Fun in the backyard is a staple of summertime, but it can be a bummer if you’re dealing with pests. Keep your backyard perfect for playing and spending time with the whole family by staying on top of insects, rodents, and other backyard pests. While most homeowners already know how to protect the inside of their home, many neglect the outside. Your yard and surrounding areas act as your first line of defense against unwanted animals and bugs. Here are 5 backyard pest control tips that are perfect for the summer.
1. Maintain Your Lawn
You should always maintain your lawn, but it has more perks than just boosting your property value. When the grass is tall, it’s perfect for insects and other rodents to hide in. Not only should you cut your grass short or invest in a lawn service, but you should also remove any fallen leaves or lawn debris. Bugs love to lay their eggs or build nests in fallen foliage or branches, so keep your yard free of these things.
Maintaining your yard also means keeping your shrubs and bushes in check. If you have any unwanted plants like weed or other shrubs that are hard to maintain, remove them. Use the Local Tree Experts to keep tree branches and shrubs away from the side of your house. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of termite attacks and deter pests from entering your home.
2. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters are not only bad for your home and your drainage system, but they attract unwanted guests. Did you know rodents are attracted to moisture? Having clogged gutters is like opening your house to be a pest breeding ground. When your house gutters overflow, they create pools of water around the foundation of your home which not only causes damage to your property but breeds more bugs.
3. Remove Moisture
How often do you turn on your sprinklers without thinking? While it’s important to take good care of your lawn and shrugs, too much moisture is a recipe for disaster. Excessive moisture leads to insects, and once they get in your yard, they will find their way into your home.
The best rule of thumb is to water your lawn earlier in the day, so it’s able to dry in the sun throughout the day. During the rainy season, adjust your sprinkler system. Not only will you be saving water, but you’ll keep pests at bay.
4. Look for the Right Furniture
There are some lawn furnishings that are more attractive to pests than others. Wood is the biggest one to avoid since it draws termites or other insects. Look for types of outdoor furniture and decor that are designed to keep pests away. Metal is a good option if you’re able to keep it clean year-round.
Always clean outdoor furniture regularly to remove food crumbs, debris, and moisture that could attract pests. If you must have wooden furniture or even just piles of wood for your stove, keep them away from the house. They should be at least 25 feet from the side of your home to prevent damage to your property.
5. Skip the Mulch
Mulch is a well-known way to reduce the growth of weeds and boost the health of your plants, but it’s a welcome sight for most pests. Look into mulch alternatives when possible to keep backyard critters to a minimum. If you must use mulch, use as little as possible and look for a type that is naturally insect repellant like cedar. Always keep mulch away from the foundation of your home where it can serve as a doorway for pests.
Nobody wants to deal with an insect or pest problem in their home. The first step to keeping these critters out of your home is to prevent them from invading your outdoor space. These backyard pest tips above will help protect your yard from these harmful bugs and animals.