As the temperatures rise across Wisconsin and Minnesota, so does the buzzing, biting, and crawling. If you’ve been swatting mosquitoes, pulling ticks off pets, or noticing ants marching up your peonies, your yard may be sending you a warning.

At Green Oasis, we believe your landscape is always trying to tell you something. And right now, summer pests are some of the loudest voices in your outdoor space. Mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and even grubs aren’t just seasonal annoyances—they’re signs of deeper environmental imbalances that, if ignored, can lead to major problems later in the season.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down what common insect activity in Wisconsin and Minnesota yards means—and how our Mosquito & Tick Defense, Ant Control, and Plant Health Programs can protect your landscape and your family all summer long.

The Buzz About Mosquitoes: Standing Water and Shade-Loving Swarms

What they’re telling you: Your yard has excess moisture and ideal breeding conditions.

Mosquitoes are one of the most common complaints we hear from clients in Eau Claire, River Falls, Minneapolis, and beyond once the humidity of June sets in. These biting pests love standing water, dense vegetation, and shady areas—conditions often created unintentionally by overwatering, poor drainage, or thick, unmaintained shrub beds.

Why it matters:
Aside from their itchy bites, mosquitoes in the Upper Midwest can carry West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and other diseases. Populations can explode rapidly if not controlled early.

Green Oasis Tip:
If you’re seeing mosquitoes during the day—especially around shaded entryways or garden beds—it’s time for action. Our Mosquito & Tick Defense program targets breeding and resting sites with effective, environmentally conscious treatments that reduce populations dramatically within the first few visits.

Ticks in the Lawn and Garden: They’re Not Just a Wooded Trail Problem

What they’re telling you: Wildlife traffic or overgrown areas are creating hidden tick zones.

Ticks aren’t limited to backwoods hiking trails. In fact, we’re seeing an increase in tick activity in suburban lawns, particularly near fence lines, wood piles, and garden edges. If you have deer, rabbits, or field mice passing through your yard, they’re likely dropping off hitchhikers.

Common culprits in our area:

  • Deer ticks (can transmit Lyme disease)

  • American dog ticks (known for Rocky Mountain spotted fever)

  • Lone star ticks (on the rise in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin)

Why it matters:
Ticks are masters of hiding in leaf litter, tall grass, and low-hanging foliage. Once established, they can be difficult to eradicate—especially in properties with dense landscaping or wooded edges.

Green Oasis Tip:
Our Mosquito & Tick Defense service doesn’t just treat for adult pests. We use targeted barrier sprays that interrupt the lifecycle of ticks and mosquitoes at every stage, paired with landscaping insights to reduce tick-friendly zones.

Ants on Your Peonies? They Might Be a Warning Sign

What they’re telling you: Aphid activity is increasing, and your plants could be at risk.

Many gardeners notice ants crawling on their peony buds in early summer. While this behavior is often harmless—ants are attracted to the sugary nectar on peony buds—it can sometimes point to a larger issue: aphids.

Aphids secrete a sweet substance called honeydew, which attracts ants. If ants are crowding your plant stems, especially on non-peony plants, you could have an aphid infestation that weakens your flowers and shrubs over time.

Why it matters:
Aphids drain sap from your plants, reducing vigor, distorting new growth, and increasing susceptibility to disease. The ants, in turn, protect aphids from predators, making the infestation worse.

Green Oasis Tip:
Our Plant Health Program is designed to monitor and treat pest and disease threats before they cause long-term damage. From systemic treatments to seasonal inspections, we’ll help ensure your ornamentals thrive—not just survive—this summer.

Ants in the Lawn or Foundation? Watch for Mounds and Pavement Trails

What they’re telling you: There’s a colony growing—and it may be coming indoors.

If you’re seeing ant trails across your patio or foundation, or mounds in the lawn, you could be facing a growing colony of pavement ants, lawn ants, or even carpenter ants. Warm soil and increased moisture from summer rains make perfect conditions for ant expansion.

Why it matters:
Certain ants, like carpenter ants, can damage wood structures and enter homes. Others may bring a “nuisance factor,” contaminating outdoor eating areas or attracting aphids to nearby plants.

Green Oasis Tip:
Our Ant Control Services combine baiting and targeted perimeter applications to eliminate colonies at the source. We treat both lawns and landscapes to reduce reinfestation risk.

Grub Damage: The Hidden Summer Pest That Shows Up Late

What they’re telling you: Your lawn’s root zone may already be under attack.

Grubs (larvae of Japanese beetles, June bugs, and chafers) live just under the soil surface, feeding on grass roots. By the time you see signs like brown patches, spongey turf, or increased skunk/digging activity, the damage is already done.

Why it matters:
Grub infestations weaken lawn structure, reduce water uptake, and open the door to secondary pests and diseases. Beetles also emerge in July, feeding on roses, grapes, and other ornamental plants.

Green Oasis Tip:
Early summer is the ideal time to apply preventative grub control. Our program stops larvae before they mature, protecting your lawn and landscape investment.

What You Can Do Now: Turn Insect Clues Into Proactive Care

Summer pest activity isn’t random—it’s part of a natural pattern. The earlier you respond, the easier it is to protect your landscape, reduce health risks, and avoid costly damage later in the season.

Here’s what we recommend for homeowners in Wisconsin and Minnesota:

Inspect Often

Walk your property weekly to spot mounds, pests, discoloration, or excess moisture. Early detection is key.

Treat the Environment, Not Just the Pests

Insects are symptoms. Moisture issues, poor drainage, or stressed plants often need to be addressed to achieve long-term results.

Call the Pros

Our trained Green Oasis technicians are local experts in identifying and treating insect issues before they escalate. We don’t just spray and walk away—we tailor solutions based on your property’s unique needs.

Protect Your Outdoor Oasis Today

Whether you’re dealing with mosquitoes in Eau Claire, ticks in River Falls, or ant trails in Woodbury, your yard is talking—and we’re here to help you listen.

At Green Oasis, we offer full-season protection through our:

Let’s make this summer a season of lush lawns and worry-free outdoor fun—not bug bites and brown patches.

Contact Green Oasis today for a free consultation and let’s get ahead of the problem—before your yard becomes bug central.