How To Get Rid of Pests on Artificial Grass
The good news for homeowners with artificial grass in their garden is that it’s a lot less likely to attract pests than natural grass. That’s because there is no soil or organic fibre for them to feed on.
However, due to the exposed nature of any garden, pests can find their way into your space if you let food, water and debris accumulate. To help you solve and prevent any pest issues affecting your artificial lawn, we’ve created a guide on how to get rid of pests here at Easigrass Essex & Herts.
Can Pests Live on Artificial Grass?
Pests can only live on artificial grass given the right conditions. Insects, in particular, need warmth, moisture and plenty of organic material in order to thrive. By removing any of those elements, it makes it nearly impossible for an infestation to take place.
Your artificial lawn, when kept clear, won’t attract pests, that much is for sure. But here are some common pests that might be attracted and what it is that could bring them to your garden:
- Flies and ants – these are drawn in by any food particles and spilt drinks.
- Fleas and ticks – these could be hitching a ride on your pets before making their home in the fibres of your lawn.
- Mosquitoes – though rarer in this country, mosquitoes are usually attracted to stagnant water, so proper drainage is important.
Overall, with professionally installed artificial turf and routine upkeep from yourself, there is much less chance of your lawn becoming a hotbed of activity for pests than with natural grass. If you need advice on how to remove insects from fake grass, we’ll be happy to provide specific guidance, but our next section contains some general guidance for you to follow.
How To Safely Remove Pests From Synthetic Lawns
If you’re unlucky enough to find pests on artificial grass in your garden, there are a few things you can do to safely remove them:
- Clear away the things attracting them. Whether it’s leaves and debris or pet waste, simply tidying up can remove the pest issue.
- Give the lawn a hose down. Using plain water from the hosepipe can help to dislodge pests and wash away any remaining residue.
- Find an appropriate cleaning product. You shouldn’t use any cleaning product that isn’t approved by the manufacturer of your artificial grass, but if you find a stubborn mess, you may need to look this up.
- Treat your pets, not the grass. A better solution to the issue is to tackle the source of the problem is to get your cat or dog on a regular flea and tick treatment, and tidy up after them regularly.
- Sort out drainage issues. If your lawn begins to pool with water, you may have a greater issue to deal with, as there is likely a water drainage issue in your garden. Investigate the source and take the appropriate action to fix this.
- Call the professionals. If there is a heavy infestation of a problem pest, speak to a pest control specialist or book our Easi-Care package for regular maintenance and a proactive approach.
Preventing Future Infestations on Artificial Turf
The best pest treatment for artificial lawns? The old adage that prevention is better than the cure has never been truer. While they require much less maintenance than natural turf to keep them looking brilliant, here are our tips for a few easy ways to ensure yours remains pest-free:
- Adopt light maintenance with a weekly brushing to remove wind-blown debris and a monthly hose down in warmer, drier weather.
- Keep food and drink on your patio. This way, you avoid any accidental spills or crumbs embedding into your lawn.
- Seal your external bins and compost heap so that pests aren’t attracted to your garden in the first place.
- Arrange an annual deep clean from our professional team at Easigrass Essex & Herts to refresh your lawn.
With these quick, low-impact steps, you can keep your garden looking its best all year round without any worries about pests.
Here at Easigrass Essex & Herts, we supply and install award-winning artificial grass across the region. For more advice on how to look after your artificial grass or to book your Easi-Care package in Essex and Hertfordshire, including Brentwood, don’t hesitate to contact us.
