Common pests may be unsightly or irritating, but for anyone growing a backyard garden, some critters can be downright destructive. Certain animals seem to have a knack for munching through your favorite herbs or veggies, and can undo hours of hard work.
There are a few ways folks with a green thumb can keep harmful bugs or other creatures at bay. For serious issues, it may be best to call in a professional pest control service. Otherwise, consider employing these helpful tips:
Create physical barriers
When it comes to pesky rabbits and other voracious herbivores, leaving your garden fully exposed can lead to serious destruction. Even your family dog can inadvertently cause damage to your precious plants. Better Homes and Gardens reported that physical deterrents are an effective tool for keeping pests and other animals at bay.
A wire fence can be effective against rabbits and other small animals. You may chose to contain your entire garden with a fence, or otherwise protect specific plants. Row covers can also provide adequate safety for your garden, including from hungry bugs and birds, as well as frost and other natural risks.
For serious gardeners, it may also be worth investing in an elevated planting box. These can be made at home or otherwise found at a local hardware store. Not only can this keep your plants safe from pests, but it is also good for retaining rainwater.
Tidy up
When it comes to protecting your garden from insects and other, smaller pests, Rodale's Organic Life stated that a little landscaping and maintenance can go a long way. For example, although mulch is an effective tool for preventing weeds and overgrowth, it can be a great hiding spot for hungry bugs. For that reason, make sure to rake or till your garden from time to time.
Meanwhile, leaf litter, decomposing fruits or veggies and other bits of organic waste can be a lure to all sorts of creepy-crawlies. To have the best garden around, you should clean up frequently and compost any scraps or debris. If an individual plant has become infested, dig it up and compost it to prevent the spread of any pests.
Better Homes and Gardens found that it is even worth removing hungry bugs by hand. If you see a larger insect like a caterpillar munching on your garden, disposing of it will protect the plant and prevent further destruction.
Diversify your stock
What you plant in your garden can make a big difference, according to Rodale's Organic Life. A single row of the same species can lead to a serious infestation, whereas a nice diverse garden will slow down, confuse or even deter some pests. It may even be worth mixing in ornamental plants with your herbs and veggies.
Other plants, meanwhile, can provide added protection to your garden. Marigolds, for instance, can be a real bother to nematodes - a tiny type of worm. Meanwhile, citronella is famous for its ability to keep pesky mosquitos away from your yard.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Though many bugs and other creatures can cause serious headache for homeowners or anyone managing a garden, there are plenty of critters that actually serve a number of benefits. These may promote healthy plant growth, provide aesthetic beauty or even prey on pests that can otherwise cause damage.
Spring is here, and if you're lucky enough to have some vacation time saved up - or you're a college student - it's likely that you'll be taking advantage of the warmer weather and going on a spring break trip. That means finding an excellent destination and enjoying some much needed time for relaxation. However, those sighs of relief could turn into shrieks of panic instantly if you find out that your hotel room is infested with bed bugs, especially because it's likely that they'll end up coming home with you.
