How To Pest Proof Your Yard: Is Your Yard Pest Friendly?

Your yard is the first line of defense to your home. By doing some prep work, you can begin reducing pest problems in your home today.

Movie still via spackler.ca / Via spackler.ca

“To kill, you must know your enemy, and in this case my enemy is a varmint”, said Bill Murray from Caddyshack (1980). This grounds keeper is right, knowing your enemy (pests), is the first step to getting rid of them. Every year, pests seem to find new and mysterious ways to enter your home. Thankfully, there are measures one can take to greatly reduce visitors and begin living pest free.

Garbage Removal

Trash is the one thing that we get rid of that immediately builds up again. Don’t dump trash freely into your trashcan. Seal trash in bags and then place them into the trashcan by the street for pickup. Placing trash close to the home can attract visitors, especially if the contents have strong odors.

Garage and Outdoor Storage

Still hanging on for that upcoming garage sale, well hurry up and have it! A cluttered garage or outdoor storage unit can often be an inviting to rodents.

The Garden

Your garden may be full of plants and flowers that you love, but they are also full of plants that pests love. Consider growing chives, basil and mint that can help keep aphids away. Throw netting over fruit bushes to deter them from birds. Slugs love gardens; crushed eggshells in the ground are sharp and will keep them away.

Standing Water

If your yard contains standing water, mosquitos are often present as well. Consider setup up a French drain and move the water out towards the street.