With autumn right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your lawn for the cold weather ahead. Doing so now could mean fewer pests come next spring, and you'll have a better shot at having the best looking lawn in the neighborhood. Make use of these final weeks of warm evenings, so you can sit back and relax when the winds get chilly. Here's how:
Weeds and insects often go hand-in-hand. To keep your lawn looking great and possible prevent an infestation, you should take measures to knock out pesky perennial weeds. Better Homes and Gardens magazine reported that late summer and early autumn are ideal for fertilizing and spraying pesticides. As always, make sure you read the labels on these products carefully and heed all warnings. Chemical fertilizers can be just as dangerous as pesticides, so keep children and pets far away.
It's better to have a leaf cleanup plan in place now than to wait until your lawn is covered. You'll want to make sure that all of the leaves are picked up before the first snow, otherwise you could end up with a yard full of mold, which can attract beetles and other unwanted insects. When you notice those leaves beginning to change colors, head to your local home and garden store to stock up on leaf bags and check with your city to see how best to dispose of them. If you plan on mulching, check your setup now to make sure your equipment isn't cracked or damaged.
If your lawn is looking a little unhealthy after the summer, you may want to consider aerating the soil. Popular Mechanics reported that this can help oxygen, water and nutrients to reach the grass's root system. It can also promote a habitat for beneficial insects such as earthworms. To aerate your lawn you can use a spike, or, for larger areas, you may want to rent a gas powered machine.
Fall is a good time to plant grass seed because you won't have to worry about as many pesky bird pests eating up your hard work. Plus, when springtime comes, you'll have a lush and beautiful yard, free of bald patches.
If you follow these steps, you'll have a green, pest-free lawn when the weather warms up again next year.
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:
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.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
For some, the garage is a primarily a storage unit. If your household is one that keeps its vehicles parked in the driveway, you may have considered clearing out the garage or at least organizing it so that you can better locate your things. Another good reason to do so it because a cluttered garage makes it easier for pests to hide. In the summer months, pests might invade the space looking for some shade. During winter, rodents may take shelter from the cold. Perhaps worst of all, a swarm of bees or wasps could decide that an open wall is the perfect spot to build a nest. For these reasons alone, you should consider cleaning out your garage and inspecting it for pest damage. Read on to learn how:
With autumn in full swing, chances are you're spending more time outside, enjoying the changing colors. Hikes through the forest and walks through the park are great ways of enjoying the outdoors before the cold months of winter come. These activities are so much more enjoyable when you can take your beloved canine company with you. But when you do, you have to be wary about ticks and fleas. These parasites can spread disease at worst and make your pet very itchy at best. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pets pest free.
