Little Rock has its share of yard pests, and some of them can be destructive. So, what’s the best solution for getting rid of these unwanted visitors?
In this quick, informative guide, we’ll show you:
- How to identify the yard pests you’ll encounter in Little Rock
- The methods used by top exterminators to eliminate biting insects
- How to keep grubs from destroying your yard
- How to get rid of squirrels like a pro
Ticks
The brown dog tick is the most widespread species in the U.S., and all of them can spread diseases such as:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Typhus
- Tularemia
- Babesiosis
To keep ticks out of your yard, try these methods the pros use:
- Keep your lawn cut short
- Remove leaf litter where possible
- Apply tick repellent to your pets daily
- Vacuum pet bedding regularly along with the rest of your house
- Carefully apply a residual insecticide containing bifenthrin to the following areas:
- Lawns, where allowed by label directions
- The outside perimeter of the home
- Kennels and dog runs
- Inside spot treatments behind pet bedding
Grubs
Grubs are the larval stage of several types of beetles. They’re typically white with a hardened worm appearance, and they also have a dark head capsule and tiny legs.
Since grubs are the primary feeding stage of the beetle’s life cycle, they can cause tremendous damage to your lawn. Look for brown patches of grass or a softening of the soil in several areas.
Here are some steps you can take to remove grubs from your yard:
- Identify the problem by digging a one-foot square about four inches deep. Next, pull back the topsoil and inspect to see if you have a problem.
- Beneficial nematodes are tiny parasitic worms that kill grubs. They are available at any gardening store or online. Apply per package directions.
- For Japanese beetle grubs use milky spores, which are bacteria that poison the grub’s food supply. But don’t worry, it’s harmless to humans.
- Be sure to keep your lawn in premier condition so it can withstand any future grub infestations.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in the region around Little Rock due to the large numbers of lakes, rivers, and streams they use for breeding areas. For that reason, they can be challenging to manage. However, there are a few easy steps you can take to control them.
These are the best ways to keep mosquitoes to a minimum around your home:
- Sanitation: Make sure your yard is trimmed and avoid tall weeds. Also, remove old tires or buckets from your yard that can fill with water, providing breeding sites for mosquitoes.
- Use microbial insecticides such as mosquito dunks to kill larvae and slow down mosquito reproduction.
- Fog outdoor areas with a misting solution containing pyrethrins to kill adult mosquitoes.
- Spay Vegetation and landscapes with a residual insecticide spray that lasts for at least 21 days.
- Place UV light traps outdoors around patios to draw mosquitoes away from indoor living spaces.
- Citronella candles. Place citronella candles inside the home to help repel mosquitoes and other flying pests. You can also use them outside for your next barbeque or outdoor gathering.
Fire Ants
The red imported fire ant is an invasive species to the U.S. Since its discovery during the turn of the 20th century, it’s been spreading throughout all parts of the South, including Little Rock.
Get rid of fire ants from your yard this way:
- Bait the mound using a product labeled for fire ants.
- Follow-up baiting may be required for large colonies.
- For emergency eradication, drench the mound thoroughly using a wettable powder containing cyfluthrin or other powerful active ingredient.
- Foaming may be the quickest solution. However, be sure to probe the mound in several directions for more coverage.
Squirrels
Squirrels are nice to look at. But they become pests when they make a mess of birdfeeders. Not only that, they damage fruit and nut crops and dig large holes in gardens.
Get rid of pesky squirrels using these methods:
- Limit the squirrel’s food supply by removing spilled birdseed from lawns. Also, be sure to store all pet food in sealed containers indoors.
- Consider installing baffles on all your bird feeders. They prevent the squirrel from climbing the pole to steal the bird’s food.
Place automatic scaring devices around your yard. They employ annoying sounds and flashing lights to scare wildlife pests from your yard.