Lawn Pest Control: Annihilate the Nuisances

You may spend a lot of time in your yard tackling nuisances such as crabgrass, dandelions, or broadleaf. But your land may be under attack by more than just weeds; it could be infested with other vermin that have their hearts set on destroying your grass and garden. Just as houses can be at risk of attack by termites or roaches, lawns can also be in danger of assault by animals that dig up the soil, eat away at the root structure, or simply become an irritant to the outdoors. Insects buried beneath the ground are often a major cause of dying sod, but there are also other creatures that can make it difficult for your grass to grow. So before you try to handle the problem yourself, it's a good idea to at least consult a professional who can supply you with the best plan of retaliation.

The problem with lawn pest control is that the bugs often hide underground, which means you can see damage done to your yard but you can't see the perpetrators behind it (or below it). The first step in any outdoor pest control is identification, so hiring an expert to help find the culprit is a smart investment. Simply by examining the state of the grass, they'll be able to confirm what kind of predator you're dealing with. For instance, soil insects (such as grubs, mole crickets, and billbugs) reside in the ground and infiltrate from below. Above-ground bugs (such as chinch bugs, spittlebugs, and cutworms) live on the surface and slowly cut away at your grass and shrubbery. But each species come with its own life cycles, burrowing techniques, fly paths, and eating habits. Therefore each has its own way of being eliminated with specific chemicals and applications. A pro will know which form of lawn pest control will work best and where it should be sprayed. Plus, there are selective pesticides they can use that won't harm persons, pets, or children.

Insects don't have to tear up your yard to still terrorize the exterior of your home. These annoyances are often flying bugs (such as wasps, mosquitoes, cicadas, and flies), but they can also explore the floors, like carpenter ants. And though some can cause harm (hornets, wasps, bees), many times they're simply irritants that congest the air and make it difficult to be outside. Oftentimes, there are easy ways to ward them off: fly strips and swatters, citronella candles, bug spray, and zappers can be quite effective. But if the swarm is getting hard to manage, an outdoor pest control specialist can help disperse the buildup. The second step in lawn pest control is inspection. For these easy-to-see vermin, experts often provide a free inspection in order to find their breeding grounds, such as trees, eaves, birdbaths, or other nearby bodies of water (mosquitoes only need a drop of water to survive and thrive). They can then eliminate the source of the problem while still applying chemicals to other areas of the exterior for a surefire preventative.

Of course it's not only insects that torment a yard. Other animals such as moles, rabbits, gophers, snakes, mice, and other rodents can wreck some serious havoc. Though some of these species act as traveling lawn pest control agents by eating up insects as they hunt, these varmints tend to tear up your yard in the process. Plus, they're often dangerous to your home since they can carry diseases, leave contaminated droppings, and eventually find a way into the home. Sometimes you can guarantee certain visitors, like if you live near a forest (make sure to seal down your garbage cans to guard against raccoons) or near a farm (after each harvest, you're going to get some field mice). But since these guys are bit more difficult and dangerous to catch, you'll definitely need a pro that can trap and relocate certain animals humanely and decontaminate any infected areas left behind.

Of course, the best way to avoid infestation is to prevent it. Keeping your lawn healthy with frequent mowing, watering, fertilization, and aeration can deter certain species and help your lawn survive others. A strong lawn is able to endure mild infestations or can overcome them with immediate growth. Also, make sure to cut back your shrubs and bushes so as to avoid over-growth: the more material they have to work with, the more they'll set up shop in your brush. Plus, since flying insects and ants are lured by food, always put it away when finished, avoid crumbs, and quickly wipe spills that may occur.