Bagworms, Mosquitoes, And Bugs – Oh My!

A few “bug” species can benefit your garden and lawn, such as butterfly species, bees, ladybugs, and even some spiders. They pollinate your flowers, make honey, and eat other bothersome bugs.

However, many insects are more of a pest than a help and can cause numerous damages to your landscape. Some of the worst this time of year are the mosquitoes and bagworms that can inundate your lawn!

What damages can bagworms cause?

Bagworms can become quite the eyesore on your property because they affect shrubs and trees of all types and sizes. Some of the most common “host plants” that are negatively impacted are conifers like juniper, pine, cedar, and arborvitae – but they can affect others, too!

These insects’ eggs are laid in May but pupate in August-September, and the sacks they pupate in cling to branches and the greenery of the foliage. As a result, they overrun the shrubbery and trees, suffocating them and draining the nutrients from any greenery left over.

What damages can mosquitoes cause?

Mosquitoes are a tricky subject, as they don’t only cause damage to your lawn but pose a real threat to the animals and people living in the home. In addition, if they bite someone, they can cause discomfort or an allergic reaction that requires medical intervention.

These insects can also bite your animals – which can cause heartworm disease in pets like dogs. In addition, they carry diseases and multiply in areas with standing water, contributing to an unhealthy, unsanitary environment outside your home.

How to avoid bagworms on your landscape

One of the easiest ways you as a homeowner can help control them on your property is to pick the bags off, destroy them, and throw them away. This process can be done any time before the new generation hatches in May.

Some bacterias can be used to kill certain insects that are safe for humans or animals and should be applied in July because they work best on young bagworms. However, if the problem is severe enough, you could have to utilize chemical intervention.

How to avoid mosquitoes on your landscape

The first way to avoid large masses of mosquitoes on your property is to keep standing water at a minimum. Keep pools covered, don’t let toys sit out to collect rainwater, and make sure your lawn has adequate drainage.

Another way you can eliminate those pesky flying bugs is by utilizing skin-safe sprays and mosquito-repellant candles while outside. In addition, you can also enlist help from licensed professionals to apply pest control to your landscape!

What can be done to repair damages caused by bagworms?

Keeping bagworms under control is about perseverance and being diligent in taking whatever precautions are available. Unfortunately, once they’ve made their way to your lawn, there’s only so much you can do to help it.

Removing all the bags and tracking how much damage was done and where is step number one. From there, you can trim away dead or dying parts and ensure they’re getting watered consistently afterward.

What can be done to repair damages caused by mosquitoes?

It’s hard to gauge damages done by mosquitoes because they tend to swarm but also are small enough that they don’t get seen right away by unsuspecting victims. As far as damage to your lawn, that typically happens in areas of collected water.

If you have water as part of your lawn (pools, water features, etc.), they can become dirty and dingy with eggs and larvae. Cleaning these areas thoroughly and tracking where they swarm, and their numbers can help you better understand the gravity of the situation.

Other insects to watch out for this time of year?

While these are prominent nuisances for your landscape this time of year, they are not the only ones to be concerned about. Some bugs are dangerous for your lawn, the people and pets in your home, or both.

Other bugs to keep your eye out for this time of year are tics, robber flies, clover mites, cluster flies, and ground beetles. If you find these on your property, it may be ideal to reach out to your local lawn care pros to take care of the issue for you!

What can the local pros do for me and my lawn?

Lawn and landscape professionals are trained in many forms of maintenance; they have the skills and equipment to get the job you need to done right. Pest control and education about pests in your area is a key element to understanding how to care for your lawn.

The friendly folks at Divine Lawns are the perfect folks to provide that education for you! They know the consequences of a pest infestation and the best ways to combat the problem in the first place. They help you keep your lawn, landscape, and home divine!