Pests & Diseases

Garden Help

Our Garden Help pages for vegetables, fruits, and nuts have growing tips as well as links to information on pests and diseases common in our area. See current quarantines

Integrated Pest Management

The University of California encourages home gardeners to manage pests by using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based strategy to manage the damage pests (insects, diseases, vertebrates, and weeds) cause in the garden. 

Advantages of IPM

• Minimizes the use of dangerous chemicals
• Helps you grow healthy plants that can resist pests
• Encourages beneficial insects for control of insect pests

Main elements of IPM

1. Accept that a certain amount of disease or pest damage can be tolerated in our home gardens. Home-grown fruit and veggies don't need to look grocery-store perfect in order to be healthy and delicious!
   
   
2. Provide growing conditions that produce strong and healthy plants that resist pests:
   
   • Good garden planning, soil preparation, plant selection, and spacing
   • Correct watering and fertilizing
   • Regular weeding and mulching
   • Encourage pests' natural enemies (beneficial insects, birds, lizards)
     
     
3. Minimize health and environmental risks by using physical controls, first:
   
   • Knocking or water-spraying pests off plants
   • Squishing or trapping them
   • Physical barriers around stems, twigs, or trunks
     
     
4. If using chemical pest control, use the right spray at the right time, in the right amount. 

 IPM publications

The statewide UC IPM Program has produced publications about specific pests or pest management topics that are commonly encountered by California's home and landscape audiences. Follow the links, below, to access information on these popular topics.

Videos

• What is IPM: An explanation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• UC IPM informational videos: Common pests and beneficials of California
• Local talks and tips: Full length talks and short video tips on pest & diseases

Additional resources

Vector Control

Santa Clara County Vector Control District - Vector Control’s mission is to detect and minimize vector-borne diseases, to abate mosquitoes, and to assist the public in resolving problems with rodents, wildlife, and insects of medical significance. A vector can be a mosquito, a rat, a flea, a tick, any animal or insect that can transmit disease or cause harm to humans. SCC Vector Control District programs and services are provided free of charge to all residents of Santa Clara County.

• Mosquito Inspection and Control
• Free delivery of Mosquitofish
• Inspection & Advice for Rats and Mice
• Insect Identification
• Wildlife Advice and Inspection (Coyote, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Rat, etc.)
• Community Education
• View All Services

Contact us

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