Keeping bugs out of your house requires a little bit of work outside. You’ll want to pay attention to the perimeter of your home. If bugs are hanging out close to your house, it won’t be long before they march inside. We’ve made a list of tips to help you pest-proof the perimeter of your home.
Trim Vegetation
Pests use plants as a source of shelter. Vegetation can also provide bugs with a bridge into your home. Prune shrubs, bushes, and other plants so they aren’t touching the side of your house. Don’t forget to trim tree limbs too. Keeping your vegetation trimmed will reduce hiding spots and discourage pests from hanging out near your home.
Clear Away Debris
Yard debris is another hiding spot for bugs. Clear away leaves, twigs, grass clippings, weeds, and rocks. If you have mulch, make sure you leave at least a 6-inch space between it and the foundation of your home. Eliminating potential attractants can help to keep your space bug-free.
Properly Store Firewood
Having a supply of firewood is great, but it can also act as shelter for pests. You don’t want to store firewood against your house. It’s best to keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home. If possible, elevate it so it’s not sitting directly on the ground.
Examine the Exterior of Your Home
As you work on clearing your home’s perimeter, take time to examine the exterior of your house. Look for holes, cracks, gaps, and other places where bugs could sneak inside. Seal these with caulk or steel wool. Repair or replace damaged window and door screens. Sealing entry points is one of the best ways to avoid an infestation.
Minimize Moisture
Bugs are attracted to moisture, so you need to keep the area dry. Make sure your downspouts are working properly and water is draining away from your home’s foundation. If you have sprinklers, keep them directed at your lawn and not close to your house. Be sure you don’t overwater your plants.
Create a Protective Barrier
Spraying the perimeter of your home with a plant-based insecticide spray can help prevent pest problems. Our Home Bug Spray and Yard Bug Spray kill pests on contact. They also provide residual repellency. These repellent properties act as a barrier around your home helping to keep pests out. You can apply the spray in a 2 to 3 foot band around the foundation. You can also use our Home Bug Spray near windows, doors, and other common entry points for bugs.
Stopping bugs before they get into your home can save you the headache of an infestation. That’s why it’s important to pest-proof the perimeter of your house. If you’re dealing with an invading bug army, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.