Browse | UGA Cooperative Extension

Aphids on Flowering Ornamental Plants in the Landscape (C 1246) An introduction to and information on the biology, damage, and management of aphids in the ornamental landscape.

Bagworms in Urban Landscapes (C 1237) An introduction to bagworms, along with their biology, how they damage landscapes, and management options.

Be Aware of Your Indoor Air (C 2579) Did you know the air inside buildings is nearly always more polluted than outside air? Learn the types of indoor air pollution and what you can do. This publication was originally published by the LSU AgCenter and released for use in the state of Georgia by UGA Extension Housing & Environment Specialist Pamela Turner.

Biology and Management of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Ornamental Landscapes (C 1248) The brown marmorated stink bug is a landscape and agricultural pest in the United States. They seek dark and dry sites—such as a vehicle parked near trees—in the fall in which to overwinter. This pest is reported to feed on more than 170 plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. This stink bug also is a nuisance pest as they aggregate and overwinter in man-made structures…

Breathe Easy: Understanding and Controlling Asthma (C 1270) Asthma is a lung disease that affects millions of adults and children, and can be triggered by numerous indoor pollutants such as mold, cockroaches, dust mites, pet dander, and secondhand smoke. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed through medication and avoiding allergens that can trigger an attack.

Building Radon Safe (C 1301) How Radon-Resistant New Construction can Make Homes Safer and Save Money. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The Benefits of Building a Radon Resistant Home are that it reduces a fam…

Chainsaw Safety: Preventing Common Tree Felling Accidents (C 1243) Accidents are common when felling a tree with a chainsaw. Fortunately, most of them can be prevented. Tips for preventing kickback, barber chair, entanglement, setback, and stump jump are presented in this publication, along with techniques for safely releasing spring poles.

Childproofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Safety Checklist (C 1049) Nearly 2.3 million children are accidentally injured every year and more than 2,500 are killed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since one of the biggest threats to children is an injury occurring at home, it is important to take preventative steps to childproof your home. While this may seem like a daunting task at first, this checklist includes basic tips, broken…

Cleaning Healthy, Cleaning Green (C 1114) People spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show levels of several common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside. Many of these pollutants come from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from household cleaning products. Indoor pollutants can be reduced by limiting the numb…

Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: An Emerging Invasive Pest in the Nursery and Landscape (C 1234) The crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is an emerging threat to crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) in Georgia. As the name indicates, this scale pest attacks the bark of crape myrtle, the only known scale insect that infests crape myrtle bark. A native of Asia, CMBS was first confirmed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004. Since then, the pest has gradually expanded its range to the southeastern states. In Georgi…

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite: Avoiding Bed Bugs in Your Home (C 1108) This publication presents helpful information about bed bugs and ways to reduce the risk of bringing them into your home. The circular includes a helpful guide to shopping for secondhand items. For a handy quick-reference guide, download the <a href="https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C-1108-2-page-version.pdf">…

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting for the Landscape and Garden (C 1247) This publication covers routine maintenance and troubleshooting for common motorized equipment (small engine) that is used by small farmers and gardeners. Gardening and landscape equipment can be an expensive investment for both consumers and professionals. However, quality equipment can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Typically, you get what you pay for when it comes to equipment. Higher…

Fungus Gnats: A Tiny Nuisance of Houseplants (C 1250) Nothing is more welcoming in the home, office, waiting room, or conference room than lush greenery. The benefits of plants in the home and workplace are well-documented. They remove pollutants, help workers relax and refocus, increase productivity, and make the room look better. Unfortunately, plants often come with the nuisance pest fungus gnats. Learn how to what they are, how they live, and how…

Hazardous Household Products: What's in Your House? (C 1051) Our homes are filled with potentially hazardous household products we use for cleaning, gardening, auto maintenance and other activities around the house. These products may contain ingredients that can be hazardous when not used, stored and disposed of properly. You can make your home safer and healthier by reducing exposure to hazards in your home by following these tips.

Healthy Homes: Dealing with Household Clutter (C 1067) Clutter is a collection of things lying around in an untidy mess, usually because we don't have a designated place for it. Household clutter has a big impact on your health and quality of life. This publication will help you asses if you have too much household clutter and then recommends ways to take charge, clear the clutter, and maintain a clutter-free home.

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Animals and Honey Bees (SB 48-03) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers external parasite control in companion animals, flea control products, and honey bee disease and pest control. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Aquatic Environments (SB 48-04) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers external parasite control in aquatic environments, including fishery chemicals, aquatic weed control, response to herbicides, restrictions, and calculating concentrations in aquatic environments. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, c…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Home Fungicide Guide (SB 48-06) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers fungicides for use in and around your home. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have o…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Home Orchard (SB 48-05) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pest control in home orchards, including apples, peaches, bunch grapes, muscadines, strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is sti…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Household and Stored Products (SB 48-07) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers household and structural insect control, tips for hiring a professional pest control company, and management of excess moisture that attracts and sustains pest problems. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product l…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Introduction and Table of Contents (SB 48-01) Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without pe…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Organic Strategies for the Garden and Home Landscape (SB 48-09) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers organic gardening practices. The USDA National Organic Program has established rules for commercial organic production. These rules do not apply to home gardeners, but they are a useful guide for choosing organic pest management alternatives. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Ornamentals (SB 48-10) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pest control in ornamentals, such as indoor plants, flowers, shrubs, and ground covers. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are …

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Pesticide Emergencies, Frequently Asked Questions, and Other Useful Information (SB 48-02) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers what to do in the event of a pesticide emergency, important contacts such as poison control, frequently asked pesticide questions, abbreviations and equivalents, submitting specimens for identification, and instructions for calibrating various types of sprayers. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasin…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Public Health Insect Control Outdoors and Parasites of Humans (SB 48-08) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pests of public health concern such as mosquitoes, bed bugs, gnats, fleas and ticks, house flies, lice, and more. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for …

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Turf (SB 48-11) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers insect, disease, and weed control in home turfgrass. Care should be taken when using insecticides around any flowering plants when bees are actively foraging. Timing sprays for late afternoon and evening will minimize risks from broad-spectrum contact insecticides. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purcha…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Vegetables (SB 48-12) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers insect, weed, and disease control in home garden vegetables. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide pr…

Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Vertebrate Pest Control (SB 48-13) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers control of vertebrate pests such as beavers, chipmunks, deer, and bats, as well as repellents and how to manage reptiles, amphibians and birds. Note that prior to killing protected animals in Georgia, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Wildlife Resources Office of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. A permit is also required to tak…

Home Emergency Preparedness Checklist (B 1428-1) A two-page checklist of the basic list of supplies you should have ready for emergencies. Keep the items you will most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container. Be mindful that this is a basic list of supplies. A more comprehensive list can be found in the Home Emergency Management Guide.

Home Emergency Preparedness Handbook (B 1428) Communities across Georgia are subject to a number of potential disasters such as fires, flooding, severe storms, earthquakes, dam failures, tornados and hurricanes. While we all hope that such occurrences never happen, it has been shown time and again that being prepared for disasters is prudent. This handbook contains a step-by-step guide to disaster planning along with other essential informati…

Home Maintenance Checklist (C 1082) Just like your personal health, your home's health will decline without regular care and maintenance. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment helps increase your quality of life and the life of your house. With a few simple steps you can keep your home healthy. Use this checklist as a guideline for your regular spring and fall home maintenance evaluations. Please note that maintenance frequencies…

Home Safety Checklist (B 1429) Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people 65 and older. Trips and falls may be caused by a number of potential hazards, including clutter, rugs, furniture, and extension cords. You can reduce the risk of falling by conducting a simple home assessment. Use the checklist in the PDF to identify possible safety problems in your home and then take action to fix the problems. Sta…

Insect and Arthropod Pests of Southeastern Neighborhoods (B 1412) This publication is a guide to 110 common pest insects found in and around the home, including prevention and treatment options.

Keep Your Pets Safe Around Plants (C 1245) House and garden plants may be toxic to cats and dogs. This visual guide will help pet owners learn which plants are safe, as even common plants can be deadly.

Larger Canna Leafroller: A Major Insect Pest of Canna Lily (C 1233) An introduction to the larger canna leafroller, plus information on biology and management.

Leasing Smart in Georgia (C 1217) This publication offers guidance on shopping for rental housing, leasing, moving in, handling repairs, dealing with problems, paying rent, moving out, and fair housing. For more information about renting, visit dca.ga.gov to see the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Handbook, which provides valuable information about the responsibilities and rights of landlords and tenants in…

Leave it at the Door: A Guide to Reducing Contaminants in Your Home (C 1070) There may be insect fragments, lead dust, pesticides, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, hair, human skin flakes, fungal spores, or cigarette ash in household dust. Around 30 to 40 percent of the contaminants inside your home are brought in from outdoors. Dust gets into your home on shoes and clothing, or pets can track contaminants in on their paws and fur. Not surprisingly, the greatest concentr…

Managing Joro Spiders in the Landscape (C 1289) The publication gives basic biology and description, with images, of the spider's immature and adult forms, along with recommendations for managing them around the home. The Joro spider is a native of Japan and East Asia that was first documented in the United States in 2014 in northeast Georgia. The initial population appeared to be centered around Braselton and Hoschton, GA, along I-85. By 2022,…

Millipedes and Centipedes (B 1088) Millipedes and centipedes do not carry diseases that affect people, animals or plants. Millipedes do occasionally damage seedlings by feeding on stems and leaves, and may enter homes in large numbers during periods of migration and become a considerable nuisance. They do not cause damage inside the home, although they may leave a stain if they are crushed. Centipedes, which have poison glands and …

Mold and Moisture Home Inspection Checklist (C 1083)

Mold, the Uninvited Guest Series: Preventing Mold in Your Home (C 1047-1) Mold in your home is not only unsightly, it can also cause health problems. If you have mold growing in your home, you may experience allergy-like symptoms, asthma attacks, or other negative health effects. No one wants to live in a home with mold, but unless preventative steps are taken, mold can go from being an unwanted visitor in your home to a permanent resident. Molds are fungi that reprodu…

Mold, the Uninvited Guest Series: Removing Mold in Your Home (C 1047-2) Mold grows from spores, which are found naturally in the air and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Mold spores act like seeds, causing mold to grow under the right conditions. Mold itself is usually easy to detect. While testing is sometimes used to determine the presence of mold, it is generally not necessary or recommended. Usually a quick investigation with your eyes and nose can tell you if mol…

Mosquito Control Around the Home (C 1266) Mosquitoes are one of the most common insect pests that homeowners encounter. This circular introduces a few of the basic techniques and materials that homeowners can use to safely reduce mosquito populations around the home. Becoming familiar with mosquito biology is the first step in using an integrated pest management approach to efficiently and effectively reduce mosquito populations. By learn…

Natural Enemies of Pests in the Southeast Blueberry Systems of Georgia (B 1562) Blueberries are becoming the state fruit of Georgia with considerable acreage planted. Blueberries have many pest challenges and a current invasive pest challenge from spotted wing drosophilia (SWD). While efforts are underway to release new biocontrol agents for SWD, we still know little about the natural enemies in blueberry systems. Here we provide an overview of common natural enemies and cons…

Radon Mitigation Dos and Don'ts (C 1065) Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. A radon reduction system (radon mitigation) reduces high levels of indoor radon to acceptable levels. The system most frequently used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This publication educated homeowners on what they should do before, during and after a radon m…

Resolving Human-Nuisance Wildlife Conflicts (B 1248) When wildlife populate a place where they are unwanted or cause damage to valuable plants or structures, they become a nuisance. This publication discusses some basic principles for dealing humanely with nuisance wildlife.

Safe at Home: Preventing Lung Cancer by Reducing Radon in the Home (C 1296) Radon may be found in one out of every 15 homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This gas can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, or even underground well water. This publication provides information on radon-induced lung cancer and ways to reduce elevated radon inside your home. For more information on radon, visit ugaradon.edu.

Spanish Series: Hogares Saludables: Cómo Eliminar el Moho en su Hugar (C 1047-2-SP) El moho crece a partir de las esporas, que se encuentran naturalmente en el aire y no se pueden ver a simple vista. Las esporas de moho actúan como semillas, haciendo que el moho crezca si las condiciones son adecuadas. El moho suele ser fácil de detectar. Aunque es posible utilizar pruebas para determinar la presencia de moho, por lo general no es necesario o recomendado hacerlo, usted puede dete…

Spanish Series: La Biología de Termitas Subterráneas del Este de los Estados Unidos (B 1209-SP) Las termitas subterráneas son los insectos sociales que viven en una sociedad en donde la mayoría de los miembros son insectos inmaduros o juveniles. Sus colonias pueden incluir de miles a millones de termitas, y a pesar de tener un cuerpo-suave, frágil y delicado son insectos formidables. En la naturaleza, las termitas subterráneas están estrechamente asociadas con el hábitat o entorno del suelo …

Spanish Series: Las Recetas de Limpieza Ecológicas para un Hogar Saludable (C 1117-SP) • Las siguientes páginas “Limpieza ecológica: Recetas para un Hogar Saludable”, deben imprimirse por las dos caras de un papel de calidad gruesa. • Las recetas con números impares se imprimirán en un lado de la cara del papel y las de números pares en el otro lado de la cara del papel. • De tal manera, cada receta puede cortarse y laminarse (o usted puede laminar la página completa y después corta…

Spanish Series: Lista de Verificación para el Mantenimiento del Hogar (C 1082-SP) Al igual que su salud personal, la salud de su hogar se deteriorará sin un cuidado y mantenimiento regular. Mantener un ambiente interior saludable ayuda a aumentar su calidad de vida y la vida de su casa. Con unos sencillos pasos puede mantener su hogar saludable. Utilice esta lista de verificación como guía para sus evaluaciones periódicas de mantenimiento del hogar en primavera y otoño. Tenga e…

Spanish Series: Lista de Verificación para Moho y Humedad (C 1083-SP) Las esporas del moho solo necesitan un ambiente favorable, alimentos (madera, papel, alfombra, etc.) y humedad para crecer. Si no se detecta o se trata, el moho puede provocar efectos negativos para la salud, como reacciones alérgicas, infecciones respiratorias y más. Use esta lista de verificación como una guía básica para inspeccionar su hogar en busca de señales de exceso de humedad y crecimien…

Termite Control Services: Information for the Georgia Property Owner (B 1241) Though subterranean termites are a normal component of soil around buildings, structural infestations are not necessarily inevitable. As discussed later, a home's susceptibility to termite infestation is dependent upon a number of things, including construction type, home maintenance, landscaping, and perhaps conditions in and around the structure that favor the activity, growth and survival of lo…

The Intersection of Mosquito Management and Pollinator Protection (C 1188) Mosquitoes can transmit a wide variety of pathogens and significantly reduce our quality of life with their aggressive biting behavior. On the other end of the spectrum, pollinators are a critical part of our natural environment, contributing significantly to food production and ecological diversity. Honey bees, along with other pollinators, are susceptible to pesticides, and significant bee kills…

Tips to Prevent Accidental Poisonings: Poison Look-Alikes and Other Dangers (C 1227) Accidental poisonings from medications and household products could happen to anyone. Poison look-alike products are potentially harmful substances that can easily be mistaken for safe ones, usually because they look the same or have very similar packaging. This publication provides information on what to look for and how to avoid poisonings among children, adults, and pets.

Urban Entomology Pest Series: The Tawny Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva, in Georgia (C 1064) The Tawny crazy ant is a highly invasive species from South America. It was introduced into port cities in Florida and Texas. It was detected in Albany, GA, in August 2013 and in Camden and Glynn counties in Georgia in August 2014. The ant somewhat resembles the invasive Argentine ant. This circular is meant to help homeowners and pest management professionals identify the Tawny crazy ant and diff…

Browse Home