5 Tips for a Bug-Free Backyard

When you spend time outside, there’s a good chance you’ll see a few bugs. That doesn’t mean you want pests taking over your outdoor space. A little bit of bug-proofing can help ensure pests won’t bug you. We’ve made a list of tips to help keep bugs out of your yard. 

1. Trim Your Vegetation

Bugs use grass and plants as hiding spots. Keeping your vegetation trimmed can help to prevent pests.

• Make sure to regularly mow your lawn.
• Prune bushes, shrubs, and plants.
• Trim tree branches so they aren’t touching the side of your house.
• Remove weeds and brush from your yard.

2. Minimize Moisture

The presence of excess moisture can quickly attract bugs. Minimizing moisture is key to bug-proofing your yard.

• Make sure your gutters and downspout are working properly and aren’t clogged.
• Check for leaky pipes, hoses, spigots, and air conditioning units.
• If there are items in your yard that can fill with water, like buckets or unused flowerpots, you’ll want to remove them.
• Examine your yard for poor drainage spots.
• Don’t overwater your lawn and plants.

3. Remove Other Attractants

Vegetation and moisture aren’t the only things inviting bugs to your yard. Removing potential attractants will help to deter pests from visiting.

• Remove leaf litter, twigs, rocks, grass clippings, and other yard debris.
• After enjoying a meal outside, clean up crumbs and spills.
• Pick up trash and place it in a clean, sealed trash bin.
• Swap your white light bulbs for warmer bulbs.
• If you have mulch, leave a 6-inch space between it and the side of your home.

4. Check for Nests & Pests

Catching a bug problem early will make it easier to get rid of pests. Keep your eyes open for nests or signs of pest activity.

• Anthills: Look for mounds of soil with an entrance hole at the top. Our plant-based Spider & Insect Dust can be applied to anthills.
• Stinging Insect Nests: Check for stinging insect nests. These are often found in bushes, on trees, and the exterior of your house. If you’re dealing with yellow jackets, their nests can be located underground. You may spot an entrance hole near trees or in pavement cracks.
• Ticks: You’ll also want to check for ticks after spending time outside. Don’t forget to look your furry family members over too. If you spot one, carefully remove it using tweezers. 

5. Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray

Plant-based insecticide sprays can help keep bugs away. Our Yard Bug Spray kills common outdoor pests and provides residual repellency protection. Spraying your yard and the perimeter of your home can help to create a protective barrier that keeps pests out. If you find a stinging insect nest in your yard, you can treat it with our plant-based Wasp & Hornet Killer. This foaming jet spray reaches up to 18 feet and can coat the nest.

Don’t let pests take over your backyard. With some preventative measures, you can bug-proof your outdoor space. If pests are ruining your outdoor activities, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.