Nice weather is here, and it’s time to start caring for your lawn again. Whether you’re a fan of backyard barbeques or just have a green thumb, lawn care is crucial if you want to enjoy some time outdoors.

However, that’s not the only reason to stay on your lawn care game. Believe it or not, lawn care maintenance is important for keeping pests off your property and out of your home.

In Northeast Pennsylvania, there are quite a few unwanted creatures that love a nice overgrown lawn. If your goal is to keep your yard tidy and stop any unwanted infestations, here are seven lawn care maintenance tips to keep pests away.

1. Check Out Your Lawn

Before you give your lawn the proper TLC it deserves, you have to know what type of ground is surrounding your home. Get to know the soil type, the grass and growth, and all the areas that may need attention.

Are there sections with a lot of overgrowths? Overgrown vegetation and grass a huge draw for insects like ticks and gnats. Moss is another growth to keep an eye on; it’s a sign of moisture, which could mean still water and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Do you store wood on your property? Wood is a wonderful hiding place for snakes, rodents, and spiders, among other pests. Finally, gardens, though beautiful, can have quite a few insects that you may not want in your home. Make note of all these areas, and you can work your way through each spot as needed.

2. Keep Your Grass Cut

Ah yes; the weekly to bi-weekly task of cutting grass can be a hassle but keeping up with the habit can prove more beneficial than you think. Overgrowing grass can attract plenty of insects, some more dangerous than others. Ticks, for instance, love to use the tall grass as a boost to find hosts. These parasites don’t fly or jump, so they must rely on other methods to find a blood meal. 

Additionally, the more you allow your grass to grow, the harder it can get to cut. The more unwieldy it gets, the weaker and less healthy the grass becomes. This makes it a hotbed for pests. So, it’s recommended to keep your yard trimmed, cutting down the verge requires sharp mower blades. Also, be sure to remove any refuse left behind.

3. Mind the Weeds.

Much like grass overgrowth, weeds can become troublesome if left to grow unchecked. High brush and grass are a draw for all manner of pests from mice to spider mites.

They can also suck up any nutrients meant for other plants in your garden. Also, they can do a number on your allergies. If you want to avoid any pest entanglements, take care of any weeks that may be infesting your lawn, growing in the cracks in the pavement, or sprouting upright by your house.

4. Don’t Overwater.

Moisture brings all the bugs to the yard, especially ones you want to keep out. Areas with high moisture serve as a breeding ground for annoying insects like black gnats and mosquitoes. Unfortunately, these insects can do more than just buzz around your ears, as mosquitoes carry nasty diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. 

To keep the moisture low, make sure you don’t overwater your lawn or garden. Make sure your sprinklers don’t go off too often and be mindful of rain.

5. Trimming the Verge.

Like weeds and grass, you want to be careful of your garden and any overgrowth. When bushes become too unwieldy, or vines start to take over, they often become hiding places for all manner of pests. Be sure to keep plants contained, trimmed, and away from your home. If you have bushes and trees, be mindful of their growth. 

Vines are particularly dangerous, especially if they are growing on the side of your home. Vines can get into cracks, stick to stone, and overwhelm siding. Considering that most pests only need a crack to slip into your home, this can create unseen openings all over. Plus, overgrown is always a draw for insects.

Still, if done properly, vines can add a certain aesthetic to your home; but you must be willing to care for them, and make sure you live in a dry environment. If you don’t, the vines can easily take over not only the side of your house but the lawn and garden as well.

6. Keep Things Clear

If there is one thing that can help keep pests away, it’s taking away any possible hiding spots. Unfortunately, nature is constantly changing leaving our yards filled with overgrowth, leaves, yard trimmings, and moss. If you want to keep pests out of your yard, make sure you keep things clear.

Rake up any fallen leaves, remove excess yard clippings, and discourage any animals or insects from moving in.

7. Rinse and Repeat

Taking care of your lawn is not a one-and-done thing. Grass, flowers, bushes, and plants are all in a state of constant growth. That means you have to stay on top of it. To keep your yard in tip-top shape and pest-free, you have to put in the maintenance. The cleaner your yarder, the better chance you have.

Concluding Thoughts

Unfortunately, keeping a clean lawn doesn’t always mean it will be pest-free; however, making sure that your lawn is cared for is a good start. Putting in the work can help discourage pests from making a home out of your backyard. Still, if you should experience a pest issue, you can always reach out to a pest control expert to help. Warm weather is here; why not enjoy it with a nice clean, pest-free lawn?

 

 

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