How to Identify Pesky Yard Pests

If you’re like most homeowners, you dread the thought of pests invading your yard. This blog post will discuss some tips for getting rid of common yard pests. We’ll also provide information on making your yard less inviting to pests. 

A Homeowner’s Yard Predicament

Like most homeowners, you spend a lot of time keeping your yard looking nice. In addition, you spend time weeding, feeding, and watering your plants. You might even have a garden that you’ve been working on for years. So, you want to protect your investment from pesky critters.

Unfortunately, there are all kinds of critters out there who would love nothing more than making a meal out of your beloved plants. From aphids to whiteflies, many different pests can wreak havoc on your yard. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to identify these pests. 

Types of Pests

There are all sorts of pests that can invade your yard; unfortunately, they aren’t always of the insect variety. Some of the most common include:

Aphids

Caterpillars

Grubs

Moles

Voles

Each type of pest requires a different control method, and every kind of pest is attracted to other plants. For example, aphids love roses. As a general rule of thumb, if you see your plants being eaten or damaged somehow, there’s a good chance that a pest is to blame. However, not all pests will be prominent. Some, like grubs, do their damage underground. Like moles and voles, others tunnel through the ground, leaving raised dirt mounds in their wake.

If you’re unsure whether or not a pest is damaging your plants, here is what you should look for:

Holes in leaves

Chewed leaves

Missing leaves

These are just a few signs that your plants might be under attack; however, you also have to consider the rest of your yard. Pests can also cause damage to your lawn, leaving it patchy and full of holes. Some signs that your yard is under attack may include:

Mounds of dirt

Discolored grass      

Missing patches of grass

The turf lifts easily, revealing larvae

Getting Rid of Pests

As we mentioned before, you can control grubs with several other pesticides; however, if you’re unsure what kind of pest is infesting your yard, you can always take a sample to your local cooperative extension office. They will be able to identify the pest and provide you with information on how to get rid of it.

In addition to using pesticides, you can do several other things to get rid of pests in your yard. You can:

Trap the pests

Attract predators to your yard

Make Your Yard Less Inviting to Pests

One of the best ways to control pests in your yard is to make it less inviting to them in the first place. There are many things you can do to make your yard less attractive to pests, including:

Keep your yard clean

Prune regularly

Water early in the day

Caring for your yard takes lots of time and effort that rarely fits into a busy schedule; you should hire professional lawn maintenance services. The Lawn Care Salem Oregon team has several years of experience helping make lawns look amazing.

The company takes great pride in its work and can transform even the worst-looking lawn into a source of satisfaction for the entire neighborhood. Contact Lawn Care Salem Oregon, today for a free consultation! Lawn care has never been more accessible.