Telltale Yard Pest Signs During Autumn
When it comes to gardening and lawn care, autumn’s cooler weather brings a lot of relief! A lot of the pests are becoming less active (and less destructive), and your plants don’t need quite so much water. But Alabama is subject to weather ping pong—one day it’s cool and crisp, the next it feels like summer again! Make sure you’re watching out for these pest signs this fall.
Yard Pest Signs During Autumn
You worked hard over the spring and summer to bring your lawn or garden to life—don’t let your guard down just yet! While less so, autumn is still an active time for pests. Here are some of the ones you should be on the lookout for.
Stink Bugs
Like a lot of pests, stink bugs start looking for a cozy place to hunker down come fall. That usually means in or around your home! And, if you noticed these bugs last year, you’ll probably see them again this year. Stink bugs leave behind an invisible chemical, alerting their friends and family where the best spots are. Their favorite plants to mess with include soft fruits, ornamental plants, and a wide variety of vegetables.
Slugs & Snails
Like with so many things in life, prevention is the best medicine! Slugs and snails do a lot of work in autumn to prepare for the following spring, so taking care of them now will save you a headache later on. They lay the majority of their eggs during this time to be hatched and start feeding in spring.
Be on the lookout for slimy trails and tiny bite marks between the veins of the leaves on your plants. Their primary targets will be ornamental plants and ripening fruits and vegetables.
Lawn Grubs
Are you noticing brown spots in your yard? It could be lawn grubs! These pests prefer turf roots to plants, and can wreak havoc on your lawn during the fall and come spring. Adult lawn grubs (beetles) will then turn to your garden plants to continue their tirade. In addition to the brown spots, if you see animals such as birds, skunks, or raccoons digging around in your lawn, they’re probably looking for a grubby snack!
If you suspect lawn grubs, here’s a good way to check: Head to one of the brown spots in your yard, and pull on the brown grass. If it pulls free easily (meaning it has no roots), start digging in that area and see if you can find lawn grubs.
Boxelder Bugs
Much like the stink bugs we mentioned earlier, boxelder bugs are starting to seek shelter this time of year. These pests can gather by the hundreds, so if you see one it’s best to take care of it ASAP. Luckily, the red markings on their wings make them pretty easy to spot. They target boxelder, maple, and ash trees.
Keep Your Autumn Pest-Free
While a lot of pests wind down and disappear once the cooler weather hits, a lot of them just get more destructive! Keep your lawn and garden healthy and beautiful this autumn with professional pest services from Vulcan Termite. Get in touch with us today to get started!