Wagner Realty
April
10
10
How to Pest-Proof Your Yard and Garden
Nothing is more frustrating than spending time cultivating your garden and landscaping, only to have all your work undermined by pests. Rabbits, rodents, and destructive insects can all do a number on your yard. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for pest-proofing your property.
- Put up a Physical Barrier
Your first line of defense is often a fence around your backyard or garden, which you'll find with many Sarasota homes for sale. A tall fence at the edge of the property can help to keep out larger critters. To keep out rabbits, consider enclosing your garden with fencing at least two feet high. Burying the fence by at least six inches will help prevent not only rabbits but also moles and voles from burrowing under. Fences aren't the only physical barrier to consider, though; a floating row cover can keep insects off the tender leaves of young plants. - Encourage Natural Predators
Sometimes all you have to do to keep your garden pest-free is to invite those pests' predators to move in. Letting your dog or cat roam the backyard can keep the rabbits away, for instance. Planting many flowers and herbs among your other plants can also encourage beneficial insects, insects that prey on common garden pests. - Minimize Hiding Places
There are certain types of gardens that appeal to pests. Yards with lots of good natural hiding places are appealing to bunnies because they have plenty of places to hide from predators. Dense undergrowth will also encourage everything from rabbits and rodents down to mosquitoes and other insects. As you'll see with many Bradenton homes for sale, removing old landscaping not only minimizes pest populations but also modernizes and improves curb appeal. - Look For Pest-Resistant Varieties of Plants
In addition to making your yard an unfriendly place for pests, you can minimize its attractiveness by planting plant varieties that pests have no interest in. There are certain varieties that have natural protection from pests. For instance, butternut squash and royal acorn squash tend to be naturally less appealing to insects that feed on squash leaves. - Choose Plants That Deter Pests
In addition to resistant varieties, there are certain types of plants that are often found in gardens because they are natural deterrents. Marigolds have a fragrance that tends to keep pests away. Mint is another great choice; while a big-time spreader may be better off contained in a pot, mint also has a fragrance that rodents and insects find offensive or even deadly. - Plant a Mixed Bag
Sometimes the answer to your pest problem is actually planting everything together. Instead of rows that leave tantalizing plants isolated and vulnerable, mixing, say, flowering plants and herbs into your vegetable beds can actually offer protection to other species. This practice is called intercropping and can also serve to confuse pests, making it more difficult for them to find dinner. - Raise Healthy Plants
Just as healthy people have stronger defenses against disease, so do healthy plants have a better ability to withstand pests. Make sure your plants are well watered in beds with adequate drainage, well fed with plenty of fertilizer and good soil, and planted in the right amount of sunlight or shade to help them thrive.
Planning on selling your home this year? Landscaping is a great way to boost curb appeal and perceived value. For more information, contact us today.