Most homeowners know what services are necessary for good Nashville lawn care: proper mowing, aeration, overseeding, adequate hydration and fertilizer. Aeration is one of the most beneficial Nashville lawn care services, especially if you live in an area that experiences episodes of little to no rainfall. Aerating your Nashville lawn will allow the water from your irrigation system to reach the grass roots directly and be immediately absorbed. However, even though aeration ensures that your Nashville lawn and soil are manipulated, you should go one step further and also have your soil periodically tested by a Nashville lawn care professional.
A soil test is a fairly simple procedure and many Nashville lawn care companies offer the service for free in conjunction with their Nashville lawn care programs. The Nashville lawn care technician will take a small soil sample and have it sent to a lab. A qualified soil expert will examine the sample and look at the pH level (acidity); the presence or absence of such macronutrients as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen; the presence or absence of such micronutrients as iron, calcium, zinc, boron, manganese, copper and other nutrients that deter weed growth and enhance the Nashville lawn’s resistance to insect and disease infestations; the soil type, which can help your Nashville lawn care technician create a preventative plan to reduce the incidence of compaction; and levels of decomposed plant material, also known as thatch.
Once the results are back, your Nashville lawn care specialists can consult with you on what the best plan of action is regarding your Nashville lawn care regimen. To schedule a soil analysis, call your local Nashville lawn care company today.
Ants can be a frustrating problem when it comes to them invading your home. Ants can smell food from many miles away, so if there are any crumbs, food left out or spills, ants will find a way into your home to clean up after you. You can always rely on baits, but if you have children or pets in the home, here are a few natural remedies that are effective but safe for the entire household.
Grits. Yep, that’s right. Use more food to get rid of ants by using quick grits. The end result for the ants isn’t pleasant, as the grits expand in their stomachs and cause the ants to die. You can sprinkle the grits in any area where you have notice ants and voila! They will be gone.
Boric acid. Boric acid can is effective, but pest control specialists warn that you should be careful not to inhale the fumes from the acid as it can cause breathing problems. The toxicity is low to humans, but if you have asthma or other breathing complications, you may want to try one of the other methods. Janitorial experts recommend mixing two parts of something sweet with one part boric acid.
Lemons. Make a concoction of half lemon juice and half water in a spray bottle. Spray around areas where ants frequent, and as well as areas where they may gain entrance to your home such as windows, doors, etc.
Spices. Pest control experts say there are a wide variety of spices that can be used to eliminate ants; however, you have to strategically make a line of the spice that will make it hard for the ants to travel around. Peppermint oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cinnamon can all be used to get rid of your ant problem.
Pest control authorities say all these remedies will be effective, but the best way to keep ants out is by cleaning up crumbs and spills as soon as possible and not leaving food out.