When you think of the word “pest,” your mind may automatically go to pests commonly found inside the home, such as rodents and cockroaches. However, the outside of your home is just as susceptible to a pest infestation.
Lawn pest control is essential because stopping pests outside your home will prevent them from coming inside your home.
Look outside on any lawn in Maryland this summer, and you’ll find it teaming with dozens of these common pests.
Ants
Ants are some of the most common lawn pests found in Maryland. The most common types of ants you may see include carpenter ants, odorous ants, and pavement ants.
There are many ways to get rid of ants that are dwelling on your lawn, including disturbing ant mounds when you see them, pouring boiling water on ant mounds, and using diatomaceous earth to kill the ants.
Ticks
Ticks are another pest commonly found in lawns. Ticks are some of the most dangerous pests to encounter due to the many diseases they carry, most notably Lyme disease.
After spending time outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass or excess foliage, you must inspect your body for ticks. To get rid of ticks, you can use tick barriers, tick tubes, and repellent sprays.
Fleas
Fleas are another annoying pest you may encounter on your lawn this summer. The most telltale sign of fleas is feeling itchy all over your body, but most commonly your legs.
One of the most effective methods to get rid of fleas is to flood your yard with water. These pests will not be able to survive, and the water will also remove any flea feces that may be left behind.
However, you must be aware that standing water can attract mosquitoes, so ensure you dispose of all standing water as quickly as possible.
Spiders
While seeing a spider here and there is usually no cause for concern, you’ll want to do everything you can to eliminate a spider infestation on your lawn. One of the most effective ways to do so is to remove their webs whenever you spot them. You can also use diatomaceous earth and other natural repellents to keep these pests away.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most feared household pests, so you’ll want to keep them away from your yard this summer.
Cockroaches often take shelter under thick brush, including logs, tree branches, and leaf piles. Trimming your grass and foliage, removing excess clutter and garbage, and storing trash in sealed bins are all great ways to prevent cockroaches from invading your yard.
White Grubs
If you spend enough time outside, you will see white grubs, which feed off the roots of grasses. To get rid of these pests, you can use neem oil, chemical insecticides, and beneficial nematodes to kill the white grubs on your lawn.
Armyworms
Armyworms are pests that attack crops such as rice and grass pastures and can cause damage through defoliation. To get rid of armyworms, you may be able to handpick them off of leaves and other surfaces you may see them on. Neem oil and insecticides can also be effective in killing these pests.
Cutworms
Cutworms are most active in the evening, so if you suspect you may be dealing with a cutworm infestation, wait until dark to treat the problem. Insecticides are typically the most effective for killing cutworms, but speaking to a trusted exterminator is always your best bet.
Sod Webworms
Like cutworms, insecticides are typically the most effective solution for getting rid of sod webworms. Nematodes may also be worth a try if you’d prefer to go for a more natural solution.
Aphids
Aphids are annoying garden pests that often feed on foliage and deprive us of beautiful summertime flowers. One of the most effective solutions for getting rid of aphids is soap and water.
Neem oil, nematodes, and insecticides can also be effective, but a knowledgeable pest control professional can recommend the best course of action for your unique situation.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are relatively easy to get rid of, as many of them may respond to something as simple as water. However, insecticides specifically designed to kill mites may be your best bet.
How to Manage Lawn Pests
Managing lawn pests is essential to keeping your home and property free from pest exposure.
There are several ways to manage lawn pests and prevent them from causing further damage to your yard, including:
- Regularly cutting your grass
- Trimming excess foliage and tree branches
- Removing clutter and debris from your yard
- Getting rid of fallen leaves
- Using organic insecticide sprays and barriers
- Keeping lawn equipment clean
When to Call an Exterminator
Whenever you’re dealing with a pest of any kind, it is imperative that you contact an exterminator right away. If you wait too long before contacting a pest control professional, the infestation can grow even larger and cause more significant damage to your home and property.
The sooner you contact an exterminator, the quicker they will be able to come and perform an inspection to determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with and the best course of action to get rid of it.
At Pest Czar, we offer several safe and effective lawn pest control measures, including tick and mosquito barriers, Sentricon termite stations, and solutions targeted to specific pests for yearlong protection. For more information, read about our Czar Guard home protection plans.
FAQs
Are ants harmful to my lawn?
Ants in small numbers are not typically harmful to a lawn and can even be beneficial, but large ant colonies can cause damage such as dry spots, root damage, and smothered grass.
What diseases do ticks carry?
Some of the most common diseases carried by ticks include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tularemia.
How do aphids affect plants?
Aphids damage plants by sucking the sap from the leaves and the stems, resulting in discoloration, leaf curling, stunted growth, and yellowing.
What are the signs of spider mite infestation?
Some telltale signs of a spider mite infestation include webbing on leaves and branches, moving dots, discoloration, and speckles on leaves.
What damage do sod webworms cause?
Sod webworms can cause a lot of damage to lawns, such as brown patches, defoliation, and notched leaves.