How to Get Rid of Annoying Yard Pests
Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, no-see-ums, bees, ants, spiders, caterpillars: these pesky party crashers make it impossible to relax and have fun in backyards. They distract and diminish the enjoyment of the outdoor experience, and it goes beyond mere unpleasantness. No one wants to be swarmed or bitten by hordes of insects. What's worse is that you are subjected to these pests' hazards to your health.
What Are the Dangers of Outdoor Pests?
With mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, the diseases they carry are the most serious. Malaria, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus are serious. The same goes for the bites of bees, wasps, ants, and spiders. The bites of bees and wasps can cause anaphylactic shock, which can kill you.
Fleas are a major cause of allergies and can transmit diseases like typhus. No-see-ums can sting intensely and may have a toxic venom.
What To Do about Outdoor Pests
Here are your best bets for keeping those pests out of your life.
1. Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Keep your lawn and garden free from weeds, so there's no food for insects. Mow the lawn at the appropriate height for the season and water regularly. Keep edges neat, and remove debris and piles of wood or trash.
2. Choose Plants Wisely
Some plants are more resistant to insects than others. You can also choose ornamental plants and flowers that don't attract unwanted insects in the first place, such as butterfly bushes, daffodils, and daisies.
3. Turn to Beneficial Insects
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a bacteria that only kills insects and is found in some sprays and soil. Ladybugs and praying mantes to lay eggs to control aphids, whiteflies, and other pests.
4. Use Insecticides in a Timid Manner
Chemical pesticides are hazardous and should never be used around animals, children, or pregnant women. They will kill beneficial bugs as well as pests. Use the least toxic products with maximum results.
5. Use Chemicals Only as a Last Resort
The EPA and other groups advise against pesticides in and around your home. They are not effective and are potentially harmful. Insect repellants are good for you: for instance, citronella candles repel mosquitoes, and the smell of lemongrass and peppermint helps repel ticks and fleas.
6. Get a Vacuum
Get a shop vac so you can suck up unwanted pests. Get a small, hand-held vac to clean up after your dog and keep the house free from fleas.
7. Clean Your Home
Clean any insects or larvae out of corners and under furniture, and empty your trash regularly. If you have an outdoor kitchen, periodically clean the grill and be vigilant about not leaving food out.
8. Educate Yourself
Learn which pests are attracted to what and what they look like. You can then avoid areas where they are likely to appear or use repellants on yourself. Bring a spray can to kill insects if you need to use one.
Conclusion
Outdoor pests make enjoying the great outdoors tricky and unpleasant. Luckily, most are easy to eliminate or prevent with a few basic precautions and common sense. Keep your lawn mowed and watered, choose appropriate plants, discourage the use of pesticides, and have a great time outdoors in no time.
Whitmore Pest Control protects homes through pest control services, animal and wildlife removal, animal damage repair, and cleaning and disinfection. Our multi-point pest control method involves locating the problem, removing the pest, and preventing re-entry. If you need a pest control service in Denver, CO, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!