More than 80 percent of American homeowners have experienced a pest problem in the last 12 months. Some common examples include flies, ants, mosquitos, mice, and rats.
Not only can they damage your home, but they can also trigger allergies if they get inside. Take rats, for example, they produce allergens that can cause sneezing, wheezing, and coughing.
That’s not all, some can also transmit diseases.
Do you have unwanted guests in your backyard? Want to know how to keep the pests away? If so, you’re at the right place.
Keep reading for some tips on how to have a pest-free lawn!
1. Repel Them With Plants
Don’t want to use chemical repellents? You can always go for natural pest control instead. For example, there are plants that keep pests away.
Take citronella, for instance, it can help ward off mosquitos. In fact, it’s often used as an ingredient in repellent creams and sprays.
For the best results, plant them near the door or under the window. Not only will they keep the mosquitos away, but they’ll deter other flying insects from entering your home as well.
Other plants that you can add to your property include lemongrass, marigolds, chrysanthemums, petunias. Similarly, you can also use herbs to keep pests away. Some examples include mint, basil, rosemary, sage, and lavender.
2. Get Rid Of Standing Water
Standing water can attract various pests into your yard. Not only will it provide them with a water source, but certain insects such as mosquitos may also use it as a breeding ground.
To prevent that, get rid of any objects that may collect water such as gardening cans, flowerpots, and old tires. And if you have a birdbath, make sure that it’s one with running water.
It’s also a good idea to clean the gutters and downspouts regularly—that’ll prevent clogs that can otherwise trap water.
3. Keep Your Lawn Tidy
Remove leaves, branches, and other debris from your lawn where pests can hide. It’s also important that you cut the grass regularly. If it gets too tall, it can provide harborage for ticks, ants, and other insects.
That’s not all, you also want to trim your trees and shrubs. There should be plenty of space (at least one foot) between the branches and your house—that’ll prevent pests from easily getting inside.
For those who don’t want to do it themselves, you can always hire a professional. For example, you can get Lawn Care here.
Keeping The Pests Away
As you can see, there are several things that you can do to keep the pests away from your home—from adding certain plants to tidying up your lawn. You don’t always have to rely on chemicals!
Did you find the information in this guide helpful? Interested in more tips like this? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our home gardening section!