They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, but in the case of a home, cleanliness is next to pest freedom. Home pests come in all shapes and sizes with very diverse characteristics. The common factor amongst them all is that none of them are friends to your property, most less so your family.
Whether you already have a few pests or are considering ways to keep them away, this guide is for you.
Read on for our top 7 tips on garden pest control and how you can get your property clean and pest free.
1. Prune Trees & Shrubs
Prune trees and shrubs to control garden pests. Regular pruning is key to keeping pest populations at bay. It keeps a healthy balance of tree and shrub foliage, reducing the number of areas where pests can congregate.
It also reduces foliage-dwelling insects and encourages stronger and more vigorous trees and shrubs that are less susceptible to pests. Proper techniques must be used when pruning to ensure you are not encouraging the growth of more pests. Be sure to always cut branches at a 45-degree angle and discard all pruned branches and debris away from the garden.
This will ensure that no pests are inadvertently being transferred from one area into another. Pruning is a great way to maintain the health and vigor of trees and shrubs in the garden while keeping pest populations in check.
2. Proper Garbage Disposal
It serves as an effective preventative measure for keeping pests out of your garden. Making sure all kitchen waste and garden clippings are disposed of correctly and regularly, reduces the opportunity for pests to gain access to food from nearby garbage. Make sure to keep your outside bins as far away from where you are growing vegetables and herbs as possible to avoid any unpleasant odors attracting pests.
If possible, line the waste with an eco-friendly, biodegradable compostable garbage bag to keep pests out, and make sure to keep the lid firmly shut. A good tip is to check the exterior of your property for any unsealed openings, cracks, and crevices and seal them off promptly with insecticide and a sealant. This will help to ensure that no pests are able to enter your property.
3. Mow the Grass
Regular mowing and trimming of the grass helps keep gardens clean and attractive and also keeps pests away. Pests are attracted to longer grass in gardens because it provides them with shelter and food. By mowing the grass frequently, you can keep it short and prevent it from attracting pests. And it also prevents it from becoming a food source for certain pests.
It also makes the property look neat and tidy, leaving it less attractive to certain pests. Therefore, regular mowing and trimming of the grass is an important step to ensure a pest-free garden and property.
4. Remove Standing Water
To prevent a pest infestation, it is important to remove standing water as soon as possible. A quick visual scan of the property and garden should reveal any standing water. Common locations for standing water may include old tires, birdbaths, curb gutters, and other potential catch-basins.
If standing water is found, it should be drained or pumped away from the property and garden as soon as possible. Utilizing proper watering techniques can also help reduce standing water. Watering should be done early in the morning to give plants enough time to dry off before evening.
It is also advisable to check for moisture levels in drainage areas. If necessary, consider installing drainage ditches or French drains. By removing standing water, outdoor areas can be more comfortable and free of pests.
5. Store Wood Properly
Start by making sure any lumber, firewood, or other wood materials are stored away from points of entry into your yard or home. Keep wood off the ground to eliminate wood pests from migrating into your yard. If possible, store wood away from the side and exterior walls of your home, as some pests like termites can enter from there.
And navigate to the property store and purchase treated wood materials which will prevent these pests from previously infested wood. When done right this will help ensure a pest-free property.
6. Attract Beneficial Insects
It is important to attract beneficial insects. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs, praying mantises, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps can reduce the occurrence of unwanted pests. Attracting these pollinators can be as simple as adding a birdbath, or planting flowers that provide food and shelter for these creatures.
Not only will this help reduce pest invaders, but it will also help to improve the health and yield of your crops. In addition to planting beneficial flowers, leaving piles of leaves around your property can also help attract beneficial insects.
7. Place Pest Repelling Plants
Marigolds are known to deter whiteflies, thrips, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. Rosemary is effective against cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies. Lavender is known to repel moths and fleas. Planting these flowers near vulnerable crops can help protect them and reduce potential damage.
Planting specific varieties of basil can also help to repel mosquitoes, flies, and Japanese beetles. Various species of mint can deter white cabbage moths, ants, and fleas. In addition, certain trees, such as clove, eucalyptus, or camphor, can also be used to prevent and repel pests and rodents.
By adding these types of plants to your garden, you can decrease the need for chemical pest control without sacrificing the health of your crops. If you’re interested in learning more about pest control and pest management from professionals, click for residential pest control here.
Learning the 7 Tips for Garden Pest Control and Pest Free Property
By following these 7 tips, you can keep your garden pest-free and healthy. Pest control is essential to keep your garden looking its best and most productive. Be sure to use the right garden pest control measures for the specific pest you are dealing with.
Join the pest control revolution today and keep your garden safe.
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Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
