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I keep on getting phone calls from landscapers about spraying my yard with insect repellent. The first treatment costs around $85, but it seems like they are going to want to spray a few times over the summer.
My yard is pretty much all grass.
Is this service worth it? Does it really work? Or is this just something they scare you into doing?
Is it any more effective than finding a bug killer that attaches to the hose at Lowe'e or Home Depot and doing it myself?
They want to make money - but if you're talking about spraying your grass for ticks (think Lyme ticks especially), it's not a bad idea if you live in an area with deer. And if you get your house sprayed around the perimeter, that will keep insects out of your house temporarily, but it is toxic and costs plenty -
That being said, we used to get our oak trees sprayed with dormant oil and also worm killer. If we hadn't done that, the worms would have defoliated the tree to the point where the tree would send out a second set of new leaves. If that happens enough it will weaken the tree to the point where it will die off from using too much energy to produce two sets of leaves per season.
They want to make money - but if you're talking about spraying your grass for ticks (think Lyme ticks especially), it's not a bad idea if you live in an area with deer. And if you get your house sprayed around the perimeter, that will keep insects out of your house temporarily, but it is toxic and costs plenty -
That being said, we used to get our oak trees sprayed with dormant oil and also worm killer. If we hadn't done that, the worms would have defoliated the tree to the point where the tree would send out a second set of new leaves. If that happens enough it will weaken the tree to the point where it will die off from using too much energy to produce two sets of leaves per season.
It wasn't for ticks or any specific problem. He just said it is going to be very buggy this year and what he would do would help against mosquitoes and other insects.
I keep on getting phone calls from landscapers about spraying my yard with insect repellent. The first treatment costs around $85, but it seems like they are going to want to spray a few times over the summer.
My yard is pretty much all grass.
Is this service worth it? Does it really work? Or is this just something they scare you into doing?
Is it any more effective than finding a bug killer that attaches to the hose at Lowe'e or Home Depot and doing it myself?
I have dogs and I do not allow my landscaper to spray or put down anything that is chemical.
There are tons of organic options (garlic spray for example for squeeters and other flying bugs--they hate the smell), Diatomaceous earth (All nurseries sell that), etc that are JUST as effective as costly chemicals.
Google around. That's what I did. My dogs are flea free for years (and I don't use the vet's chemicals on them either) and my yard comfortable.
Last edited by Cosmosandmind; 05-08-2012 at 12:27 PM..
Reason: typo
Depending on the size of the property, it depends on the price.
Also remember if you spray chemicals, you are required to flag your property and let the public know that there were pesticides put down.
I used to be in the business for over 20 years and do know what I am talking about. The regulations are horrendous for those legally in the business and that also adds to the price. If you do not want bugs and do not want any on your property, then the proper way to deal with it is professionally. Most people when they mix the chemicals put down too much. There is a reason why the label states how to mix it.
Hurray Cosmos! I am in the pet grooming business and I refuse to use the topicals on my pets. If one googles those products they can see the horror stories. I also use DE in my yard. Non-toxic and effective. Agway has a spray that attaches to the garden hose. It is called Ecosmart and I have used it for the last 2 summers. Very effective. Even on chiggers in my yard. We need to lighten up on the toxic chemicals. Not only are they bad for the environment but they are poison to us and our pets!!! I educate all the people I come into contact with at my job!
One other thing: I used Borax around the perimeter of my house and it stopped ants from coming in. I assume it has stopped other bugs from setting up camp around my house too.
Last edited by J5K5LY; 05-08-2012 at 06:59 PM..
Reason: added to post
I have dogs and I do not allow my landscaper to spray or put down anything that is chemical.
There are tons of organic options (garlic spray for example for squeeters and other flying bugs--they hate the smell), Diatomaceous earth (All nurseries sell that), etc that are JUST as effective as costly chemicals.
Google around. That's what I did. My dogs are flea free for years (and I don't use the vet's chemicals on them either) and my yard comfortable.
Garlic: the day it is applied, I get a huge craving for pizza.
Ive never done DE. Do you apply it with a spreader?
Garlic: the day it is applied, I get a huge craving for pizza.
Ive never done DE. Do you apply it with a spreader?
LOL on the garlic, I know. It's actually a liquid mixture. I buy that online from all natural garden supply places. When you first spray it is really strong but eventually goes away. It is safe to spray right on your flowers, roses, etc too.
There is a citronella spray you can use as well , if you don't like the garlic. Addionally, there are quite a few plants that are natural repellants. Planted strategically around your deck or patio, you will have bug free summers
As with anything natural, you do have to do this more often them chemicals but to me, my pets, the environment, my health etc., are worth it. Here's a list of all natural oils that you can use as alternatives to the garlic (I personally love the clove smell and have used it a few times):
The Diatomaceous earth, I spread by hand (using gloves). I spread all around my foundation and in flower beds (want to make sure the dogs don't inadvertently eat it). I initially looked into this solution because of those brown jumping spiders or crickets (whatever they are) in my basement. Since I've been doing this, all gone. Yay!
It kills all manner of bugs though. When they ingest it, it sheds their insides and off to to meet their maker they go.
Last edited by Cosmosandmind; 05-09-2012 at 06:54 AM..
Reason: List was off
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Don't do it-if you have pets or kids
