Fire ants are hard working, organized and dangerous to some. Fighting them is not easy. Sometimes their mounds are mistaken for dirt making them even trickier to tackle. Here is what to know and look for plus, how to treat a fire ant problem.

Identifying a fire ant mound

A raised mound looks like a pile of aerated dirt. This is the displaced soil from the ants digging tunnels underground. Fire ants create amazing and expansive tunnels underground. These are for escaping should anyone or anything dare to disturb the mound. Tunnels contain the eggs and larvae of the colony, along with countless worker ants. 

Do not disturb.

When you disturb a fire ant mound, you might be shocked by the hundreds or thousands of ants that come rushing out. The agitated ants will bite and sting anyone nearby. Fire ant stings hurt a little when you just have one, though it is more common to be stung multiple times by multiple fire ants.

Dangers of fire ants

Blisters that develop afterward fire ant stings are allergic reactions, though some people develop more severe reactions. The areas immediately surrounding the sting may swell, burn, or itch. These stings and/or allergic reactions to the stings can be very dangerous to our children and our pets, especially if they are allergic. 

DIY?

While there are plenty of DIY fire ant “solutions” you can try, most are just chasing them around underneath your lawn. The best way to fight fire ants is with a bait system. A bait system does not disturb the mounds. When the mound is disturbed, fire ants get angry.

Bait systems 

With this system, fire ants get the bait and return to their underground system of tunnels. They then “share” the bait with the army below your lawn. Lawn & Pest Solutions has the technology and expertise to provide season-long fire ant control treatment for houses. 

Targeting the queen

Our efficient and effective treatments target the queen, not just the mound. In just two strategically timed bait applications, we typically wipe out 95% of your fire ants. We will visit two more times per year just to assess the effectiveness or apply more bait (if needed) at no extra charge. 

Give us a call or click here and we will send out a licensed technician to address your fire ant issues! We serve the North Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee areas with lawn and pest services. 

Is lawn aeration just an “extra” step like a wash, rinse, repeat? What is the purpose of aerating if you are already watering, mowing, and “feeding” your lawn?

Improve the health of your lawn 

If you are wondering, aeration is when holes are poked in your lawn to allow for “the good stuff” like water, nutrients and fertilizer to get down into the roots. 

Why it is needed:

• To break through thatch.
• Thatch is the layer of dead grass that compacts on your lawn over time. 
• Thatch robs your grass of necessary rain and nutrients. 
• Thatch is a thick covering that prevents the “good stuff” from getting through to the roots. 

What are your options?

People have been known to use anything from pitchforks to baseball cleats to aerate their lawns. However, those DIY techniques require a LOT of time on energy and they aren’t very effective.

Lawn aeration is an option you can add to your Lawn360 program at Lawn and Pest Solutions. You will see a noticeable improvement in your lawn over time if you add this annual service to our Lawn 360 program. 

Lawn fertilization, weed control, and aeration will make your lawn the best on the block! Contact us here to get a quote on our lawn services. We can make the Lawn and Pest Difference in your lawn today! Our trained lawn techs serve the North Mississippi and the Memphis, Tennessee areas. Look for their official Lawn and Pest vehicles and uniforms all over neighborhoods in this region.

“One Thing Leads to Another”

Cleaning gutters prevents many other issues. In 1983 an English new wave band hit the charts with “One Thing Leads to Another”. As in many other aspects of life, this is true!

But I don’t WANT to…

What if I don’t clean my gutters? This goes back to that “one thing leads to another” motto…

• If you don’t clean your gutters, they become clogged with leaves and debris.
• Clogged gutters don’t drain and they collect water.
• Collected water causes wood to decay and rot

Guess who loves rotting and decaying wood? Termites! Termites feast on rotting wood.

That’s not all.

Another catchy phrase that applies to more than the “sham wow”…

As a result of clogged gutters, washed areas form. These areas can hold water close to your foundation. This causes the soil to become saturated and water can seep under your foundation. Joining the group of water loving pests are…mosquitoes!   

It’s not a fun job, but someone’s got to do it.

Overflowing gutters can wash out mulch and flower beds near your home. These washed areas can thin out your lawn. Thin lawns give weed seeds an open area to grow and germinate. 

Termites, mosquitoes and now thin and weedy lawns, all because no one likes to clean out their gutters!

Make it a priority to clean out your gutters this summer. While we don’t offer gutter cleaning services, Lawn and Pest Services can assist you with termites, mosquitoes and weed control. 

Contact us here and we will send a licensed pest technician to give you a quote. We serve the North Mississippi and Memphis area neighborhoods of Tennessee.

As a property owner, you’re well aware of mosquitoes’ pesky and potentially harmful nature. While their bites may lead to an itchy red bump, these insects can also transmit serious illnesses like malaria. It’s no wonder you’re concerned about keeping them at bay!

Protecting your property from mosquitoes can seem daunting, be it your home or business. But it doesn’t have to be! With this blog, you’ll be completely aware of the danger of mosquitoes and how to battle them.

Why Mosquitoes Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Mosquitoes are a serious threat to the health of humans and animals. Their bites can cause on your skin itchiness, irritation, and discomfort due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. They can also potentially spread dangerous diseases.

Among these diseases, you can find the most commons are malaria, as we mentioned above, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. All these illnesses can have devastating consequences for those infected, ranging from fever, headaches, nausea, and even paralysis and death.

What’s worse is that mosquitoes can also transmit several diseases and parasites to dogs and horses, such as dog heartworm, eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus. These ailments can have profound health implications for your animals if not treated properly.

The Most Common Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Mosquitoes breed in moist and stagnant areas, providing the ideal conditions for laying their eggs. Depending on the species, you can find them in permanent water sources, like rivers and ponds. However, some species prefer temporary water sources like marshes and clogged ditches.

To identify potential mosquito breeding sites on your property, look for any standing water, such as old tires, buckets or cans, birdbaths, outdoor pet dishes, and clogged gutters. If you have a pond on your property, moderate it or add fish that feed on mosquito larvae.

Next, inspect the edges of your property for tall grasses and thick vegetation. Mosquitoes prefer to hide in these areas during the day and will lay their eggs nearby. Lastly, check for clogged gutters or other containers that may collect water after a rainstorm.

Top 5 Tips for Effective Mosquito Control

Mosquito control should be a priority for any property owner. You can take many simple and practical steps to help reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property and reduce the risk of disease transmission:

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds: Get rid of any area with standing water. Empty and replace the water in every feature, like pools and fountains.
2. Cover up! Ensure there aren’t gaps in windows, doors, and walls where mosquitoes can enter. You can use the netting in baby beds to cover every window too!
3. Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and closely follow label directions and precautions.
4. Repellents are always welcome! When needed, take advantage of EPA-registered mosquito repellents.
5. Change your lights! Installing yellow “bug” lights outdoors can help reduce pesky mosquitoes in your vicinity.

The Role of Professional Mosquito Control Services

Professional pest control services are vital in reducing the risk of disease transmission from mosquitoes. These services are designed to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reduce their population strategically.

Professional pest control companies use effective and safe techniques to help you protect your people, pets, and property. Moreover, you will enjoy your outdoor experience without worrying about pesky mosquitoes or health risks!

With Lawn & Pest Solutions, you can eliminate any mosquito infestation and keep them under control without damaging any green area. Our skilled professionals will work with you to create a tailored plan against mosquitoes while preserving your precious green space.

Protect Your Property from Mosquitoes with Lawn & Pest Solutions

Don’t let those pesky mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun and put you and your loved ones at risk for diseases. Say goodbye to the hassle and keep those bugs under control with the help of Lawn & Pest Solutions, your trusted pest control company since 2002.

Our mission has always been to provide top-notch service with a smile and affordable prices. Let us help you enjoy your outdoor spaces without the buzzing and biting distractions of mosquitoes – your backyard paradise awaits! All you need to do is:

1. Request an estimate on our website. Or, call us at 662.257.3149 if you’re in Mississippi or 901.560.2399 if you need us in Tennessee.
2. Schedule an appointment
3. Get the protection your property needs from mosquitoes!

FIND OUT HERE

Before you decide how to choose a termite professional, you may ask, do you “need” a termite professional? 

Yes you do, and here is why.

Termites cause $5 billion in damage per year to homes in the United States. FIVE BILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, PER YEAR.

Insurance covers that, right? 

Rarely. Termite damage is considered preventable through “home maintenance.” In the simplest terms, if you could have prevented it, you should have.

Do your research

When choosing a termite professional it is important to do your homework. States regulate and require that termite technicians be licensed. However, some companies do the minimum required to satisfy those regulations.

Constant training at Lawn and Pest Solutions

Weekly meetings and occasional class settings provide Lawn and Pest Solutions pest techs with the most up-to-date information and training available. We choose to provide additional training in order to provide the safest and most effective termite protection to our customers.

In addition to training our technicians, our licensing requires ongoing training for management. Being a select provider of the Sentricon System requires even more training and in-depth knowledge of termites.

 Not only are our techs getting more training, our management is required to have ongoing training. All of this education is a part of being licensed to provide the Sentricon System for our customers.

What is a termite contract?

Before you sign a contract, make sure you fully understand the details and pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask your technician lots of questions. 

At Lawn and Pest Solutions, a termite contract includes:

• An interior AND exterior inspection of your home.
• A full treatment as defined by state regulations.  This can be a liquid application that is trenched and injected into the soil around your foundation, or a bait station application around the perimeter of your home

Your termite contract should include:

• type of application performed
• products used
• diagram of the structure treated
• cost for the initial treatment and ongoing annual inspections.

Annual inspections must include:

•   interior AND exterior inspection of your home

Please note: If your current provider comes by and hangs an invoice once a year, you have not received a proper inspection. 

Prevention is the best medicine. 

When choosing a termite professional, we make it pretty easy. Avoid the costs and headaches of repairing your home with a Termite 360 program from Lawn & Pest Solutions. Check out our Ask Paul termite playlist if you have any questions!

Contact our office any time of day or night and let us schedule a visit to your home or business. Our company offers the best termite and pest control services! Lawn and Pest Solutions serves the North Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee areas. 

Whether it’s a late spring freeze or a late summer drought, there is always something “out to get” our landscape! Being proactive in the treatment of shrubs and all of our plants is important. 

Proactively treating your shrubs will help them to get strong and stay healthy. This is important with the adverse weather conditions of our Memphis, TN/North Mississippi region.

Protecting your investment

By proactively treating your shrubs with our Plant Health Care program, you will protect your investment. Watch a few #askpaul videos to clear up most of your questions and concerns.  What to expect to get from our Plant Health Care program:

• 6 visits per year from a licensed lawn technician with advanced knowledge of plant health care. 
• At each visit your plants will be fertilized.
• At each visit your plants will be monitored for insects, diseases and will be treated for what is found.
• At each visit you will receive a feedback form from the technician which tells you what he observed, what he did and what you need to know to keep up the treatment process.

This program allows a professional to examine your plants and determine what is best for them. You also get a pro who is treating and nurturing your plants to get the most out of your investment.

Are you replacing shrubs from year to year?

The money you spend on a plant health care program will eventually save you from replacing diseased or dying/dead shrubbery. An expert eye can detect a problem in your plants before it spreads to others. 

A healthy lawn and plant landscape will be strong enough to endure April freezes and August droughts. 

Let Lawn and Pest Solutions proactively treat your shrubs and lawn. Contact our office to learn more about our plant health care program. We serve the North Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee areas. 

Use this checklist to prepare your mower for summer:

• Lubricate all moving parts!
• How is the fuel filter? Fuel filters can’t be cleaned because they can easily be damaged, so just buy a new one.
• Get a new spark plug! These are inexpensive, no need to clean or reuse old ones.
• Replace the belt or battery if needed.
• Check your fuel! If you have left fuel in your mower for more than 30 days, go ahead and drain it and fill it with fresh fuel. 

#AskPaul 

While Lawn and Pest Solutions is not in the business of mowing lawns, we want to help you have the healthiest lawn. Having the proper equipment is very important to achieving a beautiful lawn. Getting your lawn mower ready for summer is an important step you can take at home. 

If you need more help with getting a beautiful lawn, we have a staff of professional lawn technicians. Lawn and Pest Solutions can help you, just contact us today. We serve the Memphis, Tennessee, and North Mississippi regions.

Reseeding Bermuda grass in your lawn is something to consider. Do you need it? Is it time? 

When is the best time to reseed Bermuda grass?

The best time to reseed Bermuda grass is in the spring, but established Bermuda grass lawns rarely need to be reseeded. 

Bermuda grass is the most popular choice for lawns in our Southern region. It loves full sun, thrives in our heat and is very tolerant to drought and traffic. However, Bermuda grass does have nutritional requirements and some might say “high maintenance”. If your Bermuda grass looking a little thin, reseeding might be an option.

Thin Bermuda grass?

Bermuda grass goes dormant over the winter, and as always dormant doesn’t mean dead. Dormant Bermuda grass may be brown, but it is just resting. As the temperature warms, Bermuda grass breaks dormancy and it starts producing a lot of new growth. 

How can I keep my Bermuda grass strong?

There are several things you can do as a homeowner to help your Bermuda grass get strong. 

• Aeration early in the growing season relieves the stress of compacted soil.
• Warm temperatures and a good fertility program make all the difference for Bermuda grass.

What makes a Bermuda lawn healthy?

A healthy lawn can fight off weeds, drought and disease better than a weak lawn. Here are some suggestions:

• Mow at a lower height 
• Water after mowing
• Fertilize
• Aerate
• Get rid of weeds

Get rid of weeds

Comparing a healthy lawn to a healthy body makes this easy to understand. A healthy lawn is strong, free of weeds, and gets plenty of air and water and nutrients. 

When that healthy lawn is attacked by disease, weeds, drought or insects it has a much better chance of surviving and thriving. Just like healthy bodies! 

Our Lawn 360 program puts a plan into place for your lawn to receive the proper nutrients at the correct time.

We can help.

We can help you determine if reseeding your Bermuda lawn is necessary. We provide services to fertilize, aerate, and treatments to keep weeds from emerging or returning. We can help you get your lawn into the best shape ever! 

Our Lawn and Pest Solutions Technicians serve the Memphis, Tennessee and North Mississippi areas. You can message our office 24 hours a day just by visiting our website. 

Our techs are friendly, trustworthy and dependable. Read our Google reviews to see how pleased our customers are with our services.