UC IPM - Urban & Community
LightNews LightNews
banner
ucipmurban.bsky.social
UC IPM - Urban & Community
@ucipmurban.bsky.social
34 followers 34 following 36 posts
Helping Californians manage pests in the home, garden, and landscape using safer and more sustainable methods. 🪴🐞🏡🧪

University of California IPM Program (UC IPM)
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/
Posts Replies Media Videos
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Check out the latest issue of the Home and Garden Pest Newsletter from UC IPM! 🐀 ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-lan...

#integratedpestmanagement #rodents #pestmanagement
A flyer with text and an image of a large brown rodent with orange teeth and white whiskers sitting on its hind legs next to a body of water. The text says "UC IPM Home and Garden Pest Newsletter, November 2025. In this newsletter: Management of Urban Rats and Mice, Rodenticides: Further Restrictions in 2025, Invasive Pest Spotlight: Nutria."
November 21, 2025 at 8:29 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Days are getting shorter, and pests may be getting bolder! Cooler days and more moisture during fall can change household pest behavior. Learn about seasonal ant invasions, fall-swarming termites, and more on November 20. 🍁🐜 Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#fall #pestmanagement #autumn
An image of several brown ants walking in a line on the brown, craggy surface of a tree. Beneath the photo is text that says “Free IPM Webinar: Autumnal Antagonists: Pests During Fall in California. November 20, 12:00 to 1:00 PM.”
November 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
When you think of a mummy, you probably imagine the scary kind inspired by the ancient Egyptian ritual of preserving the bodies of the dead. ☠️ When we talk about mummies at UC IPM, we mean something completely different! Read more on our blog: ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u...

#halloween #ipm #gardening
A photo of a dead, swollen aphid exoskeleton next to a cartoon of a halloween mummy. The text says "Mummies!! What types of mummies might haunt your garden?" A photo of several dead, brown, swollen and hollow aphids on a green leaf. The text says "Insect mummies are the hollowed-out exoskeletons (hardened outer shells of insect bodies) of aphids and other pest insects left behind after they have been attacked by parasitoids (small, parasitic wasps or flies)." A photo of a brown, shriveled peach fruit still attached to a branch on the tree. The text says "Fruit and nut mummies are old, dried-out fruits and nuts that remain attached to trees due to diseases or environmental damage. These mummies can harbor pathogens and insect pests."
October 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Invasive plants cause a multitude of problems in California’s wildlands. They reduce biodiversity, impact outdoor recreation, and increase the risk of wildfires. On November 5, join us to learn more about these impacts. 🌲 Register: link.ucanr.edu/invasivewebi...

#invasiveplants #invasivespecies
A photo of a wildfire sweeping across a natural landscape dotted with trees and shrubs. Below the image, there is text that says “Free IPM webinar: Weeds, Wildlands & Wildfires, November 5 11:00am to 12:00pm.”
October 27, 2025 at 11:10 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Have you seen this bug? We’ll give you a hint: they are most likely to be on or near their preferred food source, box elder trees. 🪲🌳 Visit the UC IPM blog for more information about this insect and common lookalikes: ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u...

#boxelderbug #pestmanagement #ipm
A small black bug with red markings on a dark green plant stalk, with text that says "What's this bug?" Two photos of insects, one of three life stages of black and red boxelder bugs and one of red boxelder bug eggs on a leaf. Text next to the photos says "Boxelder bug! These insects feed mainly on box elder trees and don’t generally cause significant damage to plants. They can be a nuisance in fall and winter when they seek shelter in or around buildings. To keep them out, seal up cracks and other entry points around windows and doors. Swipe to see lookalike insects!" Text that says "Boxelder bug lookalikes" above two photos of insects with text next to each photo. The first photo is of a medium-sized black bug with orange markings around the edge of its back on a green plant stem, next to text that says "squash bugs feed con cucurbits like squash, pumpkins, and melons. Their feeding can cause plants to wilt and fruit to rot." The second photo is of two black insects with bright orange markings on a brown plant stem, next to text that says "milkweed bugs mainly eat milkweed plants." Text at the bottom says "see more lookalikes on our blog!"
October 23, 2025 at 5:38 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
October is National Firewood Month! Harmful pests like the spotted lanternfly can hitchhike on firewood. Help keep our forests safe: buy it where you burn it. 🪲🌲🏕️

To register for free webinars from the Don’t Move Firewood organization, visit www.dontmovefirewood.org/firewood-mon...

#firewoodmonth
A photo of a large insect with grey, spotted wings, red eyes, and black legs above an illustration of a campfire. There is also text that says "don't let tree pests hitch a ride on your firewood. Buy it where you burn it."
October 9, 2025 at 4:39 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Do your trees or shrubs look unhealthy? In our next webinar on October 16, horticulture expert Chris Shogren will cover common pests of landscape trees and shrubs, their management, and proper plant care. 🌳🪲🍄

To register, visit: ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#pestmanagement #gardening
An image of a beautifully landscaped yard with several shrubs and two small trees covered with bright pink flowers. Below the image, there is text that says “Free IPM Webinar: Tree and Shrub Pests, October 16 12:00 - 1:00pm.”
October 6, 2025 at 6:46 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Fall is officially here! 🍁 It's time to prepare for garden and landscape pest problems that could come with the changing season. UC IPM's Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a monthly guide to help you avoid common pests of landscape plants: ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-lan...

#garden #pestmanagement
A text box over a background image of fallen leaves in hues of orange, yellow and brown. The text says: IPM Tips for Fall. Clean up fallen fruit and leaves to avoid harboring pests. Keep mosquitoes away by removing clutter that could collect standing water before the rainy season. Prevent root rot by not overwatering plants and improving drainage. Create a fire safe landscape by removing weeds and dead plants. Thin out thick vegetation and prune dead material from trees and shrubs. Apply a preventative spray for peach leaf curl once or more during late fall through bud break if leaf curl has been a problem on nectarine or peach.
September 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
California’s forests and urban landscapes face growing threats from invasive tree pests, which have already killed hundreds of thousands of trees across the state. Join us on October 1 to learn about these pests and the damage they cause. Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🪲🌲
#invasivespecies
A photo of a tall tree with hills covered by mist in the background, and text that says "Free IPM webinar: The Growing Threat to Our Trees, October 1 11:00am - 12:00pm."
September 22, 2025 at 8:47 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Are tiny maggots coming out of your homegrown berries? They might be spotted wing drosophila. These flies can ruin your harvest by infesting fruit before it ripens. Learn how to protect your berry patch from this pest on our blog ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u...

#ipm #garden #gardening #pest
A close-up image of blackberries in the background, and three images in the foreground: an insect-damaged cherry with a hole in it, a cut-open cherry with a tiny, white maggot in it, and a small, pale brown fly with red eyes and a dark spot on the tip of each wing. The text says “Maggots in your berries? They might be spotted wing drosophila. Damaged fruit: this fly infests soft-skinned fruit like cherries, strawberries, and blackberries. Look for prematurely rotting fruit and a small hole where eggs were laid. Maggots: Check for immature spotted wing drosophila: tiny, white worm-like maggots that develop inside fruit. Spots on wings: Adults are light brown, have red eyes, and are less than 1/8 inch long. Look for a black spot on the tip of each wing.”
September 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Don’t miss our next webinar on September 18! Learn about problems caused by wildlife commonly found in urban areas. Our speaker will also discuss the beneficial ecosystem services wildlife provide and how to live harmoniously with our wild animal neighbors.🦨 Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
A photo of a grey and brown coyote walking down a paved street, with text that says "Free IPM webinar: When Wildlife Become Pests, September 18 12:00 - 1:00pm"
September 8, 2025 at 5:28 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
A South Lake Tahoe resident recently tested positive for plague, a rare but serious disease that can be transmitted to humans and pets. It's usually transmitted through the bites of fleas that have fed on infected wild rodents.

For more information, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID...

🧪🐿️
A photo of a light brown rodent with dark brown and white stripes on its face and back sitting on a stump, with text that says "What you need to know about plague in California." A landscape photo of a lake with evergreen trees surrounding it and text that says "A South Lake Tahoe resident recently tested positive for plague. Plague is a rare but serious disease that can be transmitted to humans and pets, including cats and dogs. Plague is usually transmitted through the bites of fleas that have fed on infected wild rodents like squirrels and chipmunks. Symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Do not feed wild rodents, and keep pets away from them. If you become sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a doctor and let them know you may have been exposed to plague. If your cat or dog becomes sick after being in contact with rodents, consult a veterinarian."
September 4, 2025 at 3:26 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Late summer is prime time for yellowjackets. You may have seen these wasps buzzing around your picnic table. Learn more about yellowjackets and how to manage them on our blog: ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u...

🪲🧪🥪
An image of a yellow and black-striped wasp on a wooden table with text that says "Yellowjackets crashing your picnic? Swipe right for facts and tips." An image of a yellow and black-striped wasp sitting on small, yellow flowers with text that says " Yellowjacket Facts: Often nest in the ground in large colonies. Eat pest insects. Scavenge human food. May sting if provoked while foraging." An image of a bright yellow, plastic wasp trap filled with dead wasps and text that says "Yellowjacket tips: Avoid nests, look for wasps coming and going from one spot. Stay calm if one lands on or near you. Don't swat or run! Keep food and trash covered, and clean up spills. Hang traps to reduce numbers."
August 29, 2025 at 1:13 AM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Invasive species like golden mussels are threatening California’s lakes and rivers by impeding water delivery systems, damaging recreation areas and harming wetland ecosystems. Join us on September 3 to learn more and find out what you can do to help! 🌊🧪🐟

Register at link.ucanr.edu/aquaticinvas...
An image of small, yellow-brown mussels on a white background, with text that says "Free IPM webinar: Protect CA's Waters from Invasive Species, September 3 11:00 to 12:00."
August 26, 2025 at 10:29 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
The spread of invasive species in California’s waterways has wide-ranging consequences, from impeding water delivery systems to damaging recreation areas and wetland ecosystems. Join us on September 3 to learn what you can do to help protect our waters. Register at link.ucanr.edu/aquaticinvas...
🐟🧪🌊
A photo of a clear blue lake, a rocky shoreline with pine trees, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Text that says: "Free IPM webinar: Protect CA's Waters from Invasive Species, September 3 11:00 - 12:00"
August 22, 2025 at 11:07 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Kissing bugs are seasonal, summertime pests of sparsely-inhabited rural and suburban areas. They are parasites that feed on the blood of many animals, including humans. On warm summer and fall evenings, they may enter homes to look for their next meal. Read more here: link.ucanr.edu/kissingbugblog
🪲
An image of a dark brown insect with text that says: "Just a Kiss? You don't want a kiss from this insect!"
August 21, 2025 at 9:37 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Check out the latest issue of the Home and Garden Pest Newsletter from UC IPM! To view and subscribe to our newsletter, visit: ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-lan... 🌱🧪🪲🍓

#hortfeed #plants #horticulture #pests
Image of text with a photo of a green, spiky, succulent plant. Text says: UC IPM Home & Garden Pest Newsletter, August 2025. In this newsletter: Aloe and Agave Pests. Just a Kiss? Kissing Bugs in Summer. Invasive Pest Spotlight: Golden Mussel.
August 15, 2025 at 8:33 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
In California, invasive plants cause problems like increasing wildfire risk, damaging ecosystems, and affecting recreation areas. Join us on August 21 to learn about their impacts, how they’re managed, and ways you can help prevent them from spreading. 🌱🧪🌲🏕️

Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
An image of a landscape with green, rolling hills covered with invasive, yellow-flowering shrubs with text that says 'Free IPM webinar: Managing Invasive Plants, August 21, 12:00 -1:00pm'
August 11, 2025 at 11:19 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Don’t let pests take a bite out of your harvest! Join UC IPM on August 6 as we kick off our invasive species mini-series with an informational webinar on invasive pests that impact your edible garden. 🧪🌱🍓🪲

Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#gardening #invasivepest #horticulture #hortfeed
An image of ripe figs on a fig tree with text that says 'Free IPM webinar: Invasive Pests in Your Edible Garden, August 6 11:00-12:00'
July 30, 2025 at 9:47 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
UC IPM's new Invasive Species Webinar Mini-Series explores how invasive species are reshaping California’s natural and urban landscapes. Join us from 11am – 12pm on the first Wednesday of each month to learn about invasive pests and their impacts. 🌲️🪵🌿🧪🪲
Register at link.ucanr.edu/invasive-web...
An image of text that says "Invasive species mini-series upcoming webinars. August 6: Invasive pests in your edible garden. September 3: Protect California's waters from invasive species. October 1: The growing threat to our trees. November 5: Weeds, wildlands, and wildfires. December 3: How invasive pests are managed in California."
July 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
The dotted paropsine leaf beetle is a new threat to eucalyptus trees in California. First reported in Los Angeles in 2022, it has quickly spread throughout Southern California to Orange, San Diego, and San Bernadino counties. Learn more at ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u...
👀🪲🌳
Photo by Chris Shogren, UCCE
June 30, 2025 at 7:07 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Want to learn how to manage pests without pesticides? In this webinar UC IPM will review nonchemical pest management practices as alternatives to pesticides in the home and garden.
🧪🌳🌲
Register at ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Nonchemical pest management webinar on June 18, 2025 from 12:00 to 1:00pm hosted by UC IPM
June 16, 2025 at 8:13 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Invasive pest prevention is a year-round effort! As California Invasive Species Action Week wraps up, remember these simple actions you can take to help. To learn more, visit ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u....

#invasive #California #hortfeed
June 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Help keep invasive plants out of California! Invasive plants harm our native ecosystems, create fire hazards, and reduce biodiversity. 🌿🧪🦋 View tips for preventing their establishment and spread at ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u....

#CISAW #invasive #NativePlants #hortfeed #plants #horticulture
Text over photo of white, fluffy pampasgrass stalks: Keep Invasive Plants Out! Use plants native to your area for landscaping. Become familiar with which ornamental plants are invasive and their non-invasive alternatives. Clean off shoes, socks, and tools if they get covered in plant seeds while hiking, traveling or gardening. When traveling, don’t bring plant material back to California. Remove invasive plants in your yard. Bag and dispose of them in the trash. Invasive weed seeds can survive in compost. Join a local habitat restoration effort to remove invasive plants in natural areas.
June 12, 2025 at 9:10 PM
ucipmurban.bsky.social
Don’t let invasive aquatic weeds, mussels, or fish hitchhike a ride on your boat, kayak, or fishing equipment! ⛵⛴️🎣 Learn how to prevent their introduction and spread at ucanr.edu/blog/pests-u....

#invasive #fishing #kayak #boating #lake
Text over a photo of a person kayaking: Clean, Drain, Dry. Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species! Inspect watercraft and equipment for any hitchhiking pests. Clean off visible mud, plants, or fish. Drain water from ballast and other areas that may hold water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, or fish parts in the garbage.
June 11, 2025 at 8:46 PM