Keeping Pests at Bay Archives

There are dozens of pests that can arrive in your landscape uninvited. Insects are the No. 1 problem that individuals experience. The first order of business if you observe a problem is hire a professional. There are also beneficial insects that live in your landscape and a professional has the experience and knowledge to tell the difference.

Don’t immediately assume that complete and total annihilation is the only option for dealing with pests. There are measures that every property owner can employ to aid in making the landscape less attractive to insect pests.

Pest-Repelling Plants

Some plants are repulsive to certain types of insects. They’re attractive and add character to the landscape. Pest-repelling plants can be used in companion plantings to discourage bugs within the landscape. In addition to some herbs and flowers such as chrysanthemums, don’t overlook carnivorous plants that feed on insects.

Maintaining Distance

Bushes, vines, trees and even flower beds established near structures are an invitation to insects that can enter homes and commercial properties. It’s a good idea to maintain a distance of about six feet between buildings and plants. When mature, trees shouldn’t overhang structures. Keep trees pruned and inspect them regularly to prevent infestations before they occur. Dense plantings are also an invitation to mice and rats.

Clean up Debris

Leaving leaf piles, decaying wood, grass clippings, and mulch are all capable of calling insects to homes. If you don’t have a bagger on the mower, be sure and rake up grass clippings. Keep debris cleaned up.

Avoid Wood

Using wood chips are often viewed as an eco-friendly way to mulch or reduce mowing areas, and decrease the time spent on landscape maintenance. However, a great many insects, not to mention mice and rats, find wood chips and woodpiles a safe haven. Synthetic alternatives or pebbles offer a highly attractive option that won’t invite pests.

Professional Services

There are definitely times when professional services should be sought. The experts can address any current infestations and make the landscape less attractive to insects and rodents. They have a variety of methods that can be employed to keep your landscape healthy, which will significantly reduce the potential for pests to take up residence.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

There are any number of unwelcome pests that can wreak havoc on lawns, flowers, hedges and trees. From chemicals to organic measures, there are numerous ways to discourage pests from lunching on plants and hedges in the landscape.

Chemicals are typically the first solution that people consider. If not applied correctly, they can damage the very plants that are trying to be saved. Using chemicals is best left to the professionals, especially if children or pets may come in contact with the treated areas. Chemicals are a response to a pest problem that’s already occurred.

For those that prefer a proactive approach that utilizes natural methods, there are a number of plants that can be cultivated that will repel insects and rodents. Peppermint, spearmint and pennyroyal are deterrents for ants and aphids. Garlic, alliums, oregano, daffodils, lavender and savory are helpful in masking the aroma of plants insects and rodents want to eat or will repel them entirely.

Pheromone traps are highly effective and will only lure the type of insect or rodent that’s invading the environment. The traps are easily disposed of and can aid in monitoring the scope of the problem. Insect-killing soaps made from natural ingredients are also available to control aphids, spider mites and similar pests, but isn’t effective once it dries.

Another way to address an insect problem is by attracting beneficial insects to the environment that also prey upon the undesirable bugs. It’s an option that really needs the input from a professional to determine what the insect problem is first.

A tidy yard is the best way to keep insects and rodents from invading the landscape in the first place. Dispose of leaves, brush piles, and other plant debris where the pests can live. Overwatering and insufficient air flow among plants is an invitation to insects. Wood piles should be moved from time to time so rodents don’t become comfortable.