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" Weeds, bugs and diseases can destroy all your hard work in the yard and garden. Here are some proven solutions to taming the wild and tackling nature&amp;#039;s pesky invaders.  Lawn Weeds\u2014 Crabgrass and Broadleaf Weeds   Problem: Crabgrass can multiply quickly, so it should be treated as soon as you notice it.  \u2022 Thrives in long, hot summer weather.  \u2022 \uF020Will take over a drought-stricken lawn in a short time. \u2022 \uF020It is common in all parts of the country.  Solution: For lawn weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions and chickweed, among others, only use a selective weed killer (which kills the weeds, not the grass). The best defense against weed infestation in the lawn is to maintain a healthy lawn with regular feeding, proper mowing and watering.  Lawn Disease\u2014 Brown Patch   Problem: Brown patch can be found throughout the country and attacks Kentucky bluegrass, centipedegrass, Bermudagrass and bentgrass.  \u2022 \uF020Likes high humidity and shady spots.  \u2022 Starts as a small brown circle, then grows. \u2022 \uF020Spreads outward, often to several feet in diameter.  Solution: Use a lawn disease control product that can be applied on all types of lawns to prevent and cure all major lawn diseases. Once you know that you have brown patch, you can ask for a treatment product in a garden center.  Fire Ants   Problem: Few bugs are more vicious than the tiny red fire ant, found mainly in the southeastern U.S.  \u2022 \uF020They attack and bite any creature that threatens them or their queen.  \u2022 \uF020Queens can live up to seven years and lay up to 1,200 eggs per day. \u2022 They build underground nests in soft soil with mounds above, where more than 500,000 ants can live.  Solution: Contact insecticide treatments can wipe out entire colonies when the workers bring the granules back to the queen. Tip: Water in the granules on and around the mound very gently to avoid disturbance, preventing the colony from relocating before taking the treatment.  Stubborn Pavement Weeds   Problem: All kinds of weeds invade walkways, patios and driveways around the home.  \u2022 Weeds invade small cracks and crevices and multiply quickly.  \u2022 Their stubborn, twisty root systems are hard to pull out between bricks and paving stones. \u2022 They are common in all parts of the country.  Solution: Nonselective weed killers (which kill everything green) should only be used in areas where you don&amp;#039;t want to see plant life, including patios, sidewalks, driveways and walkways. Homeowners should read labels carefully to avoid using these products on their lawns or near planting beds of desired plants.  Lawn Insects\u2014 Ants, Fleas, Ticks &amp;amp;amp; Mosquitoes   Problem: The lawn is a place for many common insects to breed, live and hide out from predators.  \u2022 Ants move from the lawn into the home in search of food.  \u2022 Fleas use the soil to lay their eggs and hide before jumping onto our furry friends. \u2022 Mosquitoes never stray far from where they hatch, so spray an infested area to get rid of the problem.  Solution: Apply an insect killer to the lawn and around living spaces to prevent insects from ruining the fun your backyard has to offer. Certain lawn insect killer products kill more than 180 types of insects, including above- and belowground insects.  Photos: iStock International "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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