Pest Control for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Did you know that 99% of all insects are not harmful to you or your landscape? There are steps you can take to avoid pests through proper plant selection and techniques. For those that arrive anyway, learn how to choose the right pesticides and use them safely and effectively.
- Keep building foundations clear of vegetation to reduce pest harborage.
- Prevent plants, shrubs, and trees from touching any structure. Pests can use these as roadways to gain easy access to a building. Planting some trees and shrubs too close to buildings could cause damage to structures. Trees should be planted so that no part of the tree is within six feet of the building.
- Create an 18-inch “vegetation-free” zone next to any structure to discourage pests.
- Choose plants, trees, and shrubs carefully and consult with a specialist if necessary. Selected landscaping ornamentals should not produce a food source, such as seeds or fruit, which could draw hungry pests to your property. Ensure plants are healthy and treated for honeydew-producing pests, such as aphids and scales, in order to reduce attracting ants and other insects.
- Select plants with open canopies or space densely canopied plants far apart to reduce hiding places for pests, especially rodents.
- Instead of pine-straw or mulch, use lava or egg rock. Pine-straw and mulch can introduce, attract, or support pests to areas near your structure.
- Design your landscape to eliminate standing water, which can attract a variety of pests, including mosquitoes. This includes evaluating your sprinkler and irrigation systems and monitoring them for leaks or overwatering. Drip irrigation is a good alternative that limits water availability.
- To discourage mosquito breeding and activity, maintain water features to keep water moving. This includes features such as fountains, bird baths, and man-made ponds. Moving water will help to prevent stagnation.
- Use termite-resistant building materials for fences and decks.
