Pest Control Ideas for Spring and Summer

Top Tips from the Bay Area’s Integrated Pest Management Experts

As the vibrant greens of spring and summer return, so does the activity of pests in your landscape. From gnawed tree bark to shredded greenery, these intruders can quickly turn a well-maintained green space into an unsightly scene. If you’re noticing signs of damage, such as missing leaves, disturbed soil, or unwanted critters, it’s likely your landscape is under attack.

At Petalon Landscape Management, we understand that a pristine commercial landscape is essential for creating a professional and inviting atmosphere. To help you stay ahead of destructive pests, our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) experts share their top pest control ideas that can protect your landscape this spring – and every season after.

Professional Pest Control Ideas – How to Spot Common Pests 

Pests come in all shapes and sizes – from tiny sap-sucking insects to larger, furry critters. Here’s how to identify and tackle some of the most common troublemakers.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that cluster on leaves, stems, and buds, leaving behind sticky honeydew. This residue attracts ants and fosters mold growth, which can smother plants and even kill them.

How to reduce aphid populations:

• Beneficial insects: Ladybugs and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. Releasing them into your garden is an eco-friendly way to control their population.

• Spraying with water: If you find aphids on your plants, a strong hose spray can be useful to knock them off your plants.

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap: These treatments kill aphids on contact without leaving behind persistent toxic residues harming beneficial insects, but they must be applied correctly.

• Targeted insecticides: For larger infestations, Petalon can apply targeted insecticides and chemical controls to eliminate aphids quickly.

Nesting Bugs

Insects like beetles, ants, and wasps often make their nests in mulch, soil, or under tree bark, which can lead to plant damage and even safety hazards. For instance, carpenter ants can weaken tree structures over time, while wasps pose a danger to people on your property.

Nesting bug prevention tips:

• Regular inspections: Check mulch beds, tree trunks, and soil for early signs of nesting activity.

• Leave stinging insects alone: For insects like wasps, it’s important to leave removal to the professionals. We use specialized tools and chemical controls to safely eliminate nests and prevent them from returning.

• Disrupt nesting areas: For non-aggressive insects, turning over soil or reducing mulch in nesting areas can discourage them from settling.

• Use natural deterrents: Diatomaceous earth and natural repellents like peppermint essential oil helps keep small populations of nesting bugs at bay.

Snails and Slugs

These slimy pests thrive in shaded, moist environments and leave holes in leaves and tender stems. This can be especially harmful to small plants and saplings. They are most active during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.

Snail and slug pest control ideas:

• Use natural barriers: Surround plants with crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or copper tape to block their movement.

• Set bait traps: Traps filled with beer or commercial snail bait can lure and trap snails and slugs.

• Manual removal: For smaller infestations, manually removing snails and slugs during their active hours can drastically reduce their populations.

• Additional support: For prolonged infestations, IPM experts can implement pest control strategies to protect your plants.

Squirrels

While squirrels might look harmless, their chewing and digging can create chaos across your landscape.

How to reduce squirrel activity:

• Install protective barriers: Use netting, tree guards, or hardware cloth to shield vulnerable plants.

• Apply deterrents: Sprinkling cayenne pepper or using commercial squirrel repellents can discourage them from settling on your property.

• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders: If birdseed is attracting squirrels, switch to feeders designed to keep them out.

• Humane trapping: For locations with persistent squirrel problems, Petalon can set humane traps and relocate them safely.

Raccoons, Skunks, and Rats

Raccoons, skunks, and rats are notorious for scavenging, digging holes, and damaging plants. Their presence often increases in urban areas where food and shelter are more accessible.

Rodent pest control ideas:

• Remove attractions: Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, clean up fallen fruit, and remove food left outdoors.

• Seal entry points: Inspect your property for gaps or holes where rodents may nest and seal them with hardware cloth or steel wool.

• Humane traps: Petalon can set humane traps to safely relocate raccoons and skunks.

• Targeted rodent control: For severe infestations, we use traps to minimize risks to non-targeted wildlife.

The Best Pest Control Idea: Partner with Petalon Landscape Management

Don’t let pests damage your commercial landscape! We’re here to help you regain control of your green spaces. Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services are designed to protect your trees, plants, and lawns with eco-friendly methods that work year-round.

Dealing with stubborn infestations? No problem. We can use advanced insecticides to target pests like aphids, grubs, and scale insects without harming surrounding wildlife. For larger pests, we rely on humane traps to safely remove and relocate them. Petalon is your key to a pest-free property.

Call Petalon today at 408-453-3998 to book your consultation with our integrated pest control experts. Need more pest control ideas? Contact us online. 

Petalon proudly serves businesses, municipalities, HOAs, and property developers in the Bay Area and surrounding communities.