When the flowers are blooming, the bugs are feeding. In fact, some pests have been feasting on grass and plant roots before the first spring bud burst. Luckily, there are methods for managing insects while keeping plants healthy so you can enjoy more blooms and less bugs.

Preventing Pests in Spring

Having a yard and garden can be a beautiful thing, especially in spring when plants are coming back to life. But a vibrant garden is also attractive to wildlife and insects. The pest control methods you choose impacts the insects you’re trying to get rid of as well as the surrounding environment. So, it’s important to remember the following:

• Monitor early. Look for signs of pests, such as discolored leaves, holes or bite marks, sticky residue, and stunted growth.
• Timing is key. Adopt control methods early in the season—especially if you start to see signs—to prevent further damage.
• Not all bugs are bad. Some pest control products also kill beneficial insects, like ladybugs and pollinators.
• Consider the weather. Avoid spraying plants with insecticides in the heat or right before the rain, as it can damage the plant and/or ineffectively wash away.
• Maintain plant health. With the right amount of water, light, and nutrients, healthy plants are more likely to resist pests and the damage they cause.

Preventing pests is easier than dealing with their damage. Early detection and choosing the right control method gives you and your plants a fighting chance of a more vibrant season.

Methods for Managing Insects

Whether you’ve dealt with pests in the past or you want to protect plants from further damage, there are a few different control methods to try.

1. Plant covers. Young plants are more susceptible to irreversible damage. There are lightweight fabrics and raised bed roofs designed to cover rows of crops to prevent insects from feeding.
2. Barriers. Place collars around plant stems to prevent burrowing insects from breaching the soil.
3. Sticky cards. Place traps next to plants to capture flying insects, like aphids and whiteflies.
4. Natural predators. Attract beneficial insects—like ladybugs and lacewings—to guard your garden by planting their favorite flowers and herbs, such as marigolds and fennel.
5. Handpicking. Small infestations of pests are easier to manually remove from plants and crush or drop in soapy water.
6. Insecticidal soap. Spray the top and underside of leaves to kill pests. There are some natural versions, including a dish soap and water solution.
7. Neem oil. A more natural insecticide that helps deter or kill pests.
8. Rotate crops. Disrupt a pest life cycle by switching up your plants and prevent future infestations.
9. Clean tools. Prevent the spread of pests by keeping your garden shears clean and sharp.

You may need to use several of these control methods to fully eradicate a pest problem. If you’re still dealing with insects after using various strategies, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company. The ISA-certified arborists at Elite Tree Care not only know the the difference between helpful and harmful insects, but we’ll work with you on an integrated insect management program to protect your plants. Call 610-935-2279 to schedule a consultation today so you can get back to enjoying your garden this season.

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