Blog originally published on September 17, 2019. Updated on November 16, 2022.
The fall is a great time to soak up as much of the outdoors as you can before it turns cold. The overwhelming heat is out at this point, so you can comfortably play some backyard games, barbeque some nice meals, or get cozy near the fire.
That is, until the bugs show up and ruin it all.
Japanese beetles, fire ants, spiders, aphids, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other insects and rodents can cause a plethora of problems for many homeowners in Michigan. There are some landscaping hacks you can do to kill off yard pests to stop your headache now and keep them from safely holing up for the winter. Read on below, or contact us for help ASAP.
Get Rid of the Garden Bed Debris in Early Fall
In fall, the critters are now on the lookout for a warm hiding spot away from their natural predators. Lawn weeds and debris in your garden beds make for a comfortable place to hide. As they hide, destructive pests can chomp on the plants and soak up the moisture there as an available water source.
To combat this, clear out debris from the area, including dead leaves, twigs, branches, seasonal flowers, and any other organic clutter. Pro tip: prune stems, leaves, and even branches to make sure the debris pile doesn’t regrow. We also recommend removing bird feeders from your property in fall and winter.
Keep Mulch Thickness at 2-3” to Discourage Garden Pests
Mulch is good for your yard; the fresher you get it, the better it is. On the downside, bugs and other small pests also thrive in the mulch. Keep your mulch around 2 to 3 inches thick at most to limit bugs’ lives and even take a proactive step against plant diseases.
Mow Your Lawn (Even if You Have to Wear A Jacket!)
Your lawn may slow its growth, but it won’t stop growing until the frost hits. Even if you have trick-or-treaters stopping by, make sure to keep the lawn nice and trim — bugs like the longer grass blades for shelter and food. Longer blades can also lead to mold growth over the winter. Keep your lawn at about 1.5” as much as possible.
Consider A Pest Control Specialist
Professional pest control will help keep your yard safe this fall and into next season. Pest control in your yard is a yearlong challenge to keep the bad bugs away. Pests will be trying anything they can to stay alive, including moving into your home. Contact the experts to stop the invasion before it begins, and take pride in a beautiful lawn all year long.
Get Professional Help from Pest Control & Lawn Care Experts
Here at Independent Lawn Service™, we provide full lawn and yard care for residential and commercial customers. To learn more about our pest control options, click here or give us a call today at (734) 887-1081 to schedule your next service.
