Spring Pest Control Preparation
It’s that time of year; the air is warm, the flowers are in bloom, 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 tips to help.
11. Spring Cleaning
Yes, 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 woods, and dead plants are perfect places for bugs. Before those pests get a chance to take advantage, take the time to do some 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.
1o. 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. As the temperature rises, any water left behind could be a potential hazard.
9. 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 is, the easier it will be for them to hide. Parasites like ticks can easily find comfort in an overgrown lawn.
8. Trim Often
Speaking of grass, it grows fast. The best way to stay on top of potential pest problems is to keep it cut. It is tempting to let your lawn go for that extra week – I mean, what’s the harm? If you live in an area with mole crickets, fleas, or ticks, it doesn’t take very long for them to get comfortable. Keep your lawn trimmed and keep them out!
7. 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, be sure to give your lawn a little love. This encourages good wildlife, which will combat any 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
Much like with your 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. Overgrown areas are hard to contain if left unattended, and they could easily take over parts of your property. With thick, untamed growth, you’ll end up with more bugs and pests than you’d care to deal with.
5. Clear Away Refuse
As you tidy up your lawn routinely, be sure to dispose of the yard waste. Any cut branches, lawn trimmings, or leaves are perfect hideaways for ants, fleas, or beetles. Don’t give them a place to call home. This includes any old tree trunks or dying trees. These can be homes for ants – and if left unchecked, they can cause serious damage.
4. 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 of them 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. Go the extra mile and be cautious with what you pick.
3. 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.
2. 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 make sure 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.
1. 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.