There are five basic types of treatment for anthills and other insects: chemical insecticides, biological insecticides, botanical insecticides, insecticide soaps and predatory insects (remember- some are your friend!). There may also be specific types for specific insects. Weigh each option and choose which one fits your needs best.

Moles and gophers are two of most common animal pests, and due to striking similarities they are often confused. Both animals build tunnels under your lawns, but that does not mean they are same. These two have many things that set them apart from one another. Moles are smaller than gophers, and have pointed snouts and large front claws. They do not feed on your lawn, but insects that dwell within. Sounds like they are helping you with insects? Maybe, but moles' tunnels leave mounds of dirt on ground above, and their shallow tunnels cause uneven ground.

Gophers, largest of pesky pair, have buckteeth and small ears. These creatures love to dine on your grass and plant roots. Gophers also leave mounds of dirt, but they do far more damage underground, causing sinkholes. While your green may not encompass as many acres of turf in movie Caddyshack, they can cause just as much recurring trouble. Getting rids of gophers and moles leads to one grand solution- killing them. There are also more conventional methods, such as traps.

The best way to deal with pests though is to perhaps not have them at all. This can be achieved by taking preventative measures in your lawn. But of course, nature has a mind of its own!

Clean battery terminals and replace your old lawn mower battery if necessary. You can help prevent corrosion of terminals if you apply grease to posts at end of each mowing season. Change oil in engine crankcase and replace oil filter. You should also drain gas from your lawn mower before storing it for winter. During long summer mowing season, remember to wash your lawn mower and remove any debris after mower has cooled. Keeping your lawn mower clean will add years to its life and make routine maintenance tasks a lot easier.

Lawn mowing is a job most of us face each and every year. A lawn mower that runs great and is well maintained will make this job more enjoyable and easier all summer long. A yearly check up for your lawn mower is perfect way to prolong its life and keep it running like new, and your lawn will look great when you mow with a machine that is in top working condition. Your lawn mower will perform at highest level possible if you remember to perform these simple maintenance tasks each and every year. During summer months periodically check oil and condition of air and fuel filters. You will save money and your lawn mower will work great for years to come.