and Water-Damaged Plants

January 12, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce, Melissa G Womack, Missy Gable
[Originally published on the UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog on January 10, 2023] Proper irrigation and drainage are critically important for the health of plants and trees.
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Credit: Steve Garner, Flikr.
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Wet Weather Dos and Don'ts

January 11, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
An immense amount of rain has fallen across California in recent weeks. While rain is incredibly beneficial, in excess it can cause serious problems. The continued wet conditions opens the door for many pests, so see the list of dos and don'ts below for common wet weather pest prevention tips.
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IPM with Diego graphic.
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IPM with Diego: New UC IPM YouTube Series

December 16, 2022
By Lauren Fordyce
Check out UC IPM's new YouTube series IPM with Diego! These short videos are presented from the viewpoint of Diego, a teenager who is not an expert in pest management. However, he explains basic integrated pest management concepts using simple terms and examples that anyone can do.
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