Pests are unpleasant to have around, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a nice day outside in the sunshine. Unfortunately, pests can be found even in our peaceful yards and gardens.
If you find pests in your yard, you may be wondering how can I get rid of pests in my yard? If you are lucky enough not to have pests in your yard, you may be curious about how to prevent common Columbus yard pests.
In this short guide, we will cover all of this and more:
- Pest Identification
- Identifying Common Columbus Yard Pests
- Pest Prevention
Pest Identification
A key step in dealing with yard pests is thorough identification of the pests present in your yard. It’s estimated that only five to fifteen percent of bugs in your yard are actually harmful to your yard and plants, which is why it’s vital that you don’t start killing any and all bugs in sight.
Many bugs, like spiders and praying mantises, are actually helpful to the environment and your yard. Instead of harming your plants, they protect them by eating other insects that would cause damage to your yard. So, while it’s tempting to go after all “pests,” take a moment to slow down and consider which ones are actually worth treating for.
Next, let’s take a look at some of the most harmful yard pests in the Columbus, Georgia, area.
Identifying Common Columbus Yard Pests
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are brown bugs with large antennas and giant front arms that allow them to dig effectively.
The surefire sign that you have mole crickets in your yard is small tunneling and holes in your grass. The mole cricket digs these holes to access the grass root and stem, which they feed on. As a result of this, your grass will suffer and eventually die from the mole cricket’s intense appetite. Eventually, they will damage the entire root system of your grass, resulting in the need to plant more grass.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a common yard pest in Georgia that are unfortunately destructive and hard to get rid of.
Common signs that you have Japanese beetles include small eggs laid in your grass. These eggs then hatch, resulting in grubs that will eat through the roots of your grass. Grubs can cause massive damage to your grass and leaves, making them a less than desirable pest to have in your yard.
Japanese beetles typically lay eggs in the late spring and early summer months, which is when you can anticipate seeing signs of damage from their grubs.
Carpenter Ants
Unlike many states, Georgia is not home to a large number of ant species. However, carpenter ants are prominent throughout the state and can cause a startling amount of damage to the wood in your garden, yard, and home.
Like termites, carpenter ants destroy wood, including trees and wooden fixtures like fences, outbuildings, decks, and even your home. They will continue to destroy wood until there is nothing left to feed on. While they don’t typically bite humans, the damage they cause is enough to make them incredibly unpleasant guests on your property.
Pest Prevention
The best way to deal with pests is by preventing them from breaching your yard and home in the first place.
Here are our top tips for protecting your garden and yard from a variety of nuisance pests:
- Seal off any garbage cans and frequently empty them to reduce possible food sources for pests
- Choose hardy, pest-resistant plants that discourage pests from feeding on your plants
- Pull weeds and dead plants immediately
- Trim tall, overgrown plants to prevent pest-friendly areas in your yard
- Remove any fallen food sources, like fruits or nuts
- Do not scatter birdseed on the ground, as this may attract pests. Instead, use a bird feeder
- Ensure that all entry points to your garage or shed are sealed off. Use a caulking product to seal any entry points you notice
- Clear any nesting materials from your yard, including paper, garbage, cardboard, and wood, which animals may use to create nests in your yard
- Treat for any insect populations in your yard as insects may attract other pests
If you have a pest problem, don’t hesitate to contact a Columbus pest control provider for a free quote and inspection of your property.