| Pest Control |
| We have many pests in our yards. Insects, squirlls, moles and birds are amoung the list. What we have to remember is that they were here before we were, and will be here after we are gone. So the best thing to do is to co-exist with them. Lets take a look at how to deal with them. Insects: First let me say that insects as with most creatures only attact the weak. So if you have a plant or plants being invaded by insects its probly because the plant is diseased or weak. Rather than purchase expensive insect killers that WONT work. It is usually easier and cheaper to replace the plant. Most insects are beneficilal insects and when we try to poisen the so called bad insects we also kill the beneficial ones. We need insects for our own existence as they to more good than bad. The best way to deal with this is to purchase healthy plants, keep your yard clean and maintained as much as you can, and put up lots of bird feeders. I have found that keeping birds in your yard is the best way to controll insects. Bird feeders should be put up at least 20 feet fron a standing object so the squirels cant get to them. Also make sure you have professional termite control on your home. Even if you have a brick home don't think termites wont get in, they will. Fire Ants are amoung my least favorite of pests and are extremely hard to control. These ants are numerous, fast and deadly, so be carefull around them. There is a product called Orthene made by Ortho, it is a white powder that the ants consume. The ants think it is food and take it to the queen. If you don't kill the queen it will do no good. This stuff usually kills a mound in about1-2 hours. The key to these ants is also keeping you lawn cut on a regular basis. Squirels are amoung one of the peskiest and smartest of pests. I have found the best way to keep them under control is to feed them as well. This will slow down thier destruction. Other than that there is no real effective way to stop these little guys. Moles, rats, chipmonks, and other uinderground creatures are impossible to rid. The best way to deal with them is make sure all your trash(if outside) is sealed. As with all pests make sure you clean and maintain your yard on a regular basis. I hope this helps Don Koller |
| Flower beds |