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TexPest Services
Pest Control From
Rational Environmental Solutions
(903) 216-1408 james@texpest.com
Everything we do in lawn care and gardening, has a direct effect on pests. It can be good or bad. Here are a few tips to help you make it good!
1. Fertilizer and pest prevention: Over fertility encourages excess growth of succulent plant material that is more susceptible to fungus. The plant also becomes more susceptible to insects in this state. Excessive growth in lawn grasses, often causes thatch problems as a result of the increased elongation, and the resultant clippings which will be longer and less easily broken down into nitrogen.
2. Mowing and pest prevention: Plain and simple, good mowing practices discourage pests, both weeds and insects! Conversely, bad mowing practices encourage and increase pest populations.
Dull blades leave ragged cuts with more damaged area exposed for insects, fungus and disease to use for entry.
Mowing infrequently causes thatch build up, which robs the plants of nutrients, provides hiding places for insects, and an atmosphere conducive to fungus. If lawn grasses go too long between cuttings, it gives weeds time to grow to maturity, and produce seed which will then be replanted, producing more weeds.
3. Pruning and pest prevention: Making a bad pruning cut on a tree, opens it to disease, fungus and insects. Using pruning paint to seal it just adds insult to injury. Cutting tips and tops from trees causes a flush of succulent growth that is likely to be invaded by fungus, disease and insects.
4. Irrigation and pest prevention: All of the things mentioned about over fertilizing apply here as well, plus the excess water causes insect invasion.
5. Aerifying and pest prevention: If lawns do not receive the air and water needed, they will grow weeds instead of grass. Aerifying in compacted areas may be the only means of providing this.
Aerifying too late in the year, will plant those weed seed, which would otherwise remain atop the ground and be eliminated by the elements.
6. Brush Removal as pest prevention: Brush provides food and cover for insects, rodents, and snakes. It also provides a nursery for weeds. Getting rid of it will lower your pest population.
To Pest Prevention
For a systematic approach to pest prevention see Bugs And Weeds |
