Pests may invade lawns in search of food, shelter, and habitat. Lawns need to be maintained to keep them away. Even healthy lawns may attract various pests, including grubs, chinchbugs, and armyworms. Having a good pest control option is needed to keep your yard healthy and free of pests. When pests invade your lawn, you can contact a lawn care service who can help you do the following:
Identify Pests
Understanding the pests you’re dealing with is an exciting part of lawn care service. Grubs, which are the larvae of beetles, feed on grass roots, causing the grass to turn brown and die. Chinch bugs suck the sap from grass blades, leading to similar symptoms but requiring a completely different treatment approach. Some pests may look harmful but are actually beneficial for your lawn. Earthworms are helpful as they help aerate the soil and break down organic matter.
Identifying pests may not always be straightforward. It may involve closely observing the signs of damage, the pests themselves, and sometimes even their droppings. Small mounds of soil or tunnels might indicate a mole infestation, while chewed leaves could suggest the presence of caterpillars. Seeking help from professionals can help you identify pests and provide ways to get rid of them.
Research the Pest’s Life Cycle
Each stage of a pest’s life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—requires different types of pest control. Pests may be most vulnerable at certain stages, making it an optimal time to intervene. A lawn expert can help identify and put together a plan to help keep your lawn looking healthy.
Treating the lawn when the grubs are young and near the surface in late summer to early fall could be more effective than waiting until they’ve burrowed deeper in preparation for winter. Understanding the life cycle of a pest can help prevent future infestations.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Unlike an unhealthy or stressed lawn, one that is well-nurtured can resist minor infestations and prevent severe damage. Regular maintenance practices such as proper watering, mowing, and fertilization make the lawn less inviting to pests, promoting robust grass growth. Regular inspections by an expert can enable early detection of pests, preventing them from becoming a significant problem.
To maintain a healthy lawn, deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth. Regular mowing strengthens the grass, but avoid cutting it too short as longer blades shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and discouraging weed growth. Aerating alleviates soil compaction, enabling water, air, and nutrients to reach the grassroots easily.
Encourage Birds and Other Predators
Encouraging birds and other predators when pests invade your lawn is a natural and effective pest control method. Encouraging various species to inhabit your garden contributes to biodiversity. Ladybugs, earthworms, and other insects can help keep the pests that damage your lawn at bay. Adding these to the lawn care from professionals can help keep your yard lush and green.
Planting native plants that produce seeds, berries, or nectar can attract birds and beneficial insects. Birds and other wildlife need water for drinking and bathing, so a bird bath or pond can be an attractive feature to add to your landscaping. Providing nesting boxes for birds, log piles for insects, and undisturbed areas for other creatures can also encourage them to stay and help control pests.
Hire Lawn Care Service Specialists
Professional pest control services may have the knowledge and experience to identify different types of pests, their habits, and the most effective methods for their control. They are trained to use pesticides safely and effectively. Pest control can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Professionals can do the job efficiently, saving you time and effort. Professionals also don’t just eliminate pests; they also guide preventive measures to avoid future infestations.