Spring is here, and it’s Michigan gardener’s time to shine. A home garden is an excellent way to grow your favorite flowers and source your family with fresh fruit and vegetables. But as with anything outdoors, a few unwelcome pests can ruin the best of gardens. We’re here to provide you with a few tips for controlling pests in your garden this year.

Common Pest and Wildlife in Michigan

Michigan is home to its fair share of pests and wildlife, all of which can take over your home garden. Deer, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, ants, spiders, flies, and beetles can all cause damage to your garden. Aphids and leaf miners are among the most common garden and plant pests.

How Do Pests and Wildlife Ruin Your Garden?

There are a number of ways that pests and wildlife can ruin your garden. Insects can feed on the flower, bud, or stem of the plant, killing them off over time. You may notice tiny holes or brown spots in the leaves, which could indicate a pest problem.

Wildlife tends to cause larger damage to a home garden. You may notice dug-up plants or smashed plant leaves. The most common pests in Michigan all cause their own type of damage.

Protecting Your Garden From Bugs

Is it possible to have a beautiful garden free of pest damage? With these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful garden in addition to a pest-free home and yard:

• Encourage beneficial insects: Did you know that some pests are beneficial? Ladybugs and lacewings are a few of the most beneficial pests, especially in your garden. Of course, pollinators are also beneficial to your garden, as they help your gardening efforts by keeping unwanted pests out.
• Plant-resistant options: Some plants are less enticing to pests, making them a good addition to your garden. Consider carrot-fly-resistant carrots or potatoes that are resistant to eelworms.
• Use natural bug repellent: Natural bug repellent can help keep bugs out of your garden without harming your garden.
• Strategically choose plant location: Planting your flowers and vegetables in harder-to-reach locations can make it more difficult for certain pests and rodents to access them. 

Of course, a good pest control prevention strategy is also crucial to controlling the number of bugs on your property. A wildlife control professional may also be needed if a pesky rodent is on site. Solidified Pest Control is the company to contact when you need rat control Michigan services or a pest inspection in Livonia, Michigan. We offer full-service pest control in Livonia, Plymouth, Farmington Hills, Troy, Rochester Hills, and all of Metro Detroit. Contact us today at (248) 820-3057 for pest control services you can trust. You can also fill out our online form.