Summer is in full swing and while it's been quite hot in many parts of California, it's been very cool in others. That's why UC IPM's Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a useful tool to help you figure out what to do in your region each month!

Here are some general tips for the month of August to prevent pests and their damage in the garden and landscape. Visit the tool to see more pest management to-dos in your region.

• Manage ants around landscapes and building foundations using insecticide baits and trunk barriers.
• Prune off galled branches caused by olive knot and oleander gall, or knot.
• Monitor for grape diseases such as powdery mildew, Eutypa dieback, Phomopsis cane and leaf spot, and others. Prune, remove, or treat as appropriate.
• Clean up fallen fruit or nuts to avoid attracting or harboring pests.
• Keep an eye out for stone fruit pests such as aphids, borers, brown rot, caterpillars, powdery mildew, and scale insects.
• Maintain a fire safe landscape by creating “defensible space.” Thin out thick vegetation and eliminate fuel ladders that allow fire to climb up trees or structures. Remove dry, resinous or dead plants and flammable debris. Cut branches back 15 to 20 feet from buildings. Use non-combustible surfaces for walkways, patios and driveways.
• Bag apple and pear fruit to prevent codling moth damage. Remove infested or dropped fruit promptly.
• Look for leaffooted bugs feeding on fruit and nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and pomegranates.

Don't see your county on the checklist or want to provide feedback? Let us know!

 

Pest tips for August.