As we move into the hottest parts of the year around Utah, certain yard insects tend to become more common and can potentially even create problems for your lawn or garden. These include grasshoppers, wasps and a few other examples – how can you repel these insects, or get rid of them if they’re already present?
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to assist clients around Logan and northern Utah with all their pest control and lawn care services alike, including scenarios where these two areas overlap such as this. Here are some basic tips on controlling grasshoppers, wasps and other yard insects during the summer period.
Grasshoppers
While some people think of grasshoppers as relatively harmless insects, and it’s true that they don’t cause any problems for humans, these insects can be incredibly damaging to a garden or yard area. Grasshoppers can eat almost 16 times their body weight in a single day, and they are known to devour plants and grasses by the dozens. They also lay their eggs in the soil, which can lead to even more grasshopper infestations in the future.
To control grasshoppers in your yard, there are a few different methods you can try:
- General lawn and garden care: From a prevention standpoint, a few areas of general lawn and garden care will help avoid grasshopper issues altogether. Tilling soil, for instance, will help avoid grasshopper eggs hatching in your yard. Additionally, keeping your lawn and garden well-watered can help prevent grasshoppers from taking over as they prefer dry conditions.
- Natural predators: Many animals consider grasshoppers to be a tasty treat, so encouraging natural predators to visit your yard can help control the population. Birds, lizards, frogs, and spiders are all known to enjoy feasting on grasshoppers.
- Cedar granules: One product that can be effective for grasshoppers and several other yard insects is cedar granules. Not only do they repel grasshoppers, but they also help deter other pests like ants and fleas.
- Insecticides: If you’re dealing with a large infestation of grasshoppers and other methods aren’t effective enough, insecticides can be used as a last resort. However, it’s important to use them sparingly and carefully as they can also harm beneficial insects in your yard.
Wasps
Wasps, on the other hand, are a common nuisance in many yards and can be a cause of fear for some people due to their painful stings. Like with grasshoppers, there are a few things you can do to prevent or remove them from causing issues in your yard:
- Trash, food and outdoor care: Wasps are attracted to trash and food, so it’s important to keep your yard clean and tidy. Make sure to dispose of any trash properly and keep outdoor dining areas clean.
- Seal entry points: Similar to bees, wasps can find their way into your home through small cracks and crevices. Seal these entry points to prevent them from entering your home.
- Look for nests early in the season: During the early spring, wasps begin building their nests. Be on the lookout for these nests and remove them as soon as possible to prevent a larger infestation.
- Natural repellents: Certain plants such as mint, lemongrass, and citronella can act as natural repellents for wasps. Planting these around your yard can help deter them from coming too close.
- Traps: There are various types of traps available for wasps, from DIY ones made with a plastic bottle and sweet bait to commercial traps designed specifically for wasps. Place these in areas where you frequently see wasps to catch them before they enter your home.
- Professional assistance: If you have a severe wasp problem or are allergic to their stings, it’s best to seek professional assistance from an exterminator. They will have the necessary tools and techniques to safely remove wasps from your yard.
Other Yard Insects
There are several other insects that can cause issues in your yard, from beetles to moths, ants to spiders. Here are some tips for dealing with common yard insects:
- Yard maintenance: In many cases, yard insects can be avoided by simply keeping your yard well-maintained. This includes regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and shrubs, and removing any standing water or debris that may serve as breeding grounds.
- Natural repellents: There are several natural remedies that can help keep insects away from your yard. These include planting insect-repelling plants like citronella, using essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus, and creating homemade sprays with ingredients like garlic or vinegar.
- Beneficial insects: Not all insects are harmful to your yard. Some beneficial bugs can actually help control pest populations. Ladybugs eat aphids, while praying mantises prey on a variety of other pests. Consider introducing these to your yard.
- Cedar granules: As we noted above in our section on grasshoppers, cedar granules can be an effective natural repellent. Place them around the perimeter of your yard to keep pests at bay.
- Physical barriers: Sometimes the best way to protect your plants is by using physical barriers. This could include placing netting over berry bushes to keep birds away, or building a fence around your garden to discourage larger animals like deer from entering.
With the right basic approaches, you can avoid insect and pest issues in your yard throughout the summer. For more here, or to learn about any of our lawn care services or pest control solutions around Logan, speak to our team at Logan Extermination today.
