Dealing with a lawn full of pests is every homeowner’s nightmare. From grubs eating away grassroots to weeds popping up everywhere, pests can quickly ruin a beautiful yard. Proper lawn pest control is essential to maintain a healthy landscape. In this article, we will explore common lawn pests, the benefits of controlling them, when to call in the professionals, and what to ask potential companies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Proper pest control keeps lawns lush and healthy while saving time and money.
- Watch for damaging insects, weeds, and animals like grubs, crabgrass, and voles.
- Call professionals for severe infestations, unfamiliar pests, lawn diseases, or prevention.
- When looking for pest control companies, research first about their background, experience, treatment methods, and customer satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Common Lawn Pests to Watch For
While all lawns deal with some pest issues, major infestations indicate a need for action. Homeowners should be on the lookout for common lawn pests like grubs, ants, chinch bugs, and Japanese beetles which can severely damage turfgrass if left unchecked.
Grubs are particularly sneaky pests. You may not even notice them until the grass dies in patches. That’s because they feed underground on plant roots, weakening and destroying lawn health. Japanese beetles also devour grass roots and leaves, tearing up your lawn.
Swarms of ants are another indication of bigger problems, whether it’s an underlying pest infestation providing a food source or excessive moisture attracting them. Look for visible ant hills and damage to determine if control measures are warranted.
Burrowing voles and moles also undermine your landscape’s appearance and health by digging tunnels and mounds. While moles are mainly an aesthetic nuisance, voles can cause extensive root and plant damage through feeding.
With this in mind, identifying the culprit pest and addressing substantial activity helps protect your yard. Staying vigilant for common lawn pests is key for early intervention to avoid lasting damage.
Benefits of Controlling Lawn Pests
Allowing pests to roam quickly destroys the beauty and enjoyment of your yard. Investing in pest control provides many perks:
- Curb appeal is dramatically improved by addressing lawn pests. Lush, healthy, uniform grass makes great first impressions and boosts property value. Weed-filled, patchy lawns detract from aesthetics.
- Controlling pests saves money over time by preventing costly damage. Reseeding or replacing sod, extra water usage, and repeated pest products add up. Stopping issues before they spread saves on repairs.
- Pest control protects the health of the entire lawn ecosystem. Removing insects, weeds, and animals that damage grass allows desired turf species to thrive. Grass fills in bare spots, stabilizing soil.
- Fewer pests make yards safer for children and pets who play on the lawn. Preventing excessive bugs and potentially toxic treatments creates healthy spaces for families.
When to Call a Pest Control Company
Homeowners can often tackle minor lawn pest issues on their own using common DIY products. However, severe infestations involving multiple pests indicate underlying problems needing professional expertise. Unfamiliar pests also require knowledgeable identification and treatment.
Persistent issues not solved by repeated DIY efforts warrant calling in experts who offer a variety of pest treatment services to target stubborn pests. Preventative services from companies provide proactive protection before damage starts.
While small problems may respond to over-the-counter remedies, major, complex, or unfamiliar pest situations call for seasoned professionals with the knowledge to identify root causes and customize comprehensive solutions for your lawn’s needs. Their skills and products can overcome challenges beyond what typical DIY efforts can achieve.
Questions to Ask a Pest Control Company
When evaluating pest control companies, smart consumers should do their research and ask key questions before signing any service agreements. It’s important to understand their level of professional training, experience with local pest issues, treatment methods used, approach to environmental responsibility, customer satisfaction ratings, and billing/payment processes.
For example, you’ll want to inquire about whether technicians are fully licensed, as extensive certification and continuing education are reassuring signs of expertise. Asking what pests they commonly treat in your area reveals valuable local experience for your region’s specific issues.
Also understand what types of organic and chemical treatment options are available, as you want a full arsenal of targeted, modern pest control methods. Responsible companies will explain how they minimize their environmental impact too. Checking customer reviews helps reveal real-world service quality and satisfaction.
And of course, be sure you are comfortable with how services are billed and paid for by avoiding any surprise fees. Asking the right questions upfront ensures you identify the best pest control partner for achieving a healthy lawn.
In a Nutshell…
Battling lawn pests is an ongoing landscaping chore. However, professional pest control services provide solutions for even more severe issues. With expertise in pest biology and identification, access to advanced treatments, and customized plans, companies restore lawn health and beauty while saving homeowners time and money. Asking key questions helps identify the best partner for your needs. Nonetheless, investing in professional pest control ensures you’ll enjoy your yard for years to come.
