It’s that time of year; the air is warm, the flowers are blooming, and spring is upon us. Of course, with that wonderful climate shift comes the return of some nasty pests ready to take over your yard. Not to fear!
Before spring kicks into high gear and those pesky invaders get a chance to make residence on your greenery, we have some tactics to help keep your yard pest-free. If you want to keep those insects out this season, here are 11 yard pest control tips for spring.
Common Pests to Watch for In Spring
As the weather warms, it creates the ideal environment for insects and pests to return back to your yard. Spring ultimately creates the ideal conditions for bugs to dwell in your yard: warmth, moisture, and vegetative cover.
Like earthworms that emerge in the spring, aphids, ants, beetles, and many other bugs come out, inviting predators.
Here are some of the most common and feared spring pests you should be aware of:
- Mosquitos: April showers tend to bring May…mosquitos. Spring provides the perfect climate for mosquitos in northeast PA, providing a warm but cool cover that is comfortable for mosquitos to lurk in. Excess standing water also provides the perfect breeding ground for these bugs to multiply and find homage on your property.
- Ticks: Like mosquitos, ticks tend to shy away from direct sunlight during summer days and lurk in shady and moist but still warm areas around the perimeter of your yard.
- Termites: Moisture plus blossoming trees provide plenty of food sources for termites to feast on. Be sure to remove any branches or logs lying in direct exposure to rain.
- Stink Bugs: After exiting a state of dormancy called diapause, stink bugs will emerge in full during the spring, infesting properties and annoying homeowners in the process.
- Carpenter Ants: Ants are very common spring insects and you will certainly spot some if they made a nest inside your home last summer. Look for carpenter ants that make nests inside softwoods and leave a trail of frass.
11 Yard Pest Control Tips
Dealing with pesky spring pests requires a little spring cleaning and general landscaping.
Here are 11 yard pest control tips to keep your property free from invading insects this year.
1. Spring Clean Your Yard
The winter thaw doesn’t just signal the return of warm weather. It also reminds us of what fall and snow storms left behind. Debris like leaves, rotting wood, and dead plants, are perfect places for bugs. Before those pests get a chance to take advantage, take the time to practice some spring pest control (i.e., spring cleaning). Ants love to build their homes in dead logs or trees. Clear away debris like fallen tree branches or dead plants. Rake up fallen leaves and clear out any piles of moldy wood left over from the thaw.
2. Beware of Standing Water
Another leftover from Old Man Winter is melted snow. Check your gutters, yards, and driveways for any puddles that may have formed from oversaturation in the ground.
This spring thaw is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. They can breed in any standing water, but they prefer warmer climates. Any water left behind could be a potential hazard as the temperature rises.
3. Keep Your Lawn Mowed
After clearing away winter woes, you must keep up with your lawn maintenance. That means mowing your lawn. Keeping your lawn cut is a crucial part of keeping pests away.
Clearing away the growth will keep those unwanted invaders at bay. The longer the grass, the easier it will be for them to hide. Proper tick control will ensure that parasites like ticks have no place to hide, whether in your grass, shrubs, or treeline.
4. Trim Often
Speaking of grass, it grows fast. Keeping it cut is the best way to avoid potential pest problems. It is tempting to let your lawn go for that extra week—what’s the harm?
If you live in an area with mole crickets, fleas, or ticks, they can quickly become comfortable. Keep your lawn trimmed to keep them out!
5. Proper Water Treatment
Another way to keep your lawn pest-free is by keeping it healthy. Make sure it gets the proper amount of water. If it hasn’t rained, give your lawn a little love. This encourages good wildlife, preventing annoying or dangerous visitors from making themselves comfortable. Remember, don’t overwater either. The last thing you want is to create standing water for mosquitos.
6. Keep Your Brush, Bushes, and Foliage Trim
Like lawn maintenance, you want to take care of your garden growth. Whether you have bushes, ferns, or flower beds, make sure your flora doesn’t get too unruly. If left unattended, overgrown areas are hard to contain and could easily take over parts of your property. With thick, untamed growth, you’ll have more bugs and pests than you’d care to deal with.
7. Clear Out Ant Hills
You’ll notice an uptick in ant hills on your property, even before the grass starts to grow back. There are many ways to deal with ants hills in your yard, from flattening them to pouring boiling water on top of them.
8. Research Lawn and Garden Killers
If you want to take things a step further, or you discover you may already have a pest problem, your next step may be an insect killer. There are many DIY products on the market, but not all are right for your family.
Some may kill the lawn you want to protect, while others may kill good bugs and animals. Many aren’t safe for use around kids and pets. Before picking any old killer, do some research first. Your best bet is always to contact an exterminator. The Pest Rangers offer products, such as mosquito yard sprays, that repel mosquitoes and keep you and your family safe.
9. Pinpoint Your Problem
If you are doing everything right and you still have a problem, get to the bottom of it. Do you have bees, ants, ticks, mealybugs, grubs, fleas, or mosquitos? Knowing your enemy can help you minimize their habitat and find the right killer/repellent.
10. Follow the Instructions
If you choose to use a pesticide, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. If used incorrectly, pesticides may not be as effective, and they could be dangerous for you and your family. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ensure you’ve selected the right killer. Depending on what pests you are dealing with, they may require a certain pesticide.
Before using your treatment, collect the right equipment and follow the procedure carefully. This will ensure maximum effectiveness.
11. If All Else Fails, Pest Control Services Are Available.
If your problem is bigger than you anticipated or just isn’t going away, consult a professional. They have access to tools and methods unavailable to everyone and industry knowledge to help keep those critters away. If you’ve exhausted all your options and you’ve done everything right, the next step may be getting an inspection. Pests don’t have to be your problem alone.
Don’t wait for the pests to invade your lawn this spring. Act now and protect your yard from unwanted invaders with these simple tips. Preparation is the best prevention. Do your due diligence and stop pests from taking over.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yard Pest Control
Are there any plants that repel common yard pests?
Yes, several plants have natural pest-repelling properties. For example, marigolds can deter aphids and mosquitoes, while lavender repels fleas and moths. Other examples include mint, basil, and rosemary, which can deter various insects when planted strategically in your yard.
What should I do if I find termites or carpenter ants in my yard?
If you discover termites or carpenter ants in your yard, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to nearby structures. Contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct a thorough inspection and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the extent of the infestation.
How do I safely dispose of pest-infested plant material?
To safely dispose of pest-infested plant material, avoid composting or leaving it in piles where pests can spread. Instead, bag the infested material securely and dispose of it in the trash. Burning may also be an option if it is permitted in your area and appropriate for the material.
Are there any DIY traps I can make to catch yard pests?
Yes, you can make several DIY traps to catch yard pests. For example, you can create a simple beer trap to catch slugs and snails by burying a container filled with beer at ground level. Additionally, sticky traps made with adhesive or petroleum jelly can help capture flying insects like flies and mosquitoes.