How And When To Use Yard Spray For Bugs
Never use any of these liquid lawn insect killer sprays on windy days. It will be too hard to control the spray. The wind will blow the poison all over your garden for one. Secondly, you will be unable to avoid getting a whiff of poison in your mouth, nose and eyes sooner rather than later. Spray during dusk or dawn when wind speeds are at a minimum.
A second advantage of spraying during these hours is that many insects actually hide deep in the soil during the day, which would make spraying less effective. After sundown they will start to emerge, and the poison will work much quicker and more effectively.
Features To Consider When Buying Weed Killer For Lawns
As mentioned before there are a few features you must look at before you purchase your herbicide. Its highly important that you consider these features mentioned in this next section because some herbicides arent suitable to use on sensitive lawns such as St Augustine grass.
In these features we will discuss suitable brands to utilize for the species of weeds you have and if its a product thats ready to use or a solution that requires mixing.
Southern Ag 2 4d Amine Weed Killer
This inexpensive, selective broadleaf weed control and grass killer is a classic. It uses the chemical 2, 4-D, which is highly effective against weeds. Its a simple, straightforward weed killer composed of strong ingredients and doesnt feature much filler. It avoids common grass strains like St. Augustine grass.
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How To Apply Granular Lawn Insect Killers
The first step in applying the granular lawn insect killers in the lawn is reading the directions on the label. Read all precautions and directions on the product label to find the proper application rate.
Fill the mechanical spreader with insect killer granules and set the spreading rate accordingly to directions.
Start spreading the granules on grass so precisely that it gets an even distribution on the whole surface.
Using the seed spreader is the best practice to get efficient results.
Finally, irrigate the lawn completely so the granules release the active agents and get absorbed in the soil.
Wait until drying the lawn surface before letting the kids and pets enter the lawn.
Bayer Season Long Grub Control 700710s
This Bayer grub killer is made from a unique and patented formula, and you will most likely not see any other grub killer that will perform in the same manner. It will kill grubs and other insects all season, while promoting stronger roots and thicker lawns.
To get the best out of this product, apply anytime from spring through late summer.
Able to cover 5000 square feet, it has a wide enough coverage that should adequately protect your lawn and make your grass grow thicker and greener. Also, it is quite affordable.
Pros
- It may kill beneficial insects
Check out the product at Amazon here.
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St Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Powder
Milky Spore is a popular organic insecticide and one of the best lawn insecticide products for organic gardeners dealing with grubs. This powder is safe for people, pets, and the environment and even works on pests without harming beneficial insects.
It is specifically designed to target grubs below the surface of the lawn, covering up to 2,500 square feet. When applied correctly, Milky Spore Powder can protect lawns for up to two decades.
Terro Spider And Insect Trap
This pocket-friendly insecticide is designed to trap and kill insects like crickets, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and other crawling insects. It is designed to kill spiders such as the hobo, black widow, and the brown recluse.
It comes as a ready-to-use trap. It is sticky, and it can be used either when folded or opened flat. To prevent pets and children from touching the sticky surface, you should fold the trap.
It can be used both indoors and outdoors to trap spiders and other insects. It is user-friendly, and it does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is environmentally friendly.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is ready to use
- It can trap the three main categories of spiders
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors
- It has a pocket-friendly price
Cons
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St Gabriel Organics 80010
This milky spore powder is a natural bacteria that kills grub worms before they develop into stubborn and destructive adults.
Most grub killers are only effective when you use them in spring or early summer, however, this milky spore powder survives winter temperatures and the population of the spores increase yearly, providing you with up to 10 years protection against grubs.
You can effectively treat 2500 square feet area with this product and it is safe to use around waterways, since it is an organic product. It is not as fast acting as some other chemical grub killers but it will remain effective for longer than most.
Pros
- It remains effective for years
- It doesnt kill beneficial insects
Cons
Heres a link to the product on Amazon.
About Mosquito Sprays For The Yard
Cut mosquitoes off at the source by attacking the areas where they breed and lay eggs! Framed in that way, it seems like an obvious choice, doesnt it?
There are many high-quality mosquito sprays out there nowadays which are suitable for protecting your yard from the blood-sucking pests. Some also contain ingredients that are non-toxic to humans, are environmentally safe, and leave no residue, providing minimal risk of other wildlife being affected by their application. Many of these products leave no unpleasant chemical odor behind either.
How mosquito yard sprays work?
Simply put, mosquito yard spray is sprayed over the foliage and grass in your backyard and all the mosquitoes, flies, gnats and other pests that are exposed to it are slowly killed as are their larvae and eggs. In most cases, these insecticides work by interfering with the insects’ nervous system and generally do not kill on contact.
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Where Not To Use
- This should not be used on hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and streets.
- In New York State, this product may not be applied to any grass or turf area within 100 ft. of a body of water . In New York State, you can make a single repeat application of this product if there are signs of renewed insect activity, but not sooner than two weeks after the first application.
Identify The Grub Problem
Before you freak out, first make sure you actually have an issue caused by grubs. Within your dead patch, use a shovel to dig up a few samples of turf around the bare spot. Dig to a depth of 2 inches. Look closely for small white, C-shaped grubs that are about 3/4 inch long.
Grubs may represent one of several different beetles. It may represent European chafers, Japanese beetles, or black beetles. Generally, these beetles lay their eggs in July-September. They tend to lay their eggs on lawns that well irrigated or even over-irrigated. Infestations are less likely to occur in lawns that dry out .
After the eggs hatch, the grub feed over the winter and after a couple of months, they are full grown . In the spring, they come out as full adult beetles. The grub will feed on the roots as the adult beetles may feed on the actual grass.
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The Active Ingredients Used In Mosquito Sprays For The Yard
When it comes to backyard mosquito control, the first and most important step is to get rid of standing water and excess vegetation. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and hide in vegetation during the day.
You should also always protect yourself when you go outside during mosquito season. This includes personal repellent lotions or sprays, long sleeves, and long pants. You can even try repellent-treated clothing.
Spraying your yard should be a last resort due to the dangers insecticide sprays pose to pollinators, birds, and aquatic life. However, if youve reached the point at which you think you need to spray, mosquito yard sprays can be very effective and easy to apply.
You simply take the bottle, attach it to your hose, and spray the affected areas. There is no greasy residue or unwelcome chemical odor to contend with and a few of these products also now contain ingredients that are natural and low in toxicity.
The Best Lawn Insecticide For Organic Gardeners
Organic insecticides are often the safest option for those with children and pets.
Using even the best lawn insecticide does come with risks, especially if the insecticide contains toxic chemicals. Luckily, there are natural products that can also work as yard insecticides, and work well.
Some of our favorites are listed below.
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Preventing Lawn Insect Infestations
There are a few things you can do to help prevent lawn insect infestations:
- Keep your lawn healthy and well-maintained. A healthy lawn is better able to resist insect infestations.
- Avoid over-watering or overwatering your lawn. Excess water can create the perfect environment for pests to thrive in.
- Make sure you are using a balanced fertilizer on your lawn. An imbalanced fertilizer can create an ideal environment for pests to develop.
- Regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of insect infestation, and address them immediately. The earlier you catch an infestation, the easier it will be to treat it.
Buy on Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns & Landscapes Concentrate, Ready-to-Spray, – Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer for Lawns and Gardens Ready-to-Spray 1, 32 fl. oz. – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns Granules, 20-Pound – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
BIOADVANCED 700280B Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf for Soil and Turf, 32 oz, – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Bonide – Insect and Grub Control, Outdoor Insecticide/Pesticide Granules (6 – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Cutter 61067 HG-61067 32Oz Rts Bug Free Spray, 1 pack, Silver Bottle – Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
EcoSMART Insect Killer Granules 10 lbs. – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Sevin Lawn Insect Granules, 20 Pounds – Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer for Lawns3. – Kills Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Chinch Bugs, Mole – Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Herbicides And Plant Control:
Before purchasing plant control products, consider the type of vegetation you are targeting. Also consider if the weed has already emerged or if you can prevent it with a pre-emergent herbicide. In areas with desirable grass and flowering plants, selective herbicides are advised.
For more information and recommendations for your region consult your local extension office.
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If The Best Lawn Insecticide Doesnt Work When To Contact A Professional
Many professional landscapers and pest control experts have access to products that the general public do not, which can help alleviate serious backyard pest problems.
If youve found that using even the best lawn insecticide isnt working for you, it may be time to contact a professional. Professional landscapers usually charge between $100 and $300 for pest control, but this price can vary depending on your location, the size of your yard and the extent of your pest issue.
One of the benefits of going through a professional pest control expert to help manage yard pests is that they often have access to the best lawn insecticide products that the general public does not not. They may also be able to help you identify the source of your yard pest problem and assist you in further prevention techniques.
And speaking of prevention, lets take a look at other ways to prevent yard pests in the future.
Southern Ag 10401 Natural Pyrethrin Concentrate
Southern Ag Natural Pyrethrin Concentrate is a highly versatile insecticide. You can use the concentrate to control a wide range of insects, either in your garden or in and around your property.
It is the ideal choice for people who want a fast-acting and naturally-occurring, botanical insecticide. The primary active ingredient is 96% Pyrethrin, which is safe for humans and animals. However, deadly to plant-eating insects.
Southern Ag concentrate is a very versatile product. You can use it with a garden sprayer for the garden or orchard, in a greenhouse, as well as ornamentals. It works very quickly, usually within an hour of application. It can kill aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and worms. You can use Southern Ag as a pesticide to control fleas, mites, lice, flies, gnats, and mosquitoes on your pets. And you can also it as a dip for livestock.
It also works effectively as a surface or space spray around your home to kill flies, ants, roaches, silverfish, spiders, mosquitoes, and yellow jacket wasps.
Before you apply the spray, make sure you read the included booklet, especially if you are going to use the product for controlling pests on your pets.
Pros
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Ortho Home Defense Lawn Insect Killer
First on our list of the best lawn insecticide is a product by Ortho. Ortho is a popular pest control brand that works well for a number of yard and garden pests. This insecticide uses granules to help remove and repel yard pests for up to three months. It works within minutes of application and covers up to 10,000 square feet.
The active ingredient in this insecticide is bifenthrin, which is a common insecticide that works well, though it may be harmful to people and pets if not used as directed. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and use this product only as specified.
The Best Insect Killers For Home Lawns
One of the most difficult parts of maintaining a healthy lawn is ridding it of any pesky insects that can cause quite a bit of significant damage. Its even tougher to figure out the best method or approach to use to eliminate troublesome insects. With so many chemicals available in a variety of different insecticides on hardware store shelves, choosing the right insect control product can become daunting. You also dont want to select an insecticide that can damage your grass or cause harm to any pets or children running around outside either. Sod University compiles a list of the top-rated, most popular and effective insect killers available to homeowners that you can purchase from the comfort of your home. With any control productbe it herbicides, fungicides or insecticidesbe sure to read the product label thoroughly before application.
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes
- Coverage: One bottle covers 2,500 sq. ft.
- Active Ingredient: Gamma Cyhlaothrin 0.08%.
- Ease of Use: Hooks up to the end of your garden hose for even spray application.
- Best Used On/For: Outdoor general insect control.
Bifen L/P Insecticide Granules
- Ease of Use: Requires a drop or broadcast spreader for application.
- Best Used On/For: General outdoor insect control.
Bifen XTS Insecticide
Merit Imidacloprid .5G Granular Insecticide
Merit 2F Liquid Insecticide
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Ecosmart Organic Insect Killer
EcoSMART is fast on its way to becoming the leading pesticide brand in the United States. They are the only brand with a complete product line of EPA exempt products on offer. Their primary aim is to be the number one supplier of safe and natural pesticide alternatives.
This is how it works:
Plants produce compounds called essential oils. These oils naturally provide defenses against disease and insects to survive. EcoSMART scientists have, through many years of research and development, identified and singled-out these natural compounds. After this they then blended these extracts to create the most powerful natural insect killer.
More specifically, the final product works by blocking the neural pathways called octopamine receptors. And here is the key part these only exist in insects. Pets, humans, and other animals do not have these receptors. This is why this product is absolutely safe to use around dogs, cats and other pets as well as your kids. An added benefit is that is has a pleasant, minty scent.
One of the downsides is, it might be somewhat less effective on ants for example. This varies case by case, and is something you will have to try out for yourself. I always recommend people to try and go the organic, natural route first. If certain problems still persist, you can go on to stronger methods of insecticides. Try this first!
Tips And Tricks For Safe And Effective Use
Choose a suitable time of day
The best time of day to apply a lawn insect killer treatment is in the early morning or evening. If you apply the product in the middle of the day, it may evaporate in the sun which will make the treatment far less effective.
Take weather conditions into consideration
As mentioned above, applying your treatment under the blazing midday sun will cause it to evaporate before it has a chance to take effect.
Another weather condition that can sabotage your lawn insect-killing efforts is heavy rainfall, which will wash away the product before it can work. Therefore, the best time to apply a lawn insect killer is right after a heavy rainfall.
Mow the lawn first
Cutting the grass on your lawn before you apply your insect killer will give pest insects fewer places to hide. This ensures maximum contact of the product with your target pests and, therefore, more effective treatment.
Mowing the lawn before you apply your pesticide will also help to displace bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other beneficial insect species so they arent harmed by the treatment.
Keep people and pets out of recently treated areas
Many insect lawn killers contain ingredients that are toxic to humans and animals, and which may cause skin and eye irritation. Always keep people and pets out of treated areas until the product has had a chance to dry.
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