Invasive Species Management

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Valley oak tree atop a hill of brown grass.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Webinar: Mediterranean Oak Borer and Other Oak Pests

March 26, 2025
By Lauren Fordyce
Join UC IPM for a free webinar on the invasive Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) and other important oak tree pests on April 10, 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that infests several species of white oaks in California: valley oak, blue oak,…
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Yellow Star Thistle
UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog: Article

Invasive Plants: What They Are and Why They Matter

February 24, 2025
By Lauren L Snowden
National Invasive Species Week (NISW) happens every year to raise awareness about the growing problem of invasive plants and animals in the United States.
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What is an invasive species?
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

National Invasive Species Action Week 2025

February 24, 2025
From February 24 - 28, 2025, help increase public awareness of invasive species and join the fight against invasive species by participating in National Invasive Species Action Week (NISAW).
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Person dumping a white bucket of water outside.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Drain After Rain to Prevent Mosquitoes

February 20, 2025
By Lauren Fordyce
Recent rainfall throughout much of California has created puddles and stagnant water. With the temperature warming up in many parts of the state, this combination can create the perfect situation for mosquitoes to breed. We encourage you to drain after the rain to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.
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Figure 1. Metal art structure in transit to California. Photo credit: Sonoma County Dept of Agriculture/W&M
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Spotted Lanternfly: The Need to Remain Vigilant (Part 1)

November 19, 2024
By Cindy Kron
On March 27th, 2024, a flatbed truck carrying a metal art structure originating in New York and headed to Petaluma, California was stopped at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Agricultural Inspection Station in Truckee, California due to live spotted lanternfly (SLF) egg masse...
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A brown and yellow fly on a yellow-green background.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Pest Spotlight: Mediterranean Fruit Fly

November 6, 2024
By Cherie Shook
The invasive pest spotlight focuses on emerging or potential invasive pests in California. In this issue we are covering the Mediterranean fruit fly. Mediterranean Fruit Fly Facts The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, commonly called Medfly, attacks more than 260 different plant species.
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A long, speckled brown insect with a pointed head on a green leaf.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

What are exotic and invasive pests?

July 16, 2024
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Exotic and invasive pests threaten California's natural environments, agricultural production, structures, landscapes and gardens. Exotic pests are organisms introduced into an area beyond their natural range and become pests in the new environment.
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Buy it where you burn it!
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Don’t Move Firewood!

July 1, 2024
By Lauren Fordyce
What you do with firewood this upcoming 4th of July (and year-round!) can impact more than just the s'mores on your campfire. If you move firewood around the state, you could spread deadly plant diseases and invasive insects. Don't take firewood with you if you travel or camp this holiday weekend.
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