Three Reasons Pests Love Your Landscape
Posted on: 29 May 2018
Almost every homeowner knows what it feels like to step outside expecting to bask in the beauty of your well-tended yard only to find wilting flowers, broken plants, or patches of yellow grass. These are some of the signs that tell you your yard has become a breeding ground for some kind of pest.
Although there are animals and insects that can help your yard to thrive, there are many others which can cause lots of damage and even pose a health risk to you. If these kinds of pests are in your yard, there are several reasons why you may be the one causing this.
You Use Too Much Mulch or the Wrong Kind of Mulch
Mulch is used to control the moisture content of the soil around plants. It also adds a little bit of curb appeal. However, mulch is also known to attract many kinds of pests such as:
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Ants
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Termites
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Earwigs
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Termites
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Roaches
Ants and termites can end up causing a lot of damage to your home. Instead of traditional mulch made from wood chips, you can use rubber mulch instead. The mulch shouldn't be more than 2-3 inches high.
You Have Plants That Are Attractive to Pests
There are many plants that pests will find attractive in your landscape. This is usually because the plant serves as a source of nutrition for the pests. Roses, for example, attract insects that like to feed on sap such as aphids. The aphid colonies may thereafter attract ants. Fruit trees and bushes may also attract destructive pests.
When choosing the right plants for your yard, don't make a choice based on appearance only. Factor in whether the plant will attract or repel pests.
You Have a Bird Feeder or a Birdbath
Birdwatchers are fond of having a birdbath or a bird feeder in their yards and, sometimes, too close to the house. Naturally, it's nice to be able to watch birds from the comfort of your home and listen to their sweet chirps. However, these features can attract a number of undesirables.
Birdbaths and any other standing water sources can attract mosquitoes and these carry many diseases, including Zika.
Additionally, it's also possible that your bird feeder will attract other animals that feed on similar foods. Squirrels are particularly fond of bird feeders and can easily eat all the seeds and leave none for the birds. Squirrels may also locate another food source in your home and find a way in.
If you find that pests are still plaguing your yard, contact a professional for lawn care services.
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