Monday, April 15, 2024
HomeBackyardHow To Get Rid Of Bugs In Backyard

How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Backyard

Invite Birds Into Your Yard

Get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs

Birds are also a great help when it comes to decreasing your yards insect population, and theyre a lot less intimidating than bats. To encourage more birds to visit your yard, put out a bird feeder or a birdhouse. You might even put out a birdbath, but remember to change the water frequently so as not to attract mosquitoes.

Safe Effective And Simple Pest Control At Its Very Best

The more we discover about synthetic pesticides, herbicides and insecticides the more we learn how unhealthy they are for the environment and the people and animals that live in it. Pesticides can create more problems than they solve.

Spraying garden chemicals to get rid of bugs and weeds not only cause health risks, they often arent even that effective. Initially, they will kill off a lot of pests, but eventually these pests can develop resistance to the pesticide and come back even stronger. Another problem is the side effects many synthetic pesticides can have on unintended targets .

The best plan is to avoid the need to use pest control in the first place by starting with healthy fertile soil, matching your plants to the soil type, ensuring proper sunlight levels and watering conditions, and using appropriate organic fertilization and pruning, when necessary. But, if that doesnt work there are many alternatives to chemical pesticides that can reduce pests while leaving a healthy environment for your plants, pets and family.


Keep Your Yard Trimmed Mowed And Tidy

Pull out that lawnmower regularly and keep your garden shears sharpened.

“Ticks like to hide in tall grass and wait for a passing human or animal, while bushes or tree limbs touching the home can provide easy access for pests to get indoors,” says Campbell.

Plus having a tidy yard makes for good curb appeal.

You May Like: How To Make A Flagstone Patio

S To Reduce Pests At Outdoor Festivities This Summer

June marks the start of summer and for many that means increased time spent outdoors with family and friends. From hiking, biking and swimming to more leisurely afternoons spent lounging in the backyard, homeowners across the country get outside to enjoy the warm weather on weekends, holidays and vacations throughout the summer months. If your summer is filled with outdoor activities, youre joined by 85 percent of consumers who profess their love for picnics and barbecues during the summer. Something many forget, however, is that in addition to preparing to host neighbors and friends, youll need to also expect to face unexpected guests in the form of summer pests like ants, flies and stinging insects.


Many of these pests are more prevalent during the summer, and therefore more likely to show up during outside gatherings and parties. Ants, yellowjackets and flies are attracted to typical barbecue fare, and mosquitoes are especially active at dusk, when most people head outside to fire up the grill. Not only can each of those pests become a nuisance for homeowners, but they also pose significant health risks to you and your guests. Ants can contaminate food and house flies have been known to carry more than 100 different kinds of disease-carrying germs. Mosquitoes can leave behind much more than just an itchy red bite, and are known to carry diseases like West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and dengue fever.

  • Keep garbage containers sealed and away from guests.
  • Knock Off Larger Insects Into A Bucket Of Soapy Water

    Effective Stink Bug Home Remedies For Home and Yard
  • You can deter caterpillars and larger insects by picking them off plants. Walk through your yard with a bucket of soapy water in-hand. If you see any large critters on your plants, knock them into the soapy bucket. Since the water has soap in it, they wont be able to swim, and theyll drown fairly quickly.XResearch source
  • This works well if you only have a few large bugs munching on your plants. However, its a little too labor intensive for large infestations.
  • You May Like: How To Build A Patio Bench

    Natural Insecticides: How To Get Rid Of Lawn Gnats

    Several types of plant-based sprays can kill flying bugs in your yard. One popular choice is neem oil, which comes from the seeds of a tropical tree and can destroy the bodies of insects by interfering with their hormones and other chemical processes.

    Other natural insecticides include:

    • Nicotine sulfate: Believe it or not, this is the active ingredient in some insecticide sprays. Nicotine sulfate works by killing cells and attacking the nervous system. It kills aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, cabbage worms, and other insects.
    • Garlic: This common kitchen spice contains a chemical that kills insects by destroying cells in the body. Garlic is an effective way to kill aphids, Japanese beetle grubs, cabbage worms, leaf miners, and other flying bugs.
    • Horticultural oils: These are plant-based oils that kill insects by suffocating them. They work by coating the bodies of the insects and preventing them from breathing.
    • Sawdust: This is made of wood and used as a natural pesticide. Sawdust works by smothering flying bugs by covering them with wood fiber and preventing them from breathing.

    What does gypsum do to soil


    Make Peppermint Cotton Balls

    To keep fleas away from your guests, place a few drops of peppermint oil on some cotton balls and place them around the border of your entertaining areas and seating areas.

    There are plenty of other pests that also do not like peppermint â like spiders â so this one can help drive away an array of unwanted guests.

    Recommended Reading: How Much Money Can You Make Mowing Lawns

    Citronella Is A Bug Good Repellent

    Using citronella as a bug repellent is an affordable and easy-to-use option. However, these candles arent as powerful as insecticides or bug zappers, they are one of the best options to fit seamlessly with your outdoor decor.

    Citronella candles are available in many different sizes and styles. You can buy a large pack of citronella tea light candles. This makes the citronella spread more in the atmosphere.


    You can also stock your outdoor space with citronella plants. Citronella plants can be placed in pots or inside your patio.

    How To Get Rid Of Flying Bugs In Your Yard

    How to get rid of bugs in your yard

    A swarm of flying insects in your yard can be a big nuisance. Flies, wasps, gnats, and other bugs can make it difficult to enjoy the cool atmosphere on your yard. It is essential to take the time to understand what you are dealing with when you have this problem.

    These pesky bugs not only produce an annoying buzz but also carry diseases that can affect your health. Fortunately, there are many ways you can eliminate these pests in your yard.

    Here are some tips on how to get rid of flying bugs in your yard for good. Lets dive right in.

    Contents


    You May Like: Are Pergolas Good For Shade

    Remove Clutter From Your Yard And Garden

  • Piles of wood and debris make perfect homes for insects. Go through your yard and clear out any large piles of garbage or wood if you can. Things like magazines, cardboard, and newspapers are perfect homes for bugs, so be sure to throw those away first. If you need to stack firewood outside, keep it far away from your home or your deck so that the insects dont bother you.XTrustworthy SourceUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practicesGo to source
  • Insects like termites, spiders, and beetles often live in large piles of clutter outside.
  • Lawn Bugs And How To Get Rid Of Them

    Its important to learn about all the different pests and lawn bugs that can invade and damage your lawn. Its equally important to arm yourself with a plan for treating it and ensuring your grass stays healthy and gorgeous all year long. When its thick, beautiful, healthy and green, your lawn can be an inviting part of your landscape, and the first impression people get when visiting or driving by. However, if your lawn is brown and struggling to survive because of pest invasion, it doesnt take long for it to lose the appeal it once had.

    Lets start by identifying all the common lawn bugs found in grass and learn the damage they can cause. The best method for controlling lawn pests is to know exactly which bug youre dealing with, knowing its life cycle, and treating the problem correctly and promptly.

    Look for the common signs. Youll know that the lawn bugs have invaded when your grass has brown spots, dying patches, blades that wilt, blades with bite marks, and of course, visible insects crawling or flying in the turf layer. If you notice holes in the turf or can see very short roots, it is an indication that the pest is underground.

    Summit Turf Services lawn bugs


    Recommended Reading: How To Restore Patio Furniture

    By Step Guide: How To Get Rid Of Flying Bugs In Your Yard

    Like other life forms, flying bugs need heat, water and food to survive. And your house yard is the best place to find that. Therefore, the best way to eradicate the threat is to eliminate their means of survival, such as standing water and garbage.

    Another method is to contaminate their natural habitat with harmless products for plants, humans and animals. In this step-by-step guide, youll learn what to do to eliminate every type of flying bug common in house yards.

    So lets go to see steps of how to get rid of flying bugs in your yard

    Invest In A Ceiling Fan Or Portable Fans

    How to Get Rid of Furniture Beetles (Woodworms)

    Investing in an outdoor ceiling fan or a few oscillating fans can make a big difference when it comes to keeping bugs away from your party.


    Fans can be particularly helpful in warding off flies and mosquitoes, neither of which are fans of strong winds.

    This is a super-simple fix that can even be accomplished at the last minute by stopping by your local home improvement store to grab a couple of portable fans.

    Of course, this works best on warmer nights, since your guests may not appreciate a cool breeze when it is cold outside.

    Recommended Reading: Best Stone For Fire Pit

    Bugs On Or Around The Patio

    If you have a patio, then this is most likely your prime hang-out spot and you dont want any pests ruining that time. Thats why you likely want to know how to keep bugs away from the patio.Treating your lawn for pests as well as any landscaping material around your patio will be your best defense against bugs that want to join you for your outdoor dinner or your relaxation time.Perimeter Pest Control, which will help to drastically reduce the number of pests that can enter your home, will also make a difference in keeping bugs away from the patio.

    Improve Your Yard & Eliminate Bugs Just In Time For Your 4th Of July Party

    The 4th of July is almost here, so you know what that means: its time for backyard parties!

    Homeowners everywhere are planning their 4th of July parties. Are you one of them? If you are, you may be overwhelmed just thinking about what still needs to be done. After all, you want the ultimate 4th of July party, right?

    Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your yard in time for your party, and they can even help prevent bugs in your yard thats right, it is possible to have a pest-free 4th of July party!

    Impress your neighbors and your guests, and pay homage to this country properly with just a few fun projects!

  • Update your deck. Your deck is a hot spot for termites, ants, bees, and other pesky pests. Seal it with a new protective coat of paint to help protect it. Its also important to trim plants away from your deck and remove any standing water nearby in order to eliminate hiding places and breeding grounds for pests. Your deck has likely been subjected to cold temperatures, leaves, and maybe even ice and snow. Check for splintered or warped boards and remove all debris from cracks between boards. Also, use this time to update your deck and give it a fresh new look!
  • To add an extra layer of security, we offer one-time mosquito treatments. Well come two days before your party and take care of those pesky mosquitoes so you dont have to worry.
  • Receive monthly tips to keep your home pest-free.

    Also Check: How To Stain Concrete Patio

    Get Physical With A Patio Enclosure

    You can physically keep bugs out of your patio paradise with a patio enclosure. These are typically built with a mesh screen that blocks bugs while still allowing sunshine or moonlight and a cool breeze to flow through.

    This pop-up gazebo is the perfect portable option for those who dont want to commit to a constructed enclosure in the backyard. For something more permanent, this aluminum patio enclosure features sliding windows and doors for easy access to the rest of your outdoor space.

    For something more custom, work with a contractor or even consider the DIY route in building a patio screen enclosure for your backyard. Fiberglass screening like this one keeps bugs and mosquitoes out and can be installed on your own.

    Plant Herbs That Are Natural Pest Deterrents

    How to get rid of those backyard bugs
  • Bugs tend to stay away from some plants because of their smell. If you have any extra space, consider planting a natural repellent, like tulsi, lavender, marigolds, lemon balm, lemongrass, citronella, catnip, basil, garlic, peppermint, rosemary, pennyroyal, geraniums, or sage. Position these around the perimeter of your yard so that pests are less likely to fly in.XResearch source
  • This is a great way to repel mosquitoes.
  • Don’t Miss: What Is The Difference Between Patio Gas And Butane

    How Do You Get Rid Of Swarms Of Gnats

    Allow the lawn and garden beds to dry more thoroughly between waterings. Hang gnat traps in areas you notice gnat swarms and change the fly paper frequently. Electric or flame torches can help repel gnats and other insects from your outdoor spaces. Use outdoor gnat spray or DIY gnat spray on plants that attract gnats.

    Does Vinegar Keep Bugs Away

    Acetic acid makes vinegar an excellent tool for pest control, repelling some of the most common backyard nuisances and even killing weaker insects. Its most effective against ants, spiders, and mosquitos. You can keep spiders from entering your home by spraying vinegar around your propertys perimeter and entryways.

    Read Also: How To Secure Patio Doors

    Monitor Your Progress And Take Further Steps If Necessary

    It is important to monitor your progress in getting rid of bugs in the backyard. You may need to take further steps if you have not seen any changes.

    You can do this by monitoring the number of bugs in your backyard. If you have not seen any changes, you may need to consider using different methods or products.

    You can also hire a professional to remove bugs from your backyard. This may be the last option if you are not seeing any results.

    Types Of Good Bugs In Your Backyard

    How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Backyard

    Now that you know all the benefits that good bugs have to offer, youll need to know who these bugs are and what roles they play in pest control. Here are some common good backyard bugs to have around:

    • Ladybugs: If you see a ladybug in your garden, rejoice! Ladybugs are great predatory bugs. They feast on harmful aphids and mites that will otherwise gorge on your herbs and flowers. Ladybugs also help destroy pest life cycles by eating both mature insects and their eggs. Everyone can recognize an adult ladybug, but the young ones are perhaps less known. Baby ladybugs are black with orange and yellow spots, so be sure to keep these alive.
    • Lacewings: Lacewings dont harm plants because they feed on nectar. Additionally, when lacewing eggs hatch, the larvae feed voraciously on tiny pests and their eggs. You can recognize adult lacewings by their fine green and brown wings.
    • Praying mantises: As natural predators, praying mantises are vital to natural pest control. Praying mantises eat larvae specifically. This is important because larvae eat plant leaves to promote their own growth. When it comes to stopping pests life cycles, praying mantises are a must-have inhabitant of your backyard.
    • Hover flies: Hover flies are small, fast-moving flies that can easily be mistaken for tiny bees. Theyre yellow and black striped flies that pollinate flowers. Their larvae are pale green or brown and can eat hundreds of pests.

    Also Check: Gazebo Screened In Porch

    Swarm Of Flying Insects In Yard

    If you come across a swarm of flying insects in your yard, you will want to identify what kind of flying bug you are dealing with. To do this, you must know what kinds of insects are common in your area.

    In the United States, there are over 91,000 different types of flying bugs that vary by location and season. If you are dealing with a swarm of flying bugs in your yard and want to get rid of them naturally, knowing the flying insect you have is very important.

    Some types of flying insects are beneficial and naturally repel other bugs, while others can carry disease or destroy precious objects in your yards, such as plants or crops.

    Study their behavior and appearance. How do they move? How big are they? How many legs do they have? How vast is their body? How long are their antennae, if any? How long are their legs compared to the size of their body? How does it move its wings slowly or fast?

    This may seem a lot, but if you can correctly identify a swarm of flying bugs in your yard, you will know what kind of treatment they need and can decide on the best way to get rid of them.


    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular