While some “pests” in our gardens aren’t harmful, other pests can quickly destroy our plants and make our yards a nightmare. Las Vegas has various yard pests, including aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners.
If you have yard pests, you may be wondering how do I get rid of these yard pests?
If you have pests in your yard, there are a couple of steps you can take to prevent and treat for them:
- Pest Identification
- Identifying Common Las Vegas Yard Pests
- Pest Prevention
Pest Identification
An important part of dealing with yard pests is detailed identification of the pests in your yard. The majority of pests in your yard are actually beneficial to your yard and plants. It’s estimated that only five to fifteen percent of bugs in your yard are harmful to your plants, which is why it’s critical that you don’t start killing all bugs in your yard.
Some bugs, like spiders, are helpful to your yard because they protect your plants by eating other insects that would damage your plants. So, while it’s tempting to get rid of all “pests” in your yard, consider which pests are actually worth treating.
Let’s take a look at some of the most harmful yard pests in the Las Vegas area.
Common Yard Pests in Las Vegas
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants. Unfortunately, this depletes the plants of essential nutrients, which can kill the plant, especially if the plant is newer and less established.
Aphids also produce a sugary liquid, honeydew. Unfortunately, honeydew can attract other insects and even wildlife which can further damage your yard and home. Wildlife can also present a health hazard and threat to you and your loved ones, making aphids a pest you definitely don’t want around.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that live under the leaves of plants. They survive by sucking liquid directly out of the leaf. When they do this, the leaf becomes yellow and mottled, which is not only unfortunate looking but can cause the plant to die eventually if it continues to be deprived of essential nutrients.
Humidity is a great way to repel spider mites. However, we can’t control the humidity outdoors, and Las Vegas is notorious for having a dry climate. Fortunately, a pest control company can offer you different alternatives to treating spider mites.
Leaf Miners
Like spider mites, leaf miners target the leaves of our beautiful plants and suck the liquid from the leaves. Leaf miners are considered larvae until they turn into their adult form, which can be a type of moth or beetle. However, don’t let this fool you. Leaf miners as larvae are just as destructive as their adult forms.
Typical signs of leaf miners include strange colored blotches on the leaves of your plants. Leaf miners don’t typically kill the plant, but they can make the plant look strange and unpleasant.
Pest Prevention
The ideal way to deal with pests is by preventing them from invading your yard and garden in the first place.
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your garden and yard safe from pests:
- Choose a variety of plants for your garden. Selecting only one type of plant can lead to them all being wiped out by a destructive pest.
- Pick plants that are known to be hardy and pest-resistant
- Pull all dead plants and weeds from your garden immediately
- Trim tall grass and overgrown plants to prevent the development of pest-friendly areas
- Use citronella candles to repel pests
- Remove nesting materials from your yard, which may include things like paper, cardboard, wood, and garbage
- Seal off your garbage cans and make sure you empty them regularly
- Examine your garage and shed for entry points that pests may use and seal these entry points off with a caulking product
- Don’t leave pests untreated, as the infestation will only continue to grow and attract other pests
If you have yard pests, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to local Las Vegas pest control professionals today!