Insect activity is a serious problem for Leyland Cyprus trees, according to Columbus pest control experts. Because this tree is a conifer and not a deciduous tree, it makes it an uninviting host for most insects. However, it is not altogether out of harm’s way when it comes to insects. Bagworms and spider mites are two of the most menacing bugs. Their presence can cause discoloration, defoliation and sometimes even death if they are left untreated and allowed to continually feed and breed on and within the Leyland Cypruss.

Bagworms are a real problem because with each generation, the infestation becomes larger and larger. A female bagworm lays between 500 and 1,000 eggs before she dies. When the bagworm larvae emerge, they either remain on the host tree or they will spin a silken thread and “fly” to a nearby tree or plant. Because of their ability to transfer to other plants, bagworms not only pose a threat to the Leyland Cyprus, but to all nearby trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, only a few generations of bagworms can annihilate an entire landscape. While the larvae cocoon in the bags they create, they feed on the surface of the leaves, stripping the leaf of its epidermis, or the skin of the leaf.

As they develop into caterpillars, entire branches of the Leyland Cyprus can become completely defoliated. Pest control experts say it is easier to control bagworm infestations by manually removing the bags they form in the early spring or fall before the larvae have hatched. However, if the Leyland Cyprus is too large for this to take place, the tree can be sprayed with an effective insecticide to eliminate current populations. If the bagworms have already hatched, they are more difficult to control with sprays, which makes preventative care so important.

Call your local Columbus pest control authority for more information on protecting the Leyland Cyprus from bagworms.

Ants can be a frustrating problem when it comes to them invading your home. Ants can smell food from many miles away, so if there are any crumbs, food left out or spills, ants will find a way into your home to clean up after you. You can always rely on baits, but if you have children or pets in the home, here are a few natural remedies that are effective but safe for the entire household.

Grits. Yep, that’s right. Use more food to get rid of ants by using quick grits. The end result for the ants isn’t pleasant, as the grits expand in their stomachs and cause the ants to die. You can sprinkle the grits in any area where you have notice ants and voila! They will be gone.

Boric acid. Boric acid can is effective, but Columbus pest control specialists warn that you should be careful not to inhale the fumes from the acid as it can cause breathing problems. The toxicity is low to humans, but if you have asthma or other breathing complications, you may want to try one of the other methods. Janitorial experts recommend mixing two parts of something sweet with one part boric acid.

Lemons. Make a concoction of half lemon juice and half water in a spray bottle. Spray around areas where ants frequent, and as well as areas where they may gain entrance to your home such as windows, doors, etc.

Spices. Pest control experts say there are a wide variety of spices that can be used to eliminate ants; however, you have to strategically make a line of the spice that will make it hard for the ants to travel around. Peppermint oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cinnamon can all be used to get rid of your ant problem.

Pest control authorities say all these remedies will be effective, but the best way to keep ants out is by cleaning up crumbs and spills as soon as possible and not leaving food out.

Many homeowners may not be aware that there are effective Columbus pest control methods for garter snakes. Even better, there are some humane ways to eliminate garter snakes without having to kill them.

Garter snakes are the most commonly found garden snake that homeowners and landscapers encounter. They are abundant in all areas and climates from Central American to Canada. Most Columbus pest control experts will tell you that having a garter snake around isn’t necessarily a bad thing; you may have to make a decision of which is the greater evil: snakes or rodents? Garter snakes are not poisonous and only pose a real threat to mice, rats, voles, crickets, slugs, snails and other snakes which may be poisonous. However, if you have pets or children to worry about, there are some methods you can use to get rid of these slithering serpents.

Your local Columbus pest control company can capture and remove garter snakes with glue boards. Although the snake will be stuck, it won’t be harmed. A simple dose of vegetable oil will free the snake again. There are also a few ways you can try to prevent snakes, the most effective being your mowing habits. Pest control experts recommend keeping your grass short. Tall grass makes a perfect spot for garter snakes to lay in waiting for their next meal. You may also want to keep wood piles and other yard debris such as leaves as far away from your home as possible, as these are also favored hiding spots for snakes.

Another solution is eliminating the food source. Your local Columbus pest control company can help you eliminate rodents and other bugs that attract snakes. If there isn’t anything for them to eat, they will happily move on to another area where food is more abundant.

For all of your garter snake and rodent problems, call your local Columbus pest control company.

Lawn care involves many steps, but perhaps none is as important as proper hydration. After all, a Columbus lawn cannot grow without water. Adequately hydrating your Columbus lawn is not an exact science, but it is close. The best plan is to install a sprinkler system that ensures your Columbus lawn is watered every day at the same time. Sprinkler systems with a timer are even more ideal, but you still have several options there. Lawn care specialists highly recommend pulsating sprinklers for the best results.

Pulsating sprinkler systems spray water into the air and allow the water to fall back down to the ground in a fine mist. There are five different types of pulsating sprinklers: impulse, traveling, stationary, oscillating and rotary. Impulse sprinklers are the top choice of Columbus lawn care professionals who need to water a larger area such as an entire landscape or vast Columbus lawn.

It is important to know if you have high or low water pressure, as that also factors in to which type of pulsating sprinkler you choose for your Columbus lawn care needs. If you have low water pressure, an H-base is a better choice than a spike-based sprinkler which is better suited for high pressure.

Pulsating sprinklers have the benefit of being designed with gusty winds in mind, as well as low-hanging trees or tall shrubs. The height of the water spray can be adjusted accordingly and since the water is typically sprayed close to the ground, its spray is unaffected by the wind.

If you think a pulsating sprinkler may be beneficial to your Columbus lawn, contact your local Columbus lawn care company. Many Columbus lawn care providers also install irrigation systems, especially since proper hydration makes their job that much easier!

Mowing might seem like the simplest of lawn care tasks, but it is actually quite important to know how to properly mow your lawn to ensure the best results. Over-mowing or mowing at the wrong times or height can have detrimental effects on your lawn. Here are some lawn care tips on proper mowing procedures.

Most lawns are dormant during the winter months, so once spring rolls around, it is time to drag the mower out and get back into the routine. But when you should begin mowing? Lawn care technicians recommend keeping the mower stored away until the ground is thoroughly thawed. Once the ground is soft, that means that grass is growing and mowing it will not cause any damage to the crowns or the shoots.

Most people know that allowing the excess clippings to remain on the lawn is beneficial because as the clippings deteriorate, they become natural fertilizer for the soil below. However, for the first few cuts, attach the bag and gather the clippings. Allow your lawn to grow and breathe without the weight of clippings on top of it.

Lawn care professionals recommend mowing your lawn at a slightly shorter height than you may typically have your mower set. If you normally mow at three inches, take it down to two. This will allow your lawn better stimulation to get the season started off right.

If you have any questions about spring mowing, contact your local lawn care professionals.

Pest control professionals often find that when they’re called out to a job where the homeowner is complaining of excess bugs, the simple is actually quite simple: be mindful of your garbage can.

Even if your garbage can in under a sink or somewhere else that isn’t out in the open, bugs can find a way in because the odors are still being emitted. Pest control experts recommend never throwing any organic material into the waste bin. If you are not able to dispose of the material outside, place the food in a sealable plastic bag (such as a freezer bag) and then dispose of it. Even better, you can place these materials in a plastic bag and add them to your compost pile later on. If you choose this option, however, make sure your compost pile is far away from your home and cover the food scraps with leaves or dirt to prevent attracting unwanted animals.

Make sure you change your garbage bag often. Do not simply empty the contents and leave the bag inside the can. Replace the bag with a new one that will not have food particles on it that will further attract bugs.

Pest control experts also recommend cleaning out your garbage can with bleach from time to time. If the bag has leaked or a piece of food missed the bag and went down the side, the odors are still present and can send out an inviting signal to Columbus pests.

Pest control against bugs can be as simple as making that extra effort to be choosy about what garbage goes into your garbage can.

As the cooler temperatures arrive and you’ll soon be exchanging your leaf rake for snow shovel, consider a few simple leaf raking tips that will help winterize your Columbus lawn while increasing your chances for a better spring green-up.

How well you maintain the leaves in your Columbus lawn is a large indicator for how healthy and prepared your Columbus lawn will be for next season. When neglected, leaves can suffocate and rob turf of sunlight, water and other essential nutrients. For every leaf that lies on top of your turf, multiple blades of grass beneath it run the risk of browning or even worse, developing patches of mold or fungus depending on how low temperatures drop in your area.

Depending on your yard, raking once a week should be sufficient in at least warding off fungus and disease from developing in your Columbus lawn. If you do step up to twice a week, try to keep it to a light raking as it will be gentler on your Columbus lawn. Raking is a natural form of dethatching but a little layer of thatch build up is actually healthy for your turf. Just be sure the second raking doesn’t over do it.

If you want to save time and utilize leaves for compost, a mulching mower is a smart investment. A mulching mower can be very beneficial to your Columbus lawn as it will chop up and shred leaves to easily decompose in the soil. This granulizes leaves into a natural fertilizer to be absorbed into your Columbus lawn.

Check back next week for more information about the absorbing of nutrients in your Columbus lawn.

Most homeowners are not aware that the quality of their lawn can be dramatically increased if they would just test their soil’s pH level. In order to grow a successful lawn, it is important to periodically test your soil’s pH level to ensure the acidity level is where it should be so growth and color is encouraged.
Lawn care experts say that being aware of your soil’s pH level is a must if you want a picturesque lawn. The acidity of the soil has a huge impact on how well and how rapidly your lawn grows. If your soil isn’t acidic enough or is too acidic, your lawn becomes susceptible to disease and insect infestations that could cause serious damage to your turf. Furthermore, your lawn will grow at a much slower rate and will appear less colorful and vibrant.
Different lawn types may require differing pH levels, so it’s important to consult with your local lawn care company to figure out exactly where your soil should be. However, most lawn care professionals recommend keeping your soil at a level between 6.5 and 7.
Lawn care specialists also recommend testing your soil every three years. If you are not sure how to test your soil, your local lawn care company will be happy to help you with this process.

When your Columbus lawn needs fertilized, the best solution is to contact your local Columbus lawn care company and have the professionals attend to the task. However, if you’re one of those do-it-yourselfers, then there is some research to be done on the subject. Not all fertilizers are the same, so you should decide which fertilizer is right for your Columbus lawn, how much should be applied, when it should be applied, as well as what to do to ensure the application is successful. If you’re using granule fertilizer, you will want to look into purchasing a spreader to disseminate the fertilizer evenly.
There are generally two types of spreaders: drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders. Broadcast spreaders are particularly advantageous for those who have a large Columbus lawn to cover. However, if the area you’re fertilizing is small, a drop spreader might be more ideal.
Whereas broadcast spreaders fling the fertilizer in every direction, drop spreaders are more focused, releasing the fertilizer directly underneath the device through the hopper. This means you have to make certain you have covered that area thoroughly, or else you could have some areas of your Columbus lawn growing wildly while other sections barely look alive. Another downfall to using a drop spreader is the risk of over-fertilizing your Columbus lawn; applying fertilizer is a very delicate balance and if you apply too much fertilizer, you run the risk of frying your Columbus lawn.
If this sounds like too much of a hassle or you’re not particularly good at staying within the lines, your best option is to contact your local professional Columbus lawn care company and leave the fertilizing to them. Sometimes having a beautiful, successful Columbus lawn means leaving it up to the pros!

Peach trees often fall victim to the destruction of many harmful insects, but peach tree borers are especially common and should be eliminated as soon as they are detected. However, the best tree care is prevention. Here is some information on what peach tree borers are and how to provide adequate tree care to stop them from harming your peach trees.

Many insects that live and feed off of trees are often difficult to detect because they live under the bark or bore within the tree, and the peach tree borer is no exception. These clear-winged moths find their way under the bark and subsist on the sapwood. The insects themselves look similar to wasps and if you happen to notice them flying around your peach tree, take action immediately. Once the moth lays her eggs underneath the bark of the tree, it will be difficult to treat because of the inability to get insecticides into that area. The eggs are also laid in the soil surrounding the tree.

Once they have hatched, the larvae begin boring through the tree. This boring disrupts the tree’s vascular system, which is responsible for getting water and nutrients to different sections of the tree. Without proper nutrition, the leaves will wilt and fall away and the fruit will not grow. Without adequate tree care, the tree will eventually die.

Tree care professionals recommend spraying insecticides containing permethrin, esfenvalerate and carbaryl in July and August. This preventative tree care measure will eliminate the eggs and larvae. Tree care specialists also suggest using insecticides that are specifically designed to combat peach tree borer populations. The best solution is to have a professional tree care company protect your fruit trees from these and other harmful insects.