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Tips for Outdoor Pest Control

Outdoor Gathering in Fort Mohave YardOne of the nicest parts of summer is spending time outdoors. Although if bugs and other pests try to disturb your outdoor gatherings, it can quickly turn a good time into a big nuisance. Ants, flies, mosquitoes, rodents, and other uninvited pests are irritating and dangerous since many pests bite and carry certain diseases. But in some cases, those “pests” are helpful and vulnerable animals, including bees and bunnies – even if you don’t want them in your yard. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep those outdoor pests controlled. Utilizing a few basic tips, you can prevent outdoor pests from ruining your fun in the sun.

Trim Lawns and Bushes

One of the first things you can do to discourage unwanted pests from moving into your Fort Mohave rental home’s yard is to keep your lawn and bushes neatly trimmed. Overgrown grass, bushes, and weeds are breeding grounds for all kinds of pests, from flies to rodents. By keeping your grass and other foliage trimmed back, you can discourage insects and other pests from making your yard their new home.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Many biting insects, including mosquitoes, are attracted to standing water, piles of lawn clippings, wet leaves, trash cans, and other areas outside your home. To keep these pests from proliferating in your yard, it’s a good idea to keep things clean and dry. For example, if you or your landlord haven’t cleaned the gutters or trash bins in a while, take steps to get that done. Also, it’s important to repair any water leaks or low spots in the yard where water can pool and stagnate. Finally, if your home has a storage shed or woodpile, keep these clean, dry, and away from the house’s exterior walls. This can help make your woodpile or shed less attractive to a wide range of common outdoor pests.

Bring in Natural Deterrents

Once you’ve tidied up your outdoor space, the next thing you can do to keep outdoor pests away is to use a few natural repellants. Keeping herbs like rosemary, mint, basil, or thyme near entryways, patios, or decks can help naturally repel pests from seating areas. Blowing fans can help keep flying insects away, and keeping food or sugary drinks covered or put away can discourage pests from trying to sneak in for a bite. To keep ants away, try sprinkling a little cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your gathering spots. Although you’ll need to reapply after watering, cayenne pepper is an effective natural deterrent for crawling insects.

Handling Helpful “Pests”

Sometimes, the pests that invade our outdoor spaces are animals we need for a healthy ecosystem. But that doesn’t mean you should invite them in, either. Swarms of bees are both beneficial for healthy plants and a hazard for people. Bunnies can help aerate your lawn, but they’ll also dig unsightly holes and take over if left to breed unchecked. For pests like these, it’s best to check your lease to find where the responsibility for pest control resides to have professionals remove them safely and humanely.

Unwanted pests can be a nuisance. But by taking appropriate steps to keep them away, you can make your outdoor time both pleasant and pest-free.

Are you in the market for a new rental home, perhaps one with a beautiful yard? If so, Real Property Management Northern Arizona can help! Check out our listings online and possibly find the rental home you’ve been dreaming of!

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