Show #108 - No-See-Ums & Lawn Care Secrets: Fall Pest Control, Watering Tips, and DIY Lawn Success

Fall Pest Control & Lawn Care Guide: Beating Bugs, Boosting Growth, and Saving Money

As fall approaches, insect activity peaks — and your lawn and garden need attention now more than ever. From stopping no-see-ums and mosquitoes to ensuring successful grass germination and avoiding overpriced lawn services, a few key steps can dramatically improve your landscape’s health and performance.

How to Stop No-See-Ums, Mosquitoes, and Gnats

Insects like Asian tiger mosquitoes, gnats, oakleaf mites, and no-see-ums are common in the DC area — but you can fight back:

• Skip the garlic diet: Eating a pound of onions or garlic daily will repel bugs (and people), but there’s a better way.
• Use Green Armor (Summit Chemical Co.):
  • Sprays on clothing and gear, lasting through 7 washes.
  • Protects against chiggers, mosquitoes, gnats, oakleaf mites, and more.
  • Spray hats, shoes, and outdoor clothing for full coverage.
• Break the reproduction cycle: Summit’s mosquito and gnat hose-end spray keeps populations from multiplying — and both solutions cost just $9.88.

Fall Grub Control: Stop Problems Before They Start

If your home is 10–15+ years old and has a sunny lawn, fall is the best time for grub treatment:

• Apply 24-hour grub killer or Dylox now to eliminate 25+ pests before they overwinter.
• A single fall treatment prevents spring infestations and reduces insect activity all year.

Watering & Seeding Tips for Fall Success

Proper watering is the #1 factor for successful seeding — and most homeowners get it wrong:

• Established lawns: 1” of water per week.
• New seed in sunny areas: 2–2.5” per week — always water after 5 PM, not in the morning.

Why water in the evening?

• Fall air is dry, not humid, so fungus risk is low.
• Nighttime acts as a natural “shade tree,” keeping soil moist longer.
• Morning watering evaporates too quickly — leaving seeds dry.

Pro Tip:

• Water shaded areas for 1 hour per evening and sunny areas for 2 hours per evening for 21 days.
• Add Greenview Grass Seed Success + humates like Kick-Start for faster germination and reduced water demand.
• Lightly top-dress with ⅓” of soil to repair bare spots.

Smarter Weed & Beetle Management

• Plants with red foliage (roses, Japanese maples, plums, grapes) are more prone to Japanese beetles — treat preventatively.
• As you water and seed, weeds will germinate too — once the lawn has been mowed twice, you can treat it as “established.”
• Use Image All-in-One at ½ strength on a well-watered lawn to remove unwanted vegetation safely.

DIY Lawn Care vs. Lawn Services: The Cost Comparison

Many homeowners are shocked by how much lawn services charge — and how little they deliver.

• Most companies use low-grade seed, fertilizer, and soil at half the recommended rate.
• One customer was charged $280 for two lime treatments — but a single application of top-grade lime costs just $40 for 5,000 sq. ft.
• Professional services often cut corners with low-quality products and reduced application rates.

Betty’s DIY Advantage:

• Top-rated seed, Turf Trust or Greenview fertilizer, McGill’s Soil Builder, and Gallery weed preventer — all at 1/3 the cost of most services.
• Performance-based recommendations: the right product, right time, right dosage, right exposure.

Final Thoughts

With the right approach, fall lawn care doesn’t have to be expensive — and you can achieve better results than most services deliver. From controlling pests and grubs to mastering watering techniques and choosing premium products, a little knowledge goes a long way.

 Fall is the season to protect, prepare, and plant — so your lawn thrives long into spring and beyond.