Pest Control services

Nothing can ruin a garden or lawn faster than pests. Whether it’s insects chewing through your plants, grubs damaging your lawn from below, or other unwanted visitors causing havoc, these problems can quickly get out of hand if they’re not dealt with early. Our pest control services are here to protect your outdoor space, keeping it healthy and looking its best.

We start by working out exactly what’s causing the problem. Different pests need different treatments – what works for lawn grubs won’t work for aphids, and vice versa. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we use safe and effective methods to remove the pests without harming your plants, your pets, or the environment.

With the right care, your garden and lawn can bounce back quickly. Our regular maintenance plans can also help prevent pests from returning, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space and less time worrying about what might be crawling around in it.

Organic Pest Control

If you are keen on looking after the environment and not using potentially harmful and hazardous chemicals on your flowers, plants and vegetables then there are a range of organic pest control methods that you can utilise to help deal with common pests that can invade your garden.

The first step to organic pest control is to ensure your garden and plants are healthy and have ideal growing conditions. This will include ensuring there is adequate water, minimal weeds, regular fertilising and sufficient amounts of shade and sun for the plants particular needs.

A rich and organic soil maintains the PH balance encouraging the growth of healthy plants and vegetables. A poor and nutrient deprived soil will hamper the plants growth and will increase the production of carbohydrates which insects thrive on. To increase soil health, add compost and fertilisers to restore nutrients to the soil and plants.

Plants that are stressed or are over or under watered will encourage disease and pests to attack them. Regularly monitoring the state of your plants will help determine any problems before pest populations begin to multiply.

Beating Pests Naturally

There are a variety of Organic pest control methods to help treat and prevent pest infestations and attacks once you notice that you have a problem. These include:

Sticky Traps : A rigid material of a particular colour (yellow, white or blue) that is coated with a sticky substance that is hung close the plant height. The trap will catch insects and bugs that are attracted to the colour. You will then be able to determine what pests are in your garden and the extent of their numbers. Sticky traps can be made at home or purchased from a garden supplier.

Barriers : create a physical barrier between the pest and the plant such as a thin netting over the plants that is secured firmly to the ground, so the pests cannot attack the plants.

Products & Sprays
There are a variety of organic sprays available to combat common pests. These are available at your local nursery or retailer and include:

• Bacillus Thuringiensis or BT – a natural bacterium found in the soil which is sold in a liquid or powder form that is mixed and diluted with water and sprayed onto the plants. BT helps to controls caterpillars, moths and grubs.
• Pyrethrum – a natural insecticide made from the flowers of chrysanthemums used for controlling grasshoppers, ants, aphids, caterpillars and thrips.
• Insecticide Soap – This is mixed with water and then sprayed directly onto the insects. Many insects and bugs cannot tolerate soap and it is highly affective on aphids and other soft bodied pests. Care should be given not to spray any beneficial insects in the area. The spray should not be applied during hot weather and should be tested on each plant prior to use as it can cause the leaves to burn.

Home Made Remedies
If you want to opt for the cheaper DIY method, there are a variety of home made remedies that can be made up using a mixture of common household items – some of these include.

• Insecticide: Chop four large onions, two cloves of garlic, and four hot chillies. Mix them together and cover with warm, soapy water and leave it to stand overnight. Strain off that liquid and add it to five litres of water to create an all-round insecticide.
• Pesticide: Cover a crushed garlic bulb with vegetable oil and leave for two days, strain liquid and then add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid and use one millilitre of concentrate to one litre of water and spray over your affected plants.
• Nature Sprays: made from basil leaves, camomile flowers, chopped chives, chilli, garlic, eucalyptus leaves or citronella. Soak a cupful of an item in boiling water for a day or two and then strain liquid, the result will be an environmentally friendly homemade spray that can be used to kill pests.

Attract Good Bugs To Your Garden To Combat The Bad Ones
The type of flowers and plants you have in your garden can go along way in the prevention of pest attacks.

Instead of choosing plants according to aesthetical beauty or smell, consider planting a range of flowers and herbs that have an abundance of pollen and nectar. This will attract pollinators and other beneficial insects into your garden, which will in turn help to rid you of other troublesome and unwanted pests.

Try Planting:

• Members of the cabbage family, flowering turnips, Mazuma and Mustard. These are full of nectar and pollen which attract pollinators as well as Hoverflies and Lacewings which help to control aphids.
• Salvia, Rosemary, Sage, Dill, Fennel, Coriander. These will attract insects such as Praying Mantises, Assassin Bugs and Robber Flies which eat caterpillars.
• Marigolds. Plant Marigolds alongside vegetable crops such as tomatoes as they can help prevent Root Knot Nematodes (microscopic organisms that attack the roots of plants eventually killing them)
• Choco plants or vines. Chocos will immediately attract a range of ladybirds, some of which can help to control scale, mildew, mealy bug and aphids.

So what ever form or extent you like to take it, there are a wide range of organic pest control methods that you do yourself, or you can purchase that are natural and greener choice for the environment.

And, of course, if you want some additional help and advice on organic gardening or pest control Fox Mowing can look after it all for you. And while we’re there in your garden, we can do a lot of other stuff too to get your garden looking, and feeling, its best.

Army Worm

If you’ve ever woken up to find your once-green lawn looking like it’s been eaten overnight, there’s a good chance army worms are the culprits. These tiny but destructive pests can wipe out a healthy lawn in just a few days — and in Tasmania, they often strike when you least expect it.

At Fox Mowing & Gardening Tasmania, we know exactly how to identify, treat, and prevent army worm infestations so your lawn recovers quickly and stays lush.

What Are Army Worms?

Army worms are not actually worms — they’re the caterpillar stage of the moth Spodoptera mauritia. They get their name because they move in large groups, devouring grass as they go, much like an army advancing across a field.

In Tasmania, they’re most active from late summer to early autumn, but warmer periods at other times of the year can also trigger outbreaks.

Signs of Army Worm Damage

Because they feed mostly at night, you might not see the pests themselves at first — but the damage is obvious:

• Patchy brown or bare areas appearing almost overnight.
• Grass that looks chewed or scalped.
• Increased bird activity, as they feed on the caterpillars.
• Caterpillars hiding at the base of grass during the day.

If you catch the problem early, treatment can save your lawn before it’s completely stripped.

Our Army Worm Control Process

1. Lawn Inspection

We start by thoroughly checking your lawn to confirm the presence of army worms. This includes looking for caterpillars, droppings, and characteristic chewing patterns.

2. Targeted Treatment

We use effective, safe insecticides designed to control army worms quickly without harming your pets, family, or the environment. These can be:

• Contact sprays to kill caterpillars on the surface.
• Systemic treatments that protect grass from the inside out.

3. Lawn Recovery

Army worms can stress and thin your lawn, so after treatment, we:

• Fertilise to encourage rapid regrowth.
• Recommend irrigation to help the grass recover.
• Provide ongoing care tips to prevent future outbreaks.

4. Prevention

We offer seasonal lawn monitoring and preventative treatments during high-risk periods, so you’re not caught off guard.

Why Army Worms Are a Big Problem in Tasmania

While they’re common across Australia, Tasmania’s mild summers and autumn rains create perfect conditions for army worms to thrive. Lawns in coastal areas and fertile valleys are especially at risk.

Without quick action, a small infestation can turn into a full-scale lawn wipe-out.

Tips for Preventing Army Worms

• Keep your lawn healthy and well-fertilised — strong grass is more resistant to pests.
• Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Watch for sudden bird activity on your lawn — it can be an early warning.
• Book regular lawn checks during summer and autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will army worms come back after treatment?
A: They can return if conditions are right, which is why we recommend preventative treatments during peak seasons.
Q: Is the treatment safe for pets and children?
A: Yes — we use approved products and follow strict safety guidelines.
Q: How quickly will my lawn recover?
A: With prompt treatment and proper care, you’ll usually see healthy regrowth within a few weeks.

Don’t let army worms march through your lawn.

Call Fox Mowing & Gardening Tasmania today for fast, effective army worm control and lawn recovery services.

Grubs

If your lawn is looking patchy, spongy underfoot, or turning brown despite regular watering, there’s a good chance lawn grubs are to blame. These tiny pests can cause major damage in a short period, eating away at the roots of your grass and leaving behind dead, uneven patches.

At Fox Mowing & Gardening Tasmania, we know how to identify and treat grub infestations quickly — before they destroy your lawn.

What Are Lawn Grubs?

Despite the name, lawn grubs aren’t worms — they’re the larvae of various beetles, such as African black beetles and scarab beetles. They live underground, feeding on the roots of your lawn, which stops the grass from taking up water and nutrients.

In Tasmania, grub activity tends to peak during late spring and summer, but in warmer years, they can cause problems well into autumn.

Signs of Lawn Grub Damage

Lawn grubs can be sneaky, but there are a few tell-tale signs:

• Irregular brown or bare patches that spread quickly.
• Grass that feels soft or spongy when you walk on it.
• Increased bird activity, as magpies and other birds hunt for grubs.
• Turf that lifts away easily from the soil — almost like a loose carpet.

If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s important to act fast.

Our Lawn Grub Control Process

1. Inspection & Identification

We’ll check your lawn for signs of grub activity, digging small sections if needed to confirm their presence and identify the species.

2. Targeted Treatment

We use safe, effective insecticides that kill grubs quickly while being pet- and family-friendly. Depending on the severity, we may apply:

• Contact treatments to eliminate existing grubs.
• Preventative products to stop new larvae from hatching.

3. Lawn Recovery Care

Grub damage can leave your lawn thin and vulnerable. After treatment, we:

• Apply fertiliser to encourage strong regrowth.
• Recommend irrigation schedules for recovery.
• Reseed bare patches if needed.

4. Prevention & Monitoring

We can return for follow-up inspections during high-risk seasons, making sure your lawn stays pest-free.

Why Lawn Grubs Are a Problem in Tasmania

Tasmania’s relatively mild climate and well-kept lawns create an ideal breeding ground for beetles and their larvae. Without intervention, grub populations can grow rapidly and cause significant damage before you even notice.

Tips for Preventing Lawn Grub Infestations

• Keep your lawn well-fed and watered — healthy turf is more resilient.
• Monitor your lawn during spring and summer for early signs.
• Encourage natural predators like birds, but avoid letting them damage the lawn by excessive digging.
• Book an annual lawn health check with a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are lawn grubs the same as army worms?
A: No — army worms are caterpillars that feed above the soil, while lawn grubs are beetle larvae that feed on roots underground.
Q: Is treatment safe for pets and children?
A: Yes — we use approved products and follow strict application safety guidelines.
Q: Will the grubs come back?
A: They can return in future seasons if conditions are right, which is why preventative treatments are recommended.

Nematodes

In Tasmania’s lush climate, lawns and gardens can thrive beautifully – but they’re not immune to hidden threats beneath the soil. One of the most destructive (and often overlooked) pests are nematodes – microscopic roundworms that can cause significant damage to grass, plants, and even entire garden beds. At Fox Mowing, we provide professional nematode control services to help you safeguard your landscape and keep it looking its best all year round.

What Are Nematodes?

Nematodes are tiny worm-like creatures, most invisible to the naked eye, that live in soil and plant roots. While some species are harmless or even beneficial, parasitic nematodes attack plants, feeding on roots and disrupting their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to:

• Stunted plant growth
• Yellowing or wilting leaves
• Thinning or patchy lawn areas
• Increased vulnerability to other pests and diseases

Why Nematodes Are a Problem in Tasmania

Tasmania’s mild summers, moist soils, and rich organic matter create the perfect environment for nematodes to thrive. Because they live underground, many homeowners don’t realise they have an infestation until the damage is severe. By then, the lawn may already have large dead patches and plants may be struggling to survive.

Our Professional Nematode Control Service

Fox Mowing’s approach is designed to identify, manage, and prevent nematode infestations with minimal impact on the environment. Our services include:

1. Soil & Root Inspection – We assess your lawn and garden to detect nematode activity and determine the species present.

2. Targeted Treatments – We apply environmentally responsible solutions to reduce nematode populations without harming beneficial soil organisms.

3. Lawn Recovery Support – We recommend and implement recovery measures such as soil improvement, aeration, and overseeding to restore healthy growth.

4. Ongoing Prevention – We can create a seasonal pest management plan tailored to your property to keep nematodes from returning.

Benefits of Controlling Nematodes Early

• Restores healthy root systems and plant vitality
• Improves lawn density and colour
• Reduces the need for excessive watering and fertiliser
• Prevents the spread of other secondary pests and diseases
• Protects your landscaping investment year-round

Why Choose Fox Mowing in Tasmania?

Our local knowledge and hands-on experience mean we understand exactly how Tasmania’s climate affects nematode activity. We’re fully insured, safety-checked, and committed to delivering friendly, professional service with lasting results.

Protect your lawn from the ground up – literally! If you suspect nematodes may be affecting your garden, contact Fox Mowing today for a thorough inspection and a customised treatment plan.