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Pests
You spend so much money on your yard, and you want it to look as nice as possible. Well, there's an army of aggressive pests out there just waiting to undo your handiwork. In the spring and summer, pests become more active, while other pests are active all year. Its important to reat these problems because some pest bites can transmit diseases or cause allergic reactions for both pets and people. Ace specialists can help you solve your pest problem.
When you mention yard pests, most people think of insects. A lot of people that really love the outdoors are still unreasonably "bugged" by bugs. And although mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and other biting insects can certainly make outdoor activities unpleasant, most other garden insects are relatively harmless.
Keeping your plants healthy and inviting wildlife to your yard are two good environmental choices for cutting down on insect problems. Healthy plants can usually fend off damage from insects, and birds and other forms of predatory wildlife help by eating what they can catch.
However, if you still feel that a perfect environment is an insect free environment, keep these principles in mind:
- Some of the insects that you may be eliminating are actually beneficial to your plants and the environment. For example, catepillars turn into pollinating butterflies and ladybugs eat other leaf chewing insects. Try to identify the insects before you eliminate them by checking the beneficial insect EDIS Documents from this page or take a sample to the local extension office or a Master Gardener Clinic for help with identification.
- Spot treat when and where you see insect damage. Don't spray your whole yard thinking you will keep insects away. Most pesticides don't work as repellents.
- Many insects can actually be controlled by handpicking, pruning or spraying with water.
- Ask for safer alternatives
to traditional, chemical pesticides at your local garden center. These
include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and products containing
a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Fall Yard Cleanup
Cleaning up garden and flower beds in the fall is an effective way to control various insect pests. Many insects survive the winter buried in the soil (5-25 cm) or on its surface. Debris left on the soil surface will in fact help the insects to survive.
In winter, the temperature of the soil is higher than the air temperature. Various components in the soil buffer it against severe freezing temperatures. For this reason. insects are able to survive in the soil, protected from the winter cold. Debris left on the soil surface further protects the soil, thus making it more hospitable for overwintering insects and increasing their chances of survival. If you remove the debris, the soil will freeze to a greater depth and more insects will likely die during the winter.
When and How to Remove the Debris
The best time to remove the debris is in early October, after the insects have buried themselves in for the winter. You can remove the debris earlier or later, still with effective results in terms of controlling insects. When removing the debris, it is wise to till the garden and flower beds. Tilling will bring the insects up the soil surface, where they are more susceptible to killing temperatures.
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