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Many people become obsessed with getting rid of every bug they come across on their property, but the reality is that there are many kinds of insects that can actually be beneficial to have around.  Granted, you may not want them in your house, but out in the garden they can help maintain the health of the flora and fauna.  The most common beneficial insects for your garden include:

• Lady Bugs – not only are they cute, but they eat aphids, mites, whiteflies and scale.  You can attract them to your garden if you plant yarrow or daisies.
• Lacewings – These flies eat aphids and their larva as well as other kinds of garden pests.  They can be attracted by planting flowers such as goldenrod, black-eyed susans, asters, and yarrow.  
• Praying Mantis – Praying mantis eggs can be purchased online and placed in your garden and will quickly grow to adulthood.  Mantis’ will eat all kinds of garden pests and make for gentle, interesting garden guests.
• Nematodes – Nematodes are microscopic creatures that are beneficial for controlling cutworms, beetles and root weevil larvae.  You can buy their eggs and apply them to the soil in your garden. 
• Hover Flies – Hover fliers also eat aphids, and they are attracted to the same types of plants that Lacewings are. 

All of these insects are completely safe for people and pets to be around.  You can either attempt to attract them naturally to your garden by growing plants they like, or you can buy them online (or through catalogues) and place them in your garden yourself.  You’ll find that your garden thrives when you use beneficial insects to control pests.  And you’ll also find that maintaining your garden can be a lot easier with the help of a few thousand little critters.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

A pest can be anything that is unwanted or that causes damage and/or injury.  A lot of it depends on your perspective.  For example, deer are beautiful, graceful, gentle creatures that can be delightful to watch in the wild; but if you regularly find them in your garden eating the lettuce you’ve spent all season cultivating, they become a pest.

Most of the creatures that we consider pests belong in the great outdoors and as long as they don’t intrude on our homes, or invade our backyards to the point they threaten our health we don’t really give them a second thought. 

Depending on your location, the season and your pest control routine your needs can differ from season to season.  However, the majority pests fall into the following categories:

• Insects – Including spiders, ants, fleas, lice, and ticks
• Rodents – Including squirrels, rabbits, gophers and mice
• Reptiles – Including snakes and lizards
• Larger Mammals – Including deer and raccoons
• Birds – Including woodpeckers and blue jays

If any of these creatures have invaded your yard or home, you may be in need of pest control.  Professional pest control services are trained to deal with the specific animals or insects in your area and can help you to not only eliminate them; but they’ll teach you how to prevent these pests from coming back.  After hiring a pest control company, be proactive in staying in touch with them.  Let your service provider know what seems to be working or not working.  Ask questions and give feedback. 

Just because your neighbors don’t consider the raccoons that tear through your garbage every night a nuisance doesn’t meant they aren’t a pest.  If your life is being disrupted by outdoor critters, you need to find a way to take back your home.  Find out what a professional pest control service can do for you.

For a free inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.