Most of us associate pests with the creepy crawlies inside our homes. However, they also love to hide in our backyard as well.
They may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage to your garden. Not to mention that if they start off outside, there is a good chance they will also make it into your house.
Below we are going to take a look at five common backyard pests and offer some tips to help you get rid of them.
Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.
Snails
While seeing a few snails in your garden is no cause for concern, especially after rain, a large infestation can be a problem. These slimy creatures look for shade and food, such as vegetables and herbs.
Luckily there are quite a few options that can help you eliminate them. Some of which include:
– Bait
– Repellents
– Traps
– Introducing predators (Turkeys, frogs, birds)
– Pesticides
What you choose will depend on your personal situation, so do your research before making a decision. Some pesticides and repellents may be harmful to pets, so it’s important to be careful.
Squirrels
Squirrels might seem cute and cuddly, but they can definitely be labeled as a pest. Outdoors they can damage electrical and telephone lines, chew holes, and even make their way into your attic to escape the winter cold.
If you want to know more about how to remove them from your property, check out how to get rid of squirrels in yard for more information. There are a couple of different solutions that should be of assistance.
Birds
Not everyone wants to get rid of birds as they can be a pretty addition to your garden. However, they can carry diseases through their droppings, eat your fruits and vegetables and even cause structural damage.
If you find their presence becoming a nuisance, you may want to divert them from your yard. A few ways you can do this include:
– Hanging shiny objects such as CDs.
– Putting fake predators in your garden.
– Installing colorful garden balls.
– Placing bird spikes on overhangs.
You can find more solutions here.
Aphids
Aphids are a type of sap-sucking insect. They multiply quickly and can spread viral diseases between your crops. If you’ve noticed these small bugs, it’s essential to act quickly so that your garden remains beautiful.
A few aphids can be taken care of by hosing them down with water. However, it might also be worth using a pesticide or homemade aphid spray.
Caterpillars
Lastly, caterpillars are another pest that can cause some of the most extensive damage to your garden. This is because they are voracious feeders, chewing through the leaves of almost anything.
If you’ve noticed holes, one of the best ways to prevent the infestation from getting worse is to net your plants. You might also think of introducing beneficial insects that will prey on them without harming your garden.
Final Words
As you can see, there are quite a few pests that can be present in your backyard. By being vigilant and eliminating them quickly, you can enjoy a beautiful home, inside and out.
