tiger-mosquito-49141_640

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to plan out all the fun outdoor activities in your garden. Whether that’s having a barbecue, starting a vegetable patch, or chilling in an outdoor pool, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of your garden and patio spaces. Unfortunately, it is also the time when pests are at their most menacing. Sweating at the thought of blood-sucking mosquitoes or invasive stink bugs entering your yard? Here are some great ways to pest-proof your garden using natural methods.

Attract Natural Predators

What better way to get rid of pests than having an army of predators do the job for you? Natural predators may include specific types of birds like owls, amphibians like frogs, or even mammals like hedgehogs. It ultimately comes down to what species are native to your area and the type of pests that frequent your backyard.

You might want to even consider purchasing insects like ground beetles and ladybugs. They are known as beneficial insects because they help control the pest population and for the most part leave you or your garden crops alone. You may want to consider providing a place to live to attract some natural predators.

Owls like to shelter and roost on dense, mature trees that are nicely shaded. If no such trees exist then a good alternative is to set up an owl nest box in the corner of the garden. Owls will not just help to rid your backyard of pesky bugs but all types of furry rodents as well.

Clear Up Debris

Don’t allow the pests and rodents to get cozy. Piles of debris and weeds could provide the perfect environment for pests to live and breed in. If you live in a place that gets plenty of rain you’ll want to examine your outdoor space and make sure to clear away any wet foliage and standing water which again could act as a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Wet environments may also drive pests like roaches indoors. Examine your patio space and make sure there are no crevices or holes along the wall for the insects to sneak through.

Image 2

 

 

Grow Pest-Repelling Plants

Consider forming a natural barrier around your garden by growing pest-repelling plants. A lot of plants naturally produce essential oils that repel pesky insects. These types of oils are often extracted from plants like lavender, citronella grass, and chrysanthemums. Strangely enough, the scents we find fragrant from these plants may repel pests like fleas and mosquitoes.

Other popular pest-repelling plants include basil, lemongrass, mint, and rosemary. The benefit of these plants is that they can serve additional purposes. For example, if grown organically, herbs like basil and rosemary can be used in the kitchen.

Image 3

 

 

Natural Powders

There are other natural solutions you can use to control pests. One of the most effective is food-grade diatomaceous earth. This white powder is made from the fossilized remains of single-celled algae. We won’t notice it because they are microscopic but diatomaceous earth has razor-sharp edges that could pierce the protective layer of an insect’s exoskeleton.

Eventually, the piercing effect would cause the bugs to dehydrate and die. If you start to notice a surge of pests appearing on your patio then consider applying diatomaceous earth around high-traffic pest areas. In addition to diatomaceous earth, you might want to consider other natural ingredients like cinnamon, baking powder, and garlic.

Cinnamon, for example, is a great natural repellent for ants. A few studies suggest ants do not the like strong scent of cinnamon and the way it affects their sense of direction. The chemicals found in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, have also been noted as having a repellent effect on ants.

As you can see, chemical pesticides are not the only solution for controlling pest problems in garden and patio spaces. Going the natural route is always preferable since you, your family, and your pets won’t be exposed to any hazardous chemicals.

 

Start Shopping for Pest Deterrents!

 

The Best Cat Deterrent Plants

The Best Cat Deterrent Plants

Cats are adorable and beloved creatures. That doesn't mean, however, that they belong in your garden. The last thing you want is to see felines eating your favorite plants, or using your garden as their personal toilet. So here are some of the best cat deterrent...

Do Coffee Grounds Deter Cats?

Do Coffee Grounds Deter Cats?

You may find your garden and yard smelling awful because the neighborhood cats have decided to treat the area as their giant litter box. Not only can it really stink but it’s unsanitary too. Cats may also be tearing up plants and digging out seeds and bulbs. You may...

Cats And Coffee Grounds

Cats And Coffee Grounds

For most of us, our first cup of coffee in the day is like a drink of ambrosia. Not only does it smell and taste delicious but it has many other advantages. Cats and coffee grounds do not go together. And this is great if you are having trouble with cats littering up...

How To Use Orange Peels To Deter Cats

How To Use Orange Peels To Deter Cats

Are you tired of neighborhood cats wreaking havoc in your garden or yard? What if we told you that there is a simple, natural, and effective solution to repel them? Enter the humble orange peel to deter cats, a surprisingly powerful DIY cat repellent that has been...

Types Of Pest Birds

Types Of Pest Birds

Pest birds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However they all have one thing in common: they can be a real nuisance to us humans in one way or another. The following are the most common types of pest birds you’re likely to encounter. European Starling The...

The Total Guide To Dead Crow Decoys

The Total Guide To Dead Crow Decoys

Buy on Amazon Whether you live in the country, suburbs, or even the city, dealing with pest crows can be a significant problem. One of the most effective methods for controlling these nuisance birds is using a dead crow decoy. This all-in-one guide will cover...

All About Hawk Decoys

All About Hawk Decoys

Buy on Amazon Pest birds can make a huge mess and cause a lot of expensive damage. To help keep birds and other pests away, a hawk decoy is an effective and safe solution. So here is your complete guide to them. Why A Hawk Decoy? Hawks are one of the most widespread...

Live Animal Cage Trap Tips For Success

Live Animal Cage Trap Tips For Success

Buy on Amazon Pests can be a major hassle; they can cause costly damage, make a mess, and can even spread disease. Many homeowners choose to trap pests on their own using what are known as live animal cage traps. These traps are totally humane and allow you to safely...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This