Every homeowner wants a healthy, green lawn, but it can be challenging to keep it that way with all the pesky insects and critters that want to make their home in your yard. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common bugs and pests in Wisconsin yards, what they look like, where they do to lawns, and how to control them. For more information, look for a professional pest control company near you.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a shiny, metallic green color and about ½ inch long. They chew on leaves, flowers, and fruit, leaving skeletonized areas behind. One or two Japanese beetles aren’t a problem, but when they start to congregate in groups, they can do serious damage to your lawn. To control them, you can use a systemic insecticide, or handpick them off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
Mosquitoes
We all know what mosquitoes look like – small, buzzing insects with long, thin legs. Not only are they annoying, but they can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika. To control mosquitoes, eliminate any standing water in your yard, as this is where they breed. You can also use mosquito repellent sprays and citronella candles around your outdoor seating areas.
Grubs
Grubs are the larvae of beetles, such as Japanese beetles and May/June beetles. They are white, C-shaped, and about an inch long. Grubs feed on grass roots, causing brown patches in your lawn. Milky Spore disease is a natural way to control grubs, or you can use a chemical insecticide. You can also try to encourage natural predators, like birds and beneficial nematodes.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are large, black or brown, and about ½ inch to 1 inch long. They burrow into wood, leaving sawdust and wood chips behind. If you see piles of these, or hear rustling sounds inside walls, you may have a carpenter ant problem. To control them, locate the nest and spray a pesticide directly into it. You can also seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation to prevent them from entering.
Ticks
Ticks are small, arachnid creatures that attach themselves to humans and animals to feed on their blood. They can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To control ticks, avoid tall grass and wooded areas, keep your pets treated with flea and tick medication, and use insect repellent when you’re outdoors. You can also create a barrier of wood chips or other mulch around your yard to discourage them from crossing over.
Conclusion
No one wants to deal with bugs and pests in their yard, but with a little know-how, you can keep their numbers down and enjoy a healthy lawn. Use these tips to identify and control the most common pests in Wisconsin, and you’ll be well on your way to a bug-free summer.
