Some of the worst invasive plants in California, brooms and yellow starthistle, have caused substantial changes to California’s wildlands. The organism that causes sudden oak death was inadvertently introduced to California forests on nursery stock and is estimated to have killed more than 1 million oak and tanoak trees during the last decade. Insect-carried diseases …
Given their muted colors, their unjust reputation as just pests, and their night flying nature, most people fail to take notice of moths. Yet they outnumber butterflies, their nearest relative, by more than 10 to 1. And there are upward of 11,000 moth species in the United States alone — that’s more than all the …
It’s a good time to recognize these natural pest controllers! Gardeners should be glad to see snakes glide through the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests, including slugs, grubs, mice, voles, and rats. Garter snakes are the most common type found in our area. They’re medium-sized slender snakes with a head barely wider than …
One of the best things about summer is PEACHES, and July is National Peach Month! Those juicy golden globes are delicious right off the tree, baked into a pie, or adorning a bowl of ice cream – yum! Producing delicious peaches requires giving them adequate water, which can be tough now with our water restrictions. …
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. Consume many prey during their development. Are generally larger than their prey. All life stages may be predators; some are only predators …
It’s an opportunity to learn more about the importance of pollinators and – brace yourself – imagine a world without bees. And check out Pollinators Under Pressure. Want to amaze your friends? Mention these pollination fast facts. Better yet, make it a point to try these 7 things you can do for pollinators with friends and family. …
It’s Eat your Vegetables Day! Likely you do this each and every day. Here in Marin, we’re fortunate to have ready access to wonderful, healthy produce. And even better if you can step into the garden and pick your own! As you check out some of those leafy greens, like cabbage, spinach, and chard, look …
It’s National Hug Your Cat Day. Give your furry feline friend some extra attention, and while hugging, look out for fleas. Spring and summer are favorite times of the year for fleas – those biting pests that are annoying to people and pets. The common flea in California is the cat flea. Despite its name, …
May 20 is World Bee Day. The United Nations designated this day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival …
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and it’s a good idea to learn more about this debilitating disease and how to prevent it. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection; in our area it’s primarily transmitted by black-legged ticks. These tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. Although people may think of …
