While it may still feel like summer in Arizona, cooler fall weather is just around the corner. September is the ideal time to tackle your pest and weed prevention to-do list before the temperature begins to drop. As temperatures start to cool, lawns and garden plants begin storing nutrients in their roots to help them survive throughout winter. Winter weeds will also soon take root and pests will start looking for food, water, and shelter in and around homes. To help prepare, we put together steps to start in September that prevent seasonal pests and weeds from invading.
The first and most valuable step for a pest- and weed-free home and yard is to create a protective barrier. Bug & Weed Mart carries a variety of professional-grade solutions any willing DIYer can use to help prevent winter weeds from taking over your yard and combat Arizona pests throughout the fall and into winter.
Get Ahead of Winter Weeds
Using pre-emergents on target areas is all about timing. Creating a protective barrier helps prevent weeds from growing before they even start. Sounds simple, and it is. When weed seeds begin to germinate, they come into contact with the barrier and are stopped before they can take root.
Finding the right approach depends on the type of landscaping you have. Whether your yard features xeriscaping, hardscaping or traditional landscaping, the experts at Bug & Weed Mart will help determine the best solution. But first, let’s look at the two main product types you can choose from: granular and liquid treatments.
Granular Pre-Emergents
Granular pre-emergents are small, dry particles that are spread across the soil and dissolve when watered. They can typically be applied using a push spreader or hand shaker, making them a convenient option for homeowners.
Granular pre-emergents are helpful for:
- Traditional landscaping
- Open dirt areas
- Gardens
After you apply granular products, they need water or irrigation according to their directions to activate the underground barrier. Granular products can also provide weed prevention with fertilizer, depending on what's being treated.
Liquid Pre-Emergent Sprays
Liquid pre-emergents come as concentrated liquids or water-dispersible granules that are mixed with water and sprayed over soil. They are mostly applied by using pump-up or hose-ended sprayers.
Liquid pre-emergents are helpful for:
- Xeriscaping
- Hardscaping
- Complex landscape borders
- Large acreage turf
Liquid pre-emergents work by sinking directly into the porous joint sand and cracks to establish a chemical barrier where dirt and blown-in seeds collect. Liquid applications can provide accurate coverage and may be more helpful when treating specific larger areas.
4 Steps to Protecting Your Landscape
Whether you're working with granular or liquid pre-emergent, the proper application can help create a protective barrier preventing weeds from growing.
Step 1: Prep Your Yard
Pull or treat any existing weeds and clear away leaves and debris so the pre-emergent can reach the targeted area.
Step 2: Apply Pre-Emergent
For granular products, use a walk-behind or hand-crank spreader to evenly distribute the product. For liquid products, use a sprayer to evenly cover the area.
Step 3: Activate
Granular pre-emergents typically need to be watered after application to activate the barrier. Some liquid products may also require watering, while others do not. Follow the product label for the best results.
Step 4: Protect
Avoid heavy raking or digging after application, which can disturb the barrier and create openings for weeds to grow.
Fall Invaders
Weeds aren’t the only thing you want to prepare for as we transition from summer to fall. September brings a much-needed shift from intense summer heat and monsoons to milder autumn weather. This seasonal change prompts an influx of specific pests.
Arizona pests that emerge during fall are looking to mate and seek shelter in homes and yards. They include crickets, scorpions, termites, rodents, and cockroaches.
Here are some quick easy steps to prevent these pests from showing up uninvited:
Step 1: Replace door sweeps
Scorpions and crickets can slide through gaps smaller than a credit card.
Step 2: Trim tree branches
Keep branches at least three feet away from your roofline to block roof rat and scorpion access lanes.
Step 3: Clear yard debris
Remove woodpiles, fallen citrus, and dead landscaping where pests hide.
Creating a Protective Barrier Against Fall Invaders
Keeping pests away starts with creating a strong barrier around your home.
To establish an effective pest barrier, apply a liquid pest control product around the perimeter of your home. This helps prevent pests from finding their way inside. Liquid sprays are especially effective when applied around foundations, entry points, windows, and doors. Using a spray allows you to easily reach small cracks and crevices. Once it dries, it creates a continuous layer of protection.
For extra protection, powder products can be used in dry areas such as behind appliances, gaps between walls and furniture and other tight spaces. Dry products provide longer-lasting residual control and work especially well in areas where liquids might not be practical. By combining the two, you can create a double barrier that protects your home from unwanted pests.
Build Your September Barrier
September is an ideal time for homeowners in Arizona to take action. By acting now, it helps stay ahead of winter weeds while continuing to protect your property from pests that remain active through fall and into winter.
Creating the right barrier can make a significant difference. Choosing to apply a granular or liquid pre-emergent to keep weeds away or strengthen the pest-control barrier around your home can save money and time. To learn more about the best products to use and how to use them, visit a nearby Bug & Weed store and speak with an expert to receive clear instructions.