We hear a lot about rodents and the damage they do to our homes and gardens, and most of it is the destruction of plants or food. The key feature that puts animals into the rodent family of mammals is its single pair of constantly growing front teeth in both the upper and lower jaws
The saying goes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you’ve seen a toad ambling around your garden, beauty may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Many people consider these bumpy, jumpy, lumpy-looking creatures downright ugly. Yet toads are incredibly beneficial, and having one or two in your garden
Take Another Look at these Snail Eaters Read More »
As temperatures cool, and the weather turns wet, we’re not the only ones looking for a comfortable place to call home. If you’re seeing ants inside your house now, they’re likely looking for warmth, food, and shelter, especially in the kitchen. The main motivators for ants coming indoors include: Don’t reach for the bug spray!
The Ants Come Marching In Read More »
Contrary to what many people might think, spiders are REALLY good for the environment. They are very effective at helping reduce insect pest populations. However, if you see too many spiders, or they are in locations in and around the house that are undesirable, you might elect to reduce their numbers. If you’ve seen ads
Prevent Spiders with Orange Oil? Read More »
Did you catch the spring spectacle of male turkeys gobbling and strutting their stuff to attract the attention of hen turkeys? Males often court in groups, with the dominant male gobbling, spreading his tail feathers, drumming / booming, and spitting. In my neighborhood there’s a huge flock with a least a half dozen of them
Those Wild Turkeys Read More »
Tuesday, September 22 is the autumnal equinox, astronomically the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this point until the first day of winter, days will get shorter. The time of the year usually ushers in cooler weather, which is a good reminder to start cleaning up the garden. Referred to
End of Season Clean up with the Equinox Read More »
The black and yellow orb weaver spider is one of the most colorful in California gardens. The female is large (body often over an inch long) with the signature black abdomen with broad yellow bars. Hanging in the middle of their intricate web, they’ll patiently sit and wait for the vibrations of a flying insect
Look for this gorgeous spider in the garden Read More »
Summer is here and so are yellowjackets – those one-half to one-inch-long bright yellow wasps with black strips and their signature “narrow” waist. Yellowjackets prey on other insects and scavenge on human food and garbage. They will fiercely defend their nests – in holes in the ground, inside wall cavities or hanging gray paper-looking ones,
Watch Out for Yellowjackets! Read More »
National Mushroom Month is an annual observance highlighting the culinary versatility, nutritional value, and ecological importance of mushrooms. Traditionally celebrated in September, it was created to promote fungi appreciation and consumption. It’s a perfect time to appreciate these fascinating organisms that play essential roles in both our gardens and our kitchens. Although we often think
September is National Mushroom Month Read More »
Predators are one of the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mite pests. These include some of the larger insects and spiders along with amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Spiders are major predators in the garden. Most common garden spiders are observed in the open during the day are not likely
Protect your Garden Predators! Read More »
