Pests can get a bad reputation sometimes. However, some organisms may actually be beneficial in your yard and will fight off other harmful pests. Consider these reasons why a few select pests may actually be good for your yard.
Using pests to control other types of bugs is a natural, safe and effective form of pest management. Types of pest control, such as integrated pest management, avoid using hard pesticides in your yard that can harm your plants and possibly you. One alternative is to use specific forms of plants known for attracting pests that are beneficial to your yard and garden, such as lady bugs.
Each type of beneficial bug has an action. There are three types of beneficial bugs: predators, pollinators and parasites, Mother Earth News noted. Pollinators include insects such as honeybees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths, which pollinate flowers in your yard to help them continually develop and grow. Predators, such as lady bugs and soldier beetles, eat detrimental pests in your yard, preventing them from eating your plants or making their way into your home, Organic Gardening stated. Though the name sounds off-putting, parasites actually kill pests and use them as shelter for their young. These organisms are constantly at work to allow your yard to be a healthy ecosystem. This is a much better system than using pesticides, which can destroy both the good and the bad pests, causing them to come back at the same time.
Homeowners can welcome these bugs into their yard through a process known as farmscaping. The organisms are almost considered a form of livestock, though they are less controlled, Extension stated. Just like animal livestock, the resources found in gardens and yards can help these organisms survive and thrive, fighting off the bad pests. This method is best performed when people use approximately 5 to 10 percent of their yard or garden to welcome in pests. Since not all plants bloom year round, people should try to organize their ecosystems so that some plants are always in bloom, regardless of the time of year. There are many types of flora that will bloom year-round or that only bloom during certain times of the year, so that planters have their choice.
There are few different methods of farmscaping that people can try, such as using hedgerows, insectary plants, cover crops and water reservoirs. Any of these options will work to bring in beneficial organisms including insects, arachnids and even amphibians, all which eat or kill harmful pests.
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.
