Creepy Crawlers: Get To Know Your Uninvited Yard Companions

May we introduce you to a few of our frenemies who are likely hanging around your yard uninvited as we speak: Ms. Mosquito, Señor Snake, Tina the Tick, Auntie Ant, and Mrs. Mole.

Ms. Mosquito is the least shy out of the bunch and downright annoying. She tends to yell in your ear in the middle of your chill backyard barbecue dinner, and then insists on making YOU her dinner. Unfortunately she sometimes brings more unwelcome companions with her, such as the West Nile Virus that you’d think wouldn’t reach you here in smack dab middle of North Carolina, but they do. Like a vampire, Ms. Mosquito hates garlic, so a mosquito spray made with garlic is this bloodsucker’s worst enemy.

Señor Snake might be the creepiest of all of them sending the wife and kids running faster than Usain Bolt. He really likes to hang out in tall grass so if you were looking for a reason to get out your mower this weekend, well there you go. But if you prefer motivational Instagram quotes rather than fear for your life to inspire your sprint workouts, then you might consider getting some snake repellent for your yard.

Tina the Tick is probably your most devious lawn guest and really loves hanging out at wooded yards and homes with pets. Unlike Ms. Mosquito, she is almost impossible to spot until after she’s already latched onto you or your furry companion (I’m talking about your pet, not your spouse who’s missed a few wax appointments), sometimes for up to 3 days! Unfortunately she brings with her a bacteria that results in Lyme disease. Garlic spray is your best bet to safely keep this one away.

Auntie Ant and the rest of the fire ant family don’t just visit your yard, they move in and build their house on your property. These sneaky creatures can crawl up your leg together as a group without you even noticing it, then sting you repeatedly. These bites hurt like a mother, and can itch for a week. Some people may experience allergic reactions to ant bites, similar to bee stings. Fire ant repellant would be a much safer choice than trying to kick down that ant mound.

Finally, Mrs. Mole and her counterpart Mr. Vole cause all kinds of havoc on your lawn. They dig tunnels under your yard's surface, destroying the grass roots and uprooting plants and flowers. You’ll recognize these creepy crawlers by unsightly molehills, holes and “runways” that are bereft of grass. Mole and vole repellent will chase these critters out of your yard.

So there you have it, kinda wish you hadn’t been introduced now? If you need help getting rid of any of these squatters, check out our organic solutions for all of them.