Underground Garden Pests? Protect Your Lawn

When it comes to keeping a garden or lawn healthy and green, there’s often more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. underground pest infestations can cause damage to your outdoor areas that may not be apparent at first glance.

We take a look at the world of garden and lawn pests and the different types of creatures such as prairie dogs, moles, voles and ground squirrels that tend to live underground.

We’ll identify the signs to look for and, more importantly, find out how Critter Control of San Jose can be your trusted partner in solving these problems in the San Jose, CA area.

Common Underground Garden Pests

Meet the Culprits

underground pests come in many different shapes and sizes and each can harm your garden in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common underground garden pests:

• Gophers: These small, burrowing rodents are notorious for creating underground tunnels and mounds that can turn your beautiful garden into a maze of destruction. Gophers feast on plant roots, causing wilting and death.
• Moles: Often confused with gophers, moles primarily feed on insects and white grubs, but they can damage plants while tunneling.
• Voles: Voles are plant-eating rodents that can devour the roots and stems of your garden, leading to significant losses.
• Ground squirrels: These critters are known to cause problems in gardens.
• Nematodes: Microscopic worms that infect plant roots, nematodes can stunt growth and affect the overall health of your garden.
• Prairie Dogs: These burrowing mammals can dig extensive tunnel systems and are known for eating plant roots.

Identifying Signs Of Underground Garden Pests

Reading the Clues

Early detection of underground garden pests is crucial to minimizing damage. Look out for the following signs:

• Mounds and Tunnels: Gophers and moles leave distinctive mounds and tunnels across your garden.
• Wilting Plants: If your plants suddenly wilt without apparent cause, their roots may be under attack.
• Bite Marks: Voles leave behind telltale bite marks on the stems of plants.
• Stunted Growth: Nematode-infested plants may exhibit stunted growth or discoloration.

Effective Methods For Controlling Underground Garden Pests

Taking Back Your Garden

To regain control of your garden against underground pests, there are several effective methods you should consider. You can opt for trapping and use live traps and repellents to control ground squirrels and moles. Another option is fumigation, which involves eliminating these annoying creatures by targeting their tunnels.

Additionally, choosing plants that are less attractive to pests can serve as a natural deterrent. Finally, you can look into nematode management and use beneficial nematodes to control harmful nematode populations in your garden.

Types Of Pests That Damage Lawns Underground

Lurking Below the Surface

Even your lawn is not safe from the threat of underground pests. The most common culprits include grubs, which are beetle larvae that feed on grass roots, resulting in unsightly brown spots and a weakened lawn. Stink bugs, on the other hand, burrow into blades of grass, causing yellowing and eventual death in the affected areas. Nematodes, which commonly attack lawn roots, can cause thinning and unhealthy lawns.

Identifying Signs Of Underground Pest Damage On Lawns

The Lawn Whisperers

Timely action is important when it comes to recognizing signs of underground pest damage on your lawn. Keep an eye out for patchy grass, with irregular patches of discolored or dead grass often signaling grub infestations. If your grass starts wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of billbug damage. Additionally, nematode-infested lawns may display thinning, unhealthy turf in certain areas.

Techniques For Controlling Underground Lawn Pests

Reclaim Your Green Space

If you’re struggling with underground lawn pests, consider these effective techniques. Start with biological control, where beneficial nematodes can work wonders in controlling larval and nematode populations. In more severe cases, targeted insecticides may be required for effective treatment. And remember, properly caring for your lawn can go a long way toward preventing future pest infestations.

Cost Of Professional Underground Pest Control In San Jose, CA

Investing in Your Outdoor Spaces

The type of pest, the extent of the infestation, and the size of the affected area can all impact the price of professional underground pest control services. Households in San Jose, California should be prepared to spend a reasonable amount on pest control on their plants and lawns.

In the fight against pests in underground gardens and lawns, knowledge and expertise are your greatest allies. It’s important to respond quickly to these issues to protect your outdoor spaces and ensure their vitality.

Critter Control of San Jose, with its team of experienced professionals, customized solutions, and commitment to the San Jose, California community, is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t let underground pests mar the beauty of your gardens and lawns. Contact us today to reclaim your outdoor paradise.