If you live in Michigan, chances are that you have dealt with some form of yard pest infestation. From ants and beetles to moles and voles, these nuisance neighbors can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden.

However, with proper planning and control measures, you can keep your yard free from these pests and enjoy a healthy and attractive lawn throughout the year. In this article, we will look at the things you should consider before starting a yard pest control program in Michigan. And we will also throw in some smaller but still essential maintenance tips that everyone can fit into their busy schedules.

Yard Pest Control Tips

• Identify the Pest and take evasive measures: Like any good gardener, you will want to take steps to avoid dealing with pests. You might have already had a few close encounters and are looking to keep problem visitors from returning. If you don’t know what types of pests might be coming next but are looking to avoid those future headaches, it will be best to start with the basics:
• Keep Your Yard Clean & Debris Free
  • This is a year-round chore and one that can get old quickly when you’re dealing with a soggy Spring or storm-filled Summer. But by removing those fallen branches and litter, you remove the objects that can help pests grow and thrive.
• Maintain Your Lawn And Keep It Trimmed
  • Trim it little and often, so the bugs who love the undergrowth don’t get a chance to bed down and call it their own.
• Avoid Overgrown Foliage & Standing Water
  • Keeping up with your foliage and ensuring that the trees and bushes don’t become jungles will help cut down on breeding areas. It will also be beneficial to keep standing water to a minimum in your yard so that you don’t encourage and help increase the mosquito population.
  • Overgrown foliage, such as large trees, should also be trimmed back from your home as it can be an unexpected gateway for pests to enter your property with little oversight.
• Dethatch & Hydrate Your Lawn When Needed
  • When lawn grubs move in, it can be hard to get rid of them without the help of a professional. Using preventive measures to keep your grass healthy can be the best protection from such an outcome.
• Protect Your Berries & Prized Plants With Netting & Plant Collars
  • This task can take the most effort but is essential for keeping birds away from your crops and cutworms from nibbling your plant roots. You might also want to consider different options if deer are visiting your yard, as they are liable to rub against trees, causing further disruption and damage.
    

By completing these smaller jobs, you can avoid issues further down the road or at least soften the impact they might have. If, however, you know that pests are in your future, the first step in any control program is to identify the culprits. This can be done by observing the damage to your yard or by setting traps you believe could help. You can then research the type of pest and its behavior to determine the best control measures.

Other Basic Steps For Controlling Pests

• Determine the Severity of the Infestation: Once you have a good idea of what is causing the problem, you need to determine the severity of the infestation. A small infestation can often be handled with a few simple control measures, but a larger infestation will mean calling in experts. This can include spraying pesticides or other products.
• Consider the Environmental Impact: Before starting a pest control program, you should consider the environmental impact of the measures you use. It will be up to you to choose the correct methods to solve the issue with the least impact on the environment of your lawn.
• Choose the Right Products: Many products are available for controlling yard pests, including sprays, bait stations, and traps. Choose the products that are best suited for the type of pest you are dealing and make sure you have done your research before starting any application.
• Hire a Professional: If you are dealing with a large infestation or are not confident in your ability to control the pests on your own, consider hiring a professional. A specialist will have the knowledge and expertise to effectively control the situation in your yard and will have access to the latest and most effective control measures.
  
  

Controlling yard pests in Michigan requires careful consideration and planning but there is always plenty of information and ways to start your planning across Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Let Lush Lawn Help With Your Lawn Needs 

We can help with your essential lawn decisions and determine how best to protect your yard year-round from the worst pests and most annoying insect invaders. To get a free estimate, contact Lush Lawn today.