1. Topics
  2. Pests, weeds and diseases

Healthy homes

Photo Credit: Tyler - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Browse resources

Displaying 41 - 50 of 74 resources

Ash and debris clean up and removal

The Labor Day Fires constitute the biggest and most expensive disaster in Oregon history. As of October 12, 2020, over 4,000 residences and 1,400 other structures have been destroyed. The management of the ash and debris left behind is a 2-step process. First, household hazardous waste (HHW) must be removed. Once complete, the process of removing ash and debris may begin on the property.

Carrie Berger, Oregon Wildfire Recovery | Oct 2020 | Fact Sheet

Box elder bugs are a harmless nuisance

Box elder bugs can be a nuisance just by their sheer numbers in the late fall when their populations explode and they swarm structures and infiltrate homes. Here's how to play defense when the bugs come calling.

Nicole Sanchez | Oct 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

After the fire checklist

If Your property has been affected by wildfire, utilize this checklist to chart a course forward and modify to suit your needs.

Dan Leavell, Stephen Fitzgerald, Carrie Berger, Tiffany Hopkins | Oct 2020 | Fact Sheet

When can I open my windows?

Q: We have been dealing with wildfire smoke/ash and low air quality for over a week. Given the clearing that has occurred just today after a much-appreciated rain, can we open our windows (as opposed to our filtered air system)? If not, how will we know when it is safe to do so?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

High concentrations of polluted air found inside homes during 2018 wildfire smoke event

Preliminary results of an OSU-led study indicate that the household indoor environment may be worse for PAH exposure than outdoors.

Chris Branam | Jun 2, 2020 | News story

Don’t let lack of room discourage you from gardening

Save space and reap a harvest by growing vegetables in containers.

Kym Pokorny | May 11, 2020 | News story

Survival Basics: No Power? No Problem: Tips to Help You Thrive in the Face of Disaster

The Cascadia Earthquake, when it occurs, will cripple western Oregon's communications and infrastructure. These tips will help residents manage through what could be months of no electricity and other modern ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Catalina Sánchez-Frank | Feb 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Care and Maintenance of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofs

Wood shingles and shakes can provide years of service if properly installed and maintained. Learn what kinds of wood make the best roofing material; how to protect against fungus, moss and lichen; and how to clean your roof.

Jeff Morrell, Jed Cappellazzi, Jay W. Pscheidt | Jan 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

121 – Weston Miller – Solving Pest Problems

People living in cities are confronted by a range of pest problems, some of which impact pollinator health. This week we hear about an initiative to make science-based information on managing these pests clearer, more intuitive and easy to find. 

Andony Melathopoulos | Dec 2019 | Podcast episode

Dig into hundreds of publications from OSU Extension online catalog

Some publications and field guides, such as the popular Shrubs to Know in Pacific Northwest Forests and Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington, are available to purchase.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 22, 2019 | News story