When it comes to bugs in fall, there’s a whole world of insect maintenance you’re going to want to be ready for. In any garden, there are two things you can always rely on: You need a watering system, and you’ll find pests somewhere.
So, today we’ll be looking at five of the best ways out there to keep these plant-munching baddies at bay this autumn.
Getting Rid Of Bugs In Fall
Kick Them Out
The truth about pest management is that even good pesticides can often be ineffective.
There’s a simple answer if you have relatively few bugs and aren’t too squeamish: Simply pluck them off. With a bucket or other container, take a walk through your garden and pick any bug that’s large enough off, by hand. Put it in a bag and take them all to a dump or safe location, far from your home and plants.
Keep Them Out
Sometimes, the best way to keep something out is a nice, solid door.
Well, in the case of pest control, maybe not a door. Row covers are lightweight sheets of fabric that are positioned above and around plants. These sheets are porous enough to allow light and air to pass through but work wonders at keeping out locusts, caterpillars, and other larger insects.
Don’t Encourage Them
Waste management is a bit of a tightrope for gardeners, but it’s one of the most important steps in stopping pest invasions.
First, never let waste pile up in or around your garden. This brings insects right to your door and can have a negative impact almost immediately. Be vigilant and remove rotting leaves, stems, or offcuts before they become a problem.
Next, pay very close attention to what goes into your compost heap. If the trash is being taken out of your garden, don’t put it into the compost that you’re putting back in your garden. These same insects will develop in the compost, and go right back into your garden’s ecosystem when you use it.
If your compost already has bugs in it, warm it up, wash it down, and then spread it out in a thin layer so that it can dry out.
Natural Pesticides and Insecticides
Of course, once you already have a problem, it helps to know how to take care of it.
There are all-natural and organic pesticide and insecticide options for gardens that already have insect problems.
Salt and/or garlic sprays have been shown to work well, or, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you may want to consider a good mineral oil.
Of course, a byproduct of any organic product is that they often don’t have the “staying power” of a more harmful chemical compound. You have to remember to apply these organic compounds more regularly in order for them to be effective.
Better Planting
There are also a few steps you can take while planting to prevent insects:
- After watering, space your plants out to give them more space to dry.
- Dry off your leaves to prevent fungal growth.
- Cut off and discard diseased plants as soon as possible.
- Test your soil regularly, and adjust the pH and mineral levels accordingly.
Bugs In Fall: Get It Under Control
Fall is a bad time for insects in any garden. Dying leaves, rotting mulch, and wet air all contribute to a pest revolution that will eat your yard whole if you leave them unchecked.
Hopefully, with a little help from us and our Milwaukee lawncare pros, you’ll have it all covered. Good luck out there!