Tips for Controlling Bugs and Plant Disease

The bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, and the mercury is inching higher on the thermometer. Spring has arrived! Here are simple, proactive steps you can take to keep your property looking its best during the spring and summer months.

Proper Maintenance is the Best Defense

A well maintained property typically does not have issues with bugs, fungus, or infestations. Many clients are surprised to learn that tree trimming is one of the most vital components of your property’s overall health. When trees aren’t properly trimmed and maintained, plants can’t grow underneath the trees. This weakens the entire ecosystem and makes the property more susceptible to disease.

The second key element of maintenance is a proper irrigation system. Your system should have automatic sensors that will suspend if it has rained in the last 24 hours. If you hit a dry period, areas issues will show themselves quickly. Call your lawn care professional immediately – dry patches can spread quickly, and without proper treatment, can be costly to replace or repair.

Watch for these Signs of Pests & Disease

When pests and diseases attack, they cause damage quickly. There are two common issues that are easily visible to anyone.

Fungus
Is your grass sporting large brown rings? This is a sign of fungus, and it can quickly take over your lawn. Fungus is most common in spring and fall; patches can range from the size of a basketball or 20+ feet in diameter. It’s important to get fungus under control quickly so it doesn’t spread.

Aphids
Aphids are the mosquitoes of the plant world. They typically attack color beds, sucking the juice from the plant and spreading fungus. The classic sign of aphids is a shiny or glistening plant.

There are other lesser-known pests that your EarthWorks representative will look for during their weekly visit and evaluation. However, if you see unusual insect activity, or an infestation, call immediately so a professional can evaluate the situation and take action.

What About Bees and Wasps?

Seeing a few bees buzzing around your flower beds is normal; however, if you see a swarm of bees, you likely have a hive on the property. Keep in mind that certain species of bees are protected and it’s illegal to tamper with or destroy a hive. If you see evidence of a hive, contact a local beekeeper or your pest control company for evaluation and hive removal.

Wasps tend to build nests in eaves and overhangs. Your on-site maintenance teams should keep an eye out for signs of wasp nests and treat them immediately. Large nests may require a plan of action from your pest control company.

With proper maintenance and proactive pest / disease control, your property can be colorful and healthy during the hottest months in Texas. Contact us today for a free estimate, and learn how we can help your property look its best every day.