Just as humans can be infested with bugs, so can our yards. And these bugs can undermine a beautiful lawn. Don’t think that if your yard looks buggy, it shouldn’t be. Instead, think of bugs as signs of a healthy yard.
How to get rid of lawn bugs naturally? It’s easier than you think, thanks to the fantastic array of bug-destroying natural products available. Here’s what you should do.
Knowing the Types of Lawn Bugs
Lawn bugs come in all shapes and sizes. Different types of lawn bugs can play a significant role in the health and maintenance of your lawn. Knowing the kind of lawn bug you’re trying to eliminate is the first step in determining the most effective natural solution. Common lawn bugs include the following:
Aphids
Aphids can be pesky lawn pests that can be difficult to get rid of and eliminate once they’ve infested your front yard. It’s essential to regularly fertilize and water your lawn to promote the growth of beneficial organisms. Companion planting and adding useful flowers and plants to your property can also be helpful.
Planting herbs like oregano, coriander, garlic, and hot peppers may also be advantageous, as aphids don’t enjoy the smell. Lastly, you can spray a homemade mixture of garlic pepper tea on your plants to deter and repel the aphids from your lawn.
Beetles
Beetles can be one of the most damaging pests in lawn care. Install a few raised garden beds, some shallow bowls of water and sand, and source some native plants.
If none of these methods prove effective, you can encourage the population of other beasties that naturally prey on the beetles. Introduce some nematodes or predatory insects that will keep the beetle infestation minimal.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs can be difficult to control, but natural pest control methods can be used to eliminate them. Reducing the amount of thatch in the lawn is essential since chinch bugs thrive in warm, dry conditions, and thatch provides an ideal climate for them. Be sure to mow your yard with a higher blade setting to discourage chinch bugs from infesting.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are a type of lawn bug that can be difficult to eliminate. Spread diatomaceous earth around the ant mounds in your lawn. This powdery substance comprises microscopic fossils that can cut the protective coating of the ants, leading to dehydration.
You can pour boiling water directly over the ant mounds in your lawn. This will disrupt the tunnels and act as a scalding treatment for the ants. The mixture is a natural insecticide that kills fire ants while being safe for other insects, plants, and animals.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are a common type of lawn bug and can be difficult to eliminate. They burrow, are challenging to find, and have an unpleasant smell when disturbed. The best way to get rid of mole crickets is to apply insecticides such as pyrethrin or spinosad.
The Natural Remedies
Getting rid of lawn bugs doesn’t have to involve harsh and damaging chemical treatments. There are natural remedies that are just as effective and much safer for you, your family, and your pet.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent solution for naturally removing lawn insects. Mix five drops of tea tree oil into one cup of water and put it into a spray bottle. Shake and spray the tea tree oil solution on the lawn.
The tea tree oil will work as a natural pesticide and insecticide, killing lawn bugs without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, tea tree oil will naturally disinfect the lawn and reduce the chances of further infection by other bugs.
To help keep your lawn bug free, repeat the tea tree oil spraying every 2-3 weeks or after a rain event to ensure complete coverage. Regularly inspect the lawn for any signs of bugs and re-spray the areas if necessary. By following this routine and utilizing the natural benefits of tea tree oil, you can get rid of lawn bugs quickly and naturally.
Soapy Water
All you need is some liquid dish soap and water. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of dish soap in one gallon of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture onto the lawn.
The soap acts as an insecticide and smothers the bugs, killing them off. The mixture should be reapplied weekly to ensure it is effective, especially after lawn mowing. Soapy water is non-toxic and safe for plants, so there is no risk of damaging your property or other vegetation if done correctly.
Cooking Oil
Mix one cup of cooking oil with one tablespoon of liquid dish soap to make your insecticide. Store the mixture in a spray bottle and spray the mixture directly onto the bugs or the grass. This approach effectively kills ant beds, white grubs, and other pests.
It’s also effective on flea beetles, caterpillars, and aphids. The cooking oil will smother the bugs, while the dish soap’s detergent properties make breathing difficult and eventually kill them. Cover the entire affected area with the mixture to guarantee success.
Compost Tea
To make it, combine two tablespoons of compost or aged manure with 4 liters of water and let it steep for a few days. Then remove any sediment and strain the tea into a spray bottle.
Finally, liberally spray it on your lawn. Compost tea kills the bugs and adds beneficial nutrients to the soil. It also increases microbial activity in the ground, which can help accelerate the decomposition of organic matter. The tea helps to strengthen grassroots, improve plant health and provide a lasting defense against recurring infestations of lawn bugs.
Citronella Oil
Mix the oil with water to eliminate lawn bugs with citronella oil, and apply the mixture to your lawn. To ensure the oil mixture stays intact, it must be reapplied every two weeks or after each rain.
You can also set out citronella candles or tiki torches to keep pests away. The candles will emit the scent of citronella, which is unpleasant to most bugs, thus helping to keep them away from your lawn. Combining the citronella candles with the oil mixture is recommended to ensure an effective repulsion of the bugs further.
Team Up with Beneficial Bugs
Teaming up with beneficial bugs is a great way to get rid of lawn bugs naturally. Beneficial bugs will eliminate many kinds of damaging garden pests.
To properly use beneficial bugs, release them early at the first signs of pest damage. Favorable habitats for the beneficiaries must also be provided, such as plant and weed cover and direct access to water and nectar sources.
Good garden maintenance is also essential for natural pest management, including removing debris and weeds, proper watering, and avoiding excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Doing so will make the garden more resilient and improve beneficial bug populations.
Lawn Maintenance
Start by inspecting your lawn for any harmful bug infestations. Identifying the root cause of your pest problem is the key to finding the most effective solution. Once you are aware, create a treatment plan focusing on organic methods to deter and eliminate the bugs.
Some natural solutions include keeping your grass cut low, keeping your soil aerated, using mulch and straw to cover the ground, and introducing helpful predatory insects. Following these steps will help you get rid of lawn bugs naturally and maintain a healthy lawn.
Choose the Best Variety of All – Artificial Grass
Choosing the best variety of artificial grass is very important for ensuring the longevity and quality of the grass. Artificial grass does not need to be treated with any chemicals and will not release toxins or attract bugs to your lawn. Artificial grass is also incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Additionally, artificial grass does not require any fertilizers, which can sometimes be a source of attracting pests. When selecting the best artificial grass for your property, consider the grass’s material, grade, and color.
While it may be more expensive upfront, the long-lasting quality of the grass will save you money in the long run. With an artificial lawn, you won’t have to worry about pesky bugs taking over or your grass dying due to drought.
Hire a Pest Control
If your efforts do not produce the desired results, it may be wise to consider hiring a pest control expert. Pest control in Ft Myers can inspect the lawn and environment, identify the pest, and advise on the most effective treatment.
The pest control operator may also recommend using natural processes such as introducing predators or applying natural cavities and foliar sprays. However, it’s essential to pay attention to the safety of the environment and natural resources when using pesticides.
Follow This Guide on How to Get Rid of Lawn Bugs Naturally
It is essential to know this guide on how to get rid of lawn bugs naturally. Keeping your lawn healthy is the best way to keep lawn bugs away. Maintaining the soil, mowing to the correct height, and planting shady trees can all help to keep bugs away naturally.
If none of these work for you, consider using an organic bug spray to get rid of insects safely and effectively. Try these ideas today and watch your lawn be transformed!
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