When it comes to stopping unwanted yard pests, you may not believe there is much an everyday homeowner can do, but we are here to let you know that there are plenty of simple ways in which you can protect your family and yard. To start, it can make a big difference when it comes to the health of your yard by simply learning how to identify an unwanted pest problem. Pests such as ticks and mosquitoes take up residence in yards fairly quickly, so being able to identify the problem as quickly as possible and being able to start the removal process faster can truly save you a lot of damage. Here are five ways any homeowner can easily identify if their yard has become an unwanted haven for pests.
#1. Know Pest Habits and Habitats
All pests are a little bit different. Ticks, for example, are known to enjoy wooded or brush filled areas with different types residing in different parts of the country. Meanwhile, mosquitos are known to be attached to more damp areas but can live almost anywhere that isn’t extremely cold, and both are prone to places with plenty of animal life to live off of.
#2. Learn the Pest Life Cycle
Sometimes you can be looking right at a potentially yard-damaging pest and not even know it because it’s in a form you are not used to. Many areas use types of insects as the symbol for change due to their impressive metamorphic capabilities that make one stage of life look like a completely new species than the one before. This is why yard owners should take the time to understand all stages of life of the partially fast breeding pests, which include:
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult
This is not to say you need to be an expert entomologist to protect your yard, but even recognizing eggs, larva, or pupa will be a great step towards a healthier yard. Also, depending on what stage you find them in, the treatment plan can vary and is often more effective when identified early.
#3. Don’t Just Look for Pests, Look for their Damage
If this truly is an unwanted pest you are dealing with it is almost certain that damages will occur. This can come in the form of bites or physical markings on yourself, damaged leaves, or a lack of expected growth from your vegetation. Unwanted pests are often small and hard to locate, but the damage they cause can be big much easier to follow-up on.
#4. Do Some Light Yard Work Regularly
While keeping up with routine yard care is good for a number of reasons, one of the best is that it will more easily give you time to learn about your yard and discover any differences in its condition. The more often you interact with your yard, the less likely it will be that unwanted pests will develop and grow beyond control. Not to mention it has actually been viewed as a truly therapeutic pastime, so it’s a win-win.
#5. Get Your Hands Dirty
While light yard work is great maintenance, it is always important to give your yard a big once over every month or so. While doing this, pay extra attention to the dark, damp, and humid areas with noticeable amounts of brush and overgrowth where pests love to call home. Any areas with standing water will serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests and should be taken care of as soon as possible.
Take Advantage of a Tick and Mosquito Treatment Plan Today!
If you’re worried about unwanted pests in your backyard, the best solution is to take advantage of a professional tick and mosquito treatment program. At Backyard Defenders, we utilize synthetic and organic methods to keep unwanted pest off your property. We have a variety of treatment programs available to fit every budget. To learn more about our tick and mosquito treatment programs simply fill out the contact form below!