The Knockout Guide to Pest Proofing Your Spring Landscaping
Spring is here, and that means Long Island homeowners are busy getting their yards in shape. But while you’re planting flowers and mulching garden beds, pests are also becoming more active—and some are looking for a way into your home.
At Knockout Pest Control, we help homeowners across Long Island protect their homes with smart, pest-proof landscaping techniques. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep your yard looking great while keeping pests out.
Why Landscaping Matters for Pest Control
Your yard is the first line of defense against pests. Many insects, rodents, and other unwanted critters thrive in overgrown plants, damp soil, and wood piles, using them as a stepping stone into your home. By maintaining your yard properly, you can dramatically reduce pest activity around your home.
Here’s how to make your landscaping work for you—not for pests.
Keep Mulch and Plants Away from Your Home’s Foundation
Mulch is great for keeping soil moist and adding curb appeal, but it also creates a perfect hiding spot for pests like ants, termites, and spiders. These pests thrive in damp, dark areas and can easily move from mulch beds straight into your home.
What to do:
- Keep at least a 12-inch gap between mulch and your home’s foundation
- Use gravel or rock mulch near your house instead of wood mulch to discourage pests
- Regularly turn and aerate mulch to prevent excessive moisture buildup
Termites are especially attracted to mulch, so keeping it away from your foundation is a key step in termite prevention.
Trim Back Overhanging Branches and Bushes
Tree branches and bushes that touch your home act as bridges for pests like carpenter ants, rodents, and even termites. These pests can crawl from overgrown shrubs straight into your attic, walls, or crawlspace.
What to do:
- Keep trees and shrubs at least three feet away from your home
- Regularly prune back overhanging branches to eliminate easy access points
- Avoid dense, overgrown plantings near your foundation
Eliminate Standing Water and Moisture
Excess moisture around your yard doesn’t just attract pests—it keeps them thriving. Many insects, including termites, carpenter ants, and cockroaches, need a damp environment to survive.
What to do:
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets, gutters, and irrigation systems
- Clear clogged gutters and make sure water drains away from your foundation
- Level your yard to prevent pooling water after rain
- Keep firewood, lumber, and compost stacked off the ground and away from your house
Like mulch, moisture is also a major attractant for subterranean termites, which rely on damp wood to survive. Addressing water issues early can help prevent costly termite infestations.
Use Pest-Resistant Plants in Your Landscaping
Some plants naturally repel pests, helping to keep bugs like ants, cockroaches, and termites at bay. Adding these to your landscaping can provide an extra layer of protection.
Best pest-resistant plants for Long Island yards:
- Lavender – repels ants, moths, and fleas
- Marigolds – helps deter aphids and certain types of ants
- Mint – naturally repels ants and cockroaches
- Chrysanthemums – contains pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent
Maintain Your Lawn
An unkempt lawn is an open invitation for pests. Tall grass, leaf piles, and overgrown weeds create the perfect environment for rodents, ants, spiders, and cockroaches to thrive.
What to do:
- Mow your lawn regularly and keep it well-trimmed
- Remove dead leaves and organic debris from your yard
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground
A tidy yard makes it harder for pests to hide and reduces their chances of moving inside.
Invest in a Perimeter Pest Control Treatment
Even with great landscaping practices, pests can still find their way inside. That’s why a professional perimeter treatment is a smart way to keep pests out before they reach your home.
Knockout Pest Control offers integrated pest management (IPM) solutions that focus on preventing pests rather than just treating them after they appear. Our perimeter pest control treatments create a protective barrier around your home, stopping ants, termites, cockroaches, and other pests in their tracks.
Schedule Your Spring Pest Inspection
Your yard should be a place to relax—not a breeding ground for pests. By following these pest-proofing tips and scheduling a spring pest inspection, you can protect your home from the outside in.
Ready to take action? Contact Knockout Pest Control today to schedule a professional pest inspection and perimeter treatment.