What is the recommended method for treating a thick ground cover like ivy?

Applying granules is the recommended method for treating a thick ground cover like ivy primarily because granules can effectively penetrate dense foliage and reach the soil where pest issues may arise. This method enables the treatment to be evenly distributed over an area, allowing it to work on pests that live in or under the ground cover while minimizing potential harm to beneficial insects.

Granular treatments also tend to have a longer residual effect, meaning that they continue to provide pest control over an extended period. They can be applied in a way that reduces runoff and limits the exposure of non-target plants to chemicals, which is especially important when dealing with ground covers like ivy.

In contrast, spraying with a liquid pesticide can be less effective in thick cover, as it might not reach all parts of the area equally and can lead to runoff, potentially harming nearby plants or causing environmental concerns. Fogging techniques are generally used for large areas or specific types of pests but may not adequately address the issues found within dense ground cover. Bait stations are typically useful for specific target pests and may not be effective when dealing with broader infestations in thick ground cover like ivy.