When you’re trying to protect your lawn from pests, it can seem like the whole world is against you. Not only is your lawn and garden being decimated by critters, but you’re also trying to find an option that isn’t horrifically poisonous because you know that anything you spray or sprinkle on your lawn is going to seep into the water system, meaning people in your neighbourhood are going to be drinking and breathing in whatever you choose to put on your lawn. The following will explore a few things you can do to safely protect your lawn from harmful bugs and insects.
Befriend The Ladybugs
As sweet as ladybugs look, they’re actually pretty hardcore. Ladybugs love devouring other insects, particularly those that are harmful to your plants. Ladybugs are especially useful if you’re dealing with aphids and are being turned to worldwide as a solution. You can order ladybugs and set them free in your yard. Of course, some of them will end up leaving your property, but many will stay, particularly if you have enclosed spaces like a greenhouse.
Select Unappealing Plants
It turns out that there are a lot of plants that pests really don’t like. And you don’t need to worry; a lot of these deterrent plants are beloved by humans, so you won’t be sacrificing the aesthetic nature of your yard. Lavender is an excellent choice, as are many other herbs like basil, mint, and thyme. Lemongrass is an excellent choice as well. When it comes to flowers that scare bugs away, look for alliums, chrysanthemums, petunias, marigolds, and mosquito plants.
Consider Milky Spore For Grubs
Grubs tend to be one of the insects that really bother people (and children and pets). They’re slimy and clingy and not necessarily what you want to be seeing when you plan to spend the afternoon in the backyard. Consider applying milk spore granules to your lawn; they’re non-chemical, so safe, and very effective at getting rid of grubs. You’ll probably need to apply them three times each year for a period of two years to completely eradicate the problem.
Hang A Fake Wasp’s Nest
If wasps or hornets are a problem in your yard, you know how radically they can turn your peaceful slice of nature into a zone of terror. One of the best ways to deal with wasps and hornets is to find and hang a fake wasp’s nest. These critters are territorial, which means they won’t settle somewhere where they can see another’s nest. They’ll carry on and find a new place to call home.
Call In The Birds
Similar to the ladybug point above, birds can do a great deal to help you get rid of insects in your yard. You can encourage birds to settle in your area by putting out bird feeders and providing birdhouses that offer safe nesting space. You can even do your research and figure out which type of bugs which birds like and hang feeders specifically designed to draw those kinds of birds to you. This approach will also fill your yard with life; the sweet songs of birds are a wonderful addition to the ambiance of any outdoor space. Make sure you take the time to learn how to properly clean whichever bird feeders you choose and if this isn’t done regularly and properly, you run the risk of the birds developing illnesses or infections. You might also want to look into proper placement to protect your feeders from squirrels and other neighbourhood animals like raccoons.
Don’t Overwater
One thing that will attract bugs and insects incredibly fast is an overwatered lawn. Bugs love water and will gravitate towards it, so simply cutting down your watering times can often result in a drastic improvement. Of course, it’s a good idea to begin the cut down slowly as you don’t want your lawn or gardens to suffer.
Citronella For Mosquitos
If mosquitos are the pest you’re dealing with, the excess water point above is critical (mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water). What can also help is the use of citronella incense or candles. Simply light them when you’re hanging out in the yard or on the porch and notice the mosquitos flee (citronella makes their feet itchy, and they don’t like that).
The above tips should help you safely deal with problematic pests in your yard. It’s worth noting that every type of pest is different, and this means you might need to identify and research the specific insect that is causing havoc for the best results. Whenever someone reveals a potential solution to you, do your research on the impact that solution has on human health and the environment.
