Garden Pests Part 1
Weeds, bugs and diseases can destroy all your hard work in the yard and garden. Here are some proven solutions to taming the wild and tackling nature’s pesky invaders.
Stubborn Pavement Weeds
PROBLEM
All kinds of weeds invade walkways, patios and driveways around the home. Weeds invade small cracks and crevices and multiply quickly. Their stubborn, twisty root systems are hard to pull out between bricks and paving stones. They are common in all parts of the country.
SOLUTION
Nonselective weed killers (which kill everything green) should only be used in areas where you don’t want to see plant life, including patios, side¬walks, driveways and walkways. Homeown¬ers should read labels carefully to avoid using these products on their lawns or near planting beds of desired plants.
Lawn Weeds—Crabgrass and Broadleaf Weeds
PROBLEM
Crabgrass can multiply quickly, so it should be treated as soon as you notice it. Thrives in long, hot summer weather. Will take over a drought-stricken lawn in a short time. It is common in all parts of the country.
SOLUTION
For lawn weeds such as crabgrass, dande¬lions and chickweed, among others, only use a selective weed killer (which kills the weeds, not the grass). The best defense against weed infesta¬tion in the lawn is to maintain a healthy lawn with regular feeding, proper mow¬ing and watering.
Fire Ants
PROBLEM
Few bugs are more vicious than the tiny red fire ant. They attack and bite any creature that threatens them or their queen. Queens can live up to seven years and lay up to 1,200 eggs per day. They build under¬ground nests in soft soil with mounds above, where more than 500,000 ants can live.
SOLUTION
Contact insecticide treatments can wipe out entire colonies when the workers bring the granules back to the queen. Tip: Water in the gran¬ules on and around the mound very gently to avoid distur¬bance, preventing the colony from relocat¬ing before taking the treatment.
