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Three Landscape Issues That Can Lead To Indoor Pest Problems

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Are insects getting into your home and driving you mad? Whether it's scavengers like roaches and ants, predators like spiders, or alarming pests like termites, the infestation on the inside of your home could be caused by a problem on the outside of your home. The following are three things to watch for in your landscape that can help keep pests out of your home.

#1: Poorly placed wood piles

If you burn wood for heat or simply for ambiance, chances are you want to have your wood pile nearby. Unfortunately, there is such thing as too close. Wood piles can be home to many different insects, including termites and carpenter ants. If you stack wood against your foundation or exterior siding, pests may eventually make their way from the pile into your house. This is especially common as temperatures drop in winter, since insects may seek the warmth inside your house. Stack wood well away from your home's foundation. A dedicated wood shed in an accessible area several yards from your house is the best option.

#2: Nearby brush piles

Brush piles can include everything from dead branches to piles of leaves or other garden debris. These debris items often collect near the walls of your house, either from simply raking them out of the way or from the actions of the wind. Much like a wood pile, brush piles provide nesting and food for insects. Generally the insects will stay outside in the brush as long as the weather is nice, but they will quickly move into your home once temperatures plummet. With the insects also often comes spiders, since they also like to bed in brush piles and they will follow their prey into your home. Rake often, especially in the fall, and either dispose of the brush or compost it well away from your home.

#3: Landscaping issues

Sometimes the problem is with the landscaping itself. For example, plants growing right up against the wall, such as overgrown bushes or climbing vines without a proper trellis, provide shelter for insects near the house. Another common issue is wood mulch mounded too closely to the wall or foundation of your home. Both of these landscaping situations provide shelter for pest in summer, and easy access to your home once temperatures drop. Wood mulch can even attract termites. When landscaping near the foundation, leave a 6 to 12 inch strip of bare soil between your landscaping and the foundation to cut down on pest issues inside.

Contact an exterminator such as Econo-Way Exterminating for more help.


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