Ticks are sucking insects that can live all year round in our mild climate. If you’re planning to do some hiking around the holidays, learn how to protect yourself from having one hitch a ride on you. If you do get bitten, here’s how to properly remove the tick. These insects are not only a …
Did you know that mothballs, moth flakes, crystals, and bars are insecticides? They come in a solid form that slowly gives off a toxic gas that kills clothes moths and other insects. Mothballs in the U.S. contain very high concentrations of the chemical naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. They are meant to be used …
Fall is a great time to spruce up your yard with some new plants. Consider adding plants that attract and support natural enemies that can help manage pest populations. And try some natives! You can introduce more biodiversity that helps your yard be more resilient to pests and diseases, while conserving water. Because they evolved …
You may not think about rats, mice, or gophers until they become a problem around your home. As these rodents can be major pests in and around homes, gardens, landscapes, restaurants, and other buildings, each year pest control experts “celebrate” Rodent Awareness Week. Rodent Awareness Week (October 16-22) is an annual campaign created by the …
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced new legislation that would create a pollinator-friendly plant labeling program, modeled after the Organic Foods Production Act that created organic labeling. The program would require the Department of Agriculture to create a certification program for plant producers in order to certify that their plants are not treated with pesticides …
One of the easiest insect pests to recognize is the whitefly. You might notice them sitting on the underside of an infested leaf or see them flutter off as you water or handle the plant, looking like tiny white moths. They’re easily disturbed but fly only a short distance before they quickly return to the …
Did you know what happens to weed and feed products you put on your lawn in the fall? A few things. As it’s a combination of an herbicide and a fertilizer, if your dog rolls around on the lawn even days after treatment, it can ingest some of that pesticide (weed killer). If you water …
Fall is a busy time for tree squirrels as they comb their environment for food to store for the winter. While they can be fun to watch, they can also be a real nuisance for bird feeders and the garden in general. They feed on a variety of fruits, nuts, and other crops and plants, …
Ants on your artichoke plant? Your plum tree or leafy vegetables? They’re a prime indicator that sucking insects are feasting on your plants. There’s a group of soft-bodied insects — aphids, mealybugs, soft scale and whiteflies being the most common, that feed by sucking juices from plants. The direct damage they inflict on the plant …
Seeing what looks like giant mosquitos around lawns, pastures, or other grassy areas? These are crane flies, rather large flies with slender bodies and long, fragile legs that break off easily. Although similar in appearance to a giant mosquito, they are not a kind of mosquito at all and do not bite, even though some …
