Centralia homeowners take outdoor fun and creativity seriously. They keep their laws neatly trimmed, invest in bright flower beds, and build comfortable patios to have their dream peaceful retreat. Thoughtful landscaping enhances the beauty and comfort of a home.
But some landscaping habits can unintentionally create ideal conditions for pests to thrive in Centralia’s mild and wet climate. Insects and rodents can hide beneath blooming flowers or inside well-mulched garden beds. Thus, homeowners can still enjoy their outdoor space without inviting unwanted guests if they know what to look for and adjust their yard care. Below are landscaping choices that may draw pests to your yard and the pest control measures you can take to prevent it.
Mulch Can Be a Pest Magnet
Mulch keeps your garden soil moist and weed-free, but it can also be a perfect shelter for pests. Wood mulch can attract termites, ants, and beetles. These insects love the moist and warm environment that mulch provides. Placing mulch too close to your home’s foundation gives pests an easy path indoors.
You can reduce this risk by keeping mulch at least 12 inches away from your foundation. Try using gravel or rubber mulch in areas next to your house. These materials don’t hold moisture the same way and won’t attract as many pests.
Standing Water is a Mosquito’s Dream
Mosquitoes can breed in even in a small puddle or birdbath. You could help mosquito populations grow if your landscaping includes a pond, fountain, or planters that hold water after it rains.
You can keep mosquito populations down by ensuring any water feature has moving water or a filter system. Empty anything that collects water after rain, including flowerpot trays, kiddie pools, and unused garden tools. Mosquitoes only need a few days to lay eggs and multiply.
Overgrown Lawns and Bushes Hide Rodents
Tall grasses and thick bushes may be perfect hiding places for rodents. Tall grass and dense shrubs offer mice and rats protection from predators and weather. These rodents can easily explore your home’s basement and crawlspace once they settle into your yard.
Regular mowing and pruning help keep rodents at bay. Shrubs near your house should be trimmed back, so they don’t touch the walls or windows. This prevents pests from using them as a bridge to get inside.
Fruit Trees and Flowering Plants Feed More Creatures Than You Think
Fruit trees and flowering plants might make your yard look lovely and smell sweet. However, they also offer a food source for a variety of pests. Fallen fruit attracts ants, wasps, and raccoons. Nectar from flowers brings in bees and other flying insects. Some of these visitors might be harmless, but others can become a nuisance, especially if they hang around your porch or patio.
So, clean up fallen fruit quickly. Choose flowering plants that may not attract stinging insects. Consider using netting or fencing to limit access to the fruit If you do have fruit trees.
Wood Piles and Yard Clutter Invite Trouble
Woodpiles, compost heaps, and unused garden pots create great shelters for all types of pests. Storing these items near your home motivates pests to find their way inside during colder months or when they forage for food.
You can prevent this from happening by keeping firewood stacked at least 20 feet from your home and a few inches off the ground. Regularly clean up yard waste and avoid letting clutter accumulate, especially near entrances or windows.
Meet Centralia’s Pest Control Experts
Pointe Pest Control is the go-to pest control service provider in Centralia. The company is led by Jacob Borg, offering practical solutions tailored to each home’s specific needs. Pest control technicians at the company understand how Centralia’s climate and greenery can create pest challenges, especially when it comes to landscaping habits. They offer regular inspections and guidance on how to make your home less inviting to pests, starting right in the yard.
