Pests

Primary Image
Ripe red tomatoes with rough uneven discolored surfaces next to a green tomato surrounded by browning green leaves near the ground. Copyright information is at the bottom

Vegetable Garden Diseases and Disorders

June 17, 2026
By Mackenzie F Patton
When you have a vegetable garden, sometimes you might discover your plants aren’t growing as well as expected and look sick. Vegetable plants can get diseases just like animals. A plant disease is an abnormal condition caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, water molds, or viruses. These are known…
View Article
Primary Image
Four sections showcasing tools for pest management and identification with corresponding images. Transcribed Text reads: Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool: Identify 650+ plant pests, diseases, and abiotic problems across 300+ species by narrowing down issues by plant and affected part. Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist: A monthly IPM checklist helping landscape professionals and gardeners manage common ornamental and fruit tree plant pests with a list of actions. Wildlife Pest Identification Tool: Identify Calif

UC IPM Tools are Back Online!

June 15, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Last month, we shared on our blog that UC IPM's website was undergoing changes to redesign and update the content to improve not only the overall look, but accessibility for those with disabilities to be in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   We also…
View Article
Primary Image
Campfire burning

Camping, Firewood, and Hitchikers

June 4, 2026
By Cherie Shook
Visiting Yosemite National Park is an awe-inspiring experience, even for the most seasoned of travelers. The valleys, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and iconic Glacier Point are all bucket list destinations ideal for a family camping vacation. To continue enjoying beautiful parks like Yosemite, it is important…
View Article
Primary Image
Hand and arm covered with glove and long sleeve spraying clear mist from a bottle onto a green shrub.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Understanding Pesticides

June 2, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Many tools are available to help gardeners, pest management professionals, and growers practice sustainable pest management without the use of pesticides. Sometimes, however, a pest infestation is too high or nonchemical methods haven’t worked, so the next solution might be to use a pesticide. Pesticides are…
View Article
Primary Image
Glassy-winged sharpshooter adult and (out-of-focus) nymph on green lemon twig.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Purchased a Grapevine at Costco in N. CA Recently? Read This!

May 28, 2026
By Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Updated May 29, 2026 at 4:30pmAn invasive insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) has been found on grapevine shipments sold at select Costco locations in Northern California between April 21 and May 21, 2026. Note that the timeframe for grapevine plants sold at Costco has been extended to April…
View Article
UC Master Gardeners of the Lake Tahoe Basin: Article

Central Sierra: It's June Bug Season

May 27, 2026
June bugs are among the most familiar insects of early summer. Although people commonly call them “bugs,” they are actually scarab beetles in the genus Phyllophaga. These beetles are usually brown, oval-shaped, and active at night, often flying clumsily around porch lights. Their larvae, known as white grubs…
View Article
UC Small Farms Network: Article

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Practical Guide for Small-Scale Growers in California

May 21, 2026
By Shufang Tian, Margaret G Lloyd, James J Farrar, Hung K Doan, Aparna Gazula, Carrie Teiken
Fact Sheet • June 2026 • Download PDF (2.8 MB)What is IPM?Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a way of using multiple methods to manage pests instead of depending on one or two solutions. These methods can include choosing the right planting practices, encouraging beneficial insects, and using sprays only…
View Article
Primary Image
Pruning out old roses with bypass pruners.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Jump into Summer with these IPM Webinars!

May 21, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Looking to keep your brain stimulated this summer? Need information about garden pests? Join us every third Thursday of the month from 12:00 to 1:00pm PST to learn about a wide range of urban pest management topics. This series is free and open to the public, but advance registration is …
View Article