Weeds, brush, and debris feed and hide insects and rodents. These insects and rodents are continually probing for better circumstances, and human housing looks like ideal lodging to them.

Brush, weeds, and debris serve as hiding spots or cover for insects and rodents. Getting rid of brush, debris and weeds around your property will lower the insect and rodent population, which will lower the numbers of creatures trying to get inside.

Lawns and insect cover

Lawns can also provide cover, especially when they are not frequently mowed. Insects and rodents use the grass cover to edge closer to your home. Infrequent mowing allows the buildup of a layer of thatch. Thatch buildup develops it’s own environment, complete with it’s own set of pests, fungi, and problems. Grass mowed at irregular intervals, or with long periods of time between, provides cover for insects, and rodents, and produces it’s own crop. To avoid this problem, regular mowing is essential. Excess fertility adds to the problem, as does over irrigation. Proper lawn care is critical to preventing insects and rodents.

Insect and rodent cover in the landscape

The broad landscape of a property, including trees, outbuildings, landscape beds, and other components also play an important part in preventing pests. Landscape beds in particular can be a problem. The products commonly known as mulch, which are used for preserving moisture, preventing weeds, and insulating the roots of landscape plants, can also provide cover for pests. Mulch may be a necessary part of a home landscape bed, but it does not need to touch the home. If it can be kept 1 to 3 feet away from the home, insects will not use it as a bridge into the home.

Removing cover from your property will lower the insect and rodent population, and provide a solid foundation for other pest prevention and pest control efforts.