Landscaping is expensive to replace, so if your property’s shrubs and grass are suffering from an unknown blight, it’s possible you’ve got underground pests. They could be rodents that dig tunnels—moles, voles, and gophers—or wire worms or cutworms that eat new plantings at the base. Learn how to identify these pests, eliminate them, and prevent future expensive landscape damage.
Identify the Culprit
Digging rodents are seldom seen, but can be identified by the types of holes they dig. Voles and gophers actively eat your plants’ root systems, while moles are searching for the juicy grubs that live beneath the soil. Their expansive tunnel systems create lots of root damage. Wireworms are thin, reddish-brown worms about 1-1/2 inches long, and they come to the soil surface in early spring to feed. Cutworms feed on the tender stems of new, non-woody plants, and will eat them to the ground.
Develop a Plan, and Attack
Natural methods of combating these pests can take some time to work, but are non-toxic and won’t damage soil health. Also, they provide more humane methods of eliminating infestations that don’t involve trapping or killing the pests. Use smelly sprays and baits or even castor oil granules to eliminate these sensitive ground-dwellers, or go for their food source by eliminating grubs. Natural methods of controlling digging pests can benefit your soil for years to come, so investigate those options before you go chemical, or you could start a cycle of chemical dependency for your property’s lawn.
Plant damage can be prevented with a good organic program that creates healthy soil, combined with a healthy knowledge of how to protect tender plants from damage. Prevent cutworm damage, for example, by wrapping the stems of new transplants with cardboard or foil. Apply beneficial nematodes, compost and natural sugars 2-3 times a year to maintain soil health. When you realize there’s a pest problem at your property, act quickly to minimize damage by eliminating the insect or rodent responsible—it’s the one time you want your property to be as inhospitable as possible so those pesky residents find somewhere else to live.
Pest Control Experts
Need some help getting pests under control? Our professionals know a thing or two about it, as well as other methods for increasing curb appeal. Contact us today to learn more about how working with Class A Management can improve your maintenance and tenant recruiting/retention strategy. Call us at 817-295-5959 or send an email to