Nobody wants their yard to be infected by weeds, fungi, insects, rodents, or arachnids. Apart from damaging the health of your garden plants, these unwanted weeds also ruin the lawn’s aesthetic appeal.

Luckily, lawn pesticides offer an effective control solution for these pesky plants and insects. But lawn care and pest control ain’t as easy as it might look to most people.

In addition to knowing the proper irrigation techniques, fertilizers, and pruning techniques, you should also know the essential aspects of spraying pesticides around your property.

To educate and help people in taking care of their garden, the best lawn care company in Amherst has outlined some important things every homeowner must know before they start spraying pesticides on their lawn.

6 Things to Know Before Spraying Pesticides in the Yard

Determine the Right Type of Pesticide

Pesticide is actually a very general term used for products that repel or kill insects. Depending on whether you want to kill fungi, weeds, or remove insects, you should choose the pesticide according to your needs. Below are the most common types of pesticides: 

• Insecticide – Prevents and kills insects.
• Fungicide – Kills and prevents the growth of fungi spores.
• Herbicide –Manipulates and controls unwanted vegetation such as weeds
• Rodenticide– Control rodent infestations by killing small mice and rats. 
• Acaricide– Chemicals for ticks and mites. 

Decide Whether Spraying Pesticides is an Ideal Option or NOT!

Every pest situation is different. Sometimes, you might not be able to address it manually due to the location or severity of the issue. However, light infestations of weeds and insects can be easily controlled by using garden hose spray or plucking them out by hand. So, for your safety, before you buy lawn pesticides, consider all other options too.

If you haven’t used pesticides before, take the help of our lawn care experts to prevent any mishaps.

Choose Between Organic and Inorganic

As the name suggests, inorganic pesticides contain synthetic laboratory-made chemicals, and organic ones have compounds that exist naturally in nature.

Depending on your allergies and budget, you need to decide which one you want. Here are some factors that can help you decide.

• Inorganic pesticides have an easier and straightforward application process, whereas organic ones require special handling and ideal timing to get the desired results.
• Organic pesticides typically cost more than inorganic.
• Generally, inorganic treats pest problems faster than organic pesticides.
• Inorganics provide a more extended protection period and have a longer shelf life.
• Organic pesticides are eco-friendly, whereas inorganic pesticides can contaminate the ecosystem.

Know The Right Time

When it comes to getting rid of pests and insects, timing is everything. Many pesticides will have “best time to apply” written on their labels. But, there are certain other things about your yard that you should learn and understand to get the maximum returns.

For example, a peach tree borer can only be treated when moths are laying eggs (approximately between June and mid-August). Applying insecticides at any other time won’t be as effective as this time.

You should keep in mind to avoid spraying pesticides before a rainfall to prevent chemicals from leaching through the soil into the water table and poisoning the wildlife.

Take Precautions

Even our experts that have years of experience strictly follow all the precautions and guidelines.

To avoid accidents, wear proper protective gear, including non-absorbent gloves and goggles, before picking up the pesticide spray.

Residues absorbed through the skin will cause swelling, itching, pain, and redness. And if by chance it gets into the chance, flush them with water and call an eye doctor immediately.

Store and Dispose them Off Safely

Store the pesticides in their original containers with proper labeling. Make sure you keep them away in your shed away from the reach of kids.

Take The Help of a Professional!

If you are unsure of how difficult the pest situation is in the yard, call the lawn care and pest control experts of Amherst Landscaping and take their help to restore your lawn’s health.