Nothing can be more discouraging than to have a beautifully
designed and cultivated lawn and gardens, only to have them
ravaged by pests midway through the growing season. Other
yard conditions may invite pests, which, while not a threat
to your vegetation, can carry disease and make outdoor life
in your yard both unhealthy and unpleasant. With some solid
research and planning, however, you can avoid the devastation
to your vegetation and your lifestyle.
First,
one must understand that, in order for pests to gain a
foothold, they must have the proper environment to live
and reproduce. Take away their optimum environment and
their chance for survival is relatively slim.
Four-Legged
Pests
Rabbits,
squirrels and deer comprise the most significant number
of pests that wreck havoc on gardens, especially those
growing vegetables. Prevention may involve fencing or
netting around those valuable plants, although this may
detract from the aesthetic value. Another option is that
of re-direction. Setting out food which is far removed
from the garden areas may, in fact, deter these critters
from your payload.
Some
four-legged pests, especially squirrels and raccoons,
can actually take up residence in your home attic or within
the rafter areas between ceiling and roof. Setting traps
is efficient, however, one would be wise to consult a
professional to eliminate the problem.
Flying/Creeping
Pests
There
are a significant number of these critters, to include
those which attack lawns and plants and those that attack
humans.
Preventing
disease and/or pest damage to one’s lawn will certainly
involve the use of treatments available at any lawn and
garden retailer. In the interests of us all, however,
it is strongly recommended that consumers purchase those
with natural ingredients as opposed to dangerous chemicals
which can pollute water supplies and harm birds and other
wildlife. An amazing newer pest control substance is actually
now available from worm excrement, and is a natural pest
control as well as fertilizer.
Perhaps
the most irritating and potentially dangerous pests for
humans are mosquitoes, and prevention, again, is the best
defense. Burning citronella candles will keep them at
bay while individuals are outside in the evenings. Another
important prevention is to avoid any standing water in
your yard area. Mosquitoes cannot breed without moisture,
so this is a critical piece in your “war”
against them. An additional all-natural method is to keep
those bird feeders filled throughout the spring, summer
and fall months. The more birds in a yard, the fewer mosquitoes!
Miscellaneous
Pests
Some
birds, certainly woodpeckers, can be irritating. Many
a homeowner has been awakened in the morning with the
sound of a woodpecker hammering on the guttering, roof
or soffit areas of the home. Bright objects will usually
deter woodpeckers, as will feeders especially designed
for them to satiate their hunger.
Whatever
your pest problem, it is important to do the research
and determine the treatment best suited to your situation.
Above all, however, it is important to be mindful of environmental
factors. Eliminating pests by the use of potentially harmful
chemicals may resolve the immediate problem but create
a much more dangerous long-term problem.