Landscaping can make a big difference to the properties that you manage. Attractive plants, trees, shrubbery and turf can add beauty and value to properties. On the practical side, landscaping can also help with drainage and provide natural wind and weather screening for buildings. Correctly maintained landscaping indicates to tenants and the public that properties are well-managed.
What you may not know is that landscape design and maintenance can also help minimize pest activity. Here’s how proper landscaping can make a difference:
Select
It’s important to choose the right plants, shrubbery, and trees for your properties. For example, it’s a good idea to avoid landscape plants that can attract aphids and si milar plant-feeding insects, which can attract ants. It’s a good idea to seek advice from a landscape professional about which plants might cause or promote pest problems in your growing zone and climate.
Trim
Overgrown shrubbery and trees can provide easy bridges for pests into your structures. For rodents and nuisance wildlife, such as squirrels and raccoons, branches can serve as virtual highways from the outside into your structure. Overgrown turf and garden plants can offer secure hiding spots for pests that are waiting to get into buildings. Trim tree and landscape branches regularly, especially those that are close to structures or hang over roofs. Be sure to cut away or remove dead tree limbs and stumps to eliminate pest harborage sites. Keep grass mowed, leaves raked, and debris picked up from outdoor areas.
Related:How to Identify Wasp Nests Outside Your Business
Mulch
Mulch can help the ground retain moisture, which is good for plants as well as fo r some pests, such as termites. To help avoid creating an attractive environment for thirsty pests, keep landscape mulch 4-6 inches away from structure foundations. Also, remove old mulch before apply ing new mulch to help keep it from building up. You can learn more about how to properly mulch here.
Water
Plants and pests both need water, but you need to make sure to not overwater. Ensure sprinkler sy stems aren’t spraying water directly onto building foundations, where moisture can collect. Direct water from rain gutters and downspouts away from structures and foundations. If your business has fountains or water features as part of your landscape design, make sure they are properly maintained and do not provide pest breeding grounds. After heavy rainfall, clear water from plan t trays, bird baths and containers. Make sure that landscaped areas have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling.
Hire
Hiring the right commercial pest control p rovider can help protect your properties from the outside in. Terminix Commercial® has experience in delivering customized treatments and comprehensive pest control for all types of structures. From inspection and identifying pest threats to proven control strategies, Terminix Comme rcial incorporates preventative steps and regular monitoring to help prevent infestations before they cause problems for your tenants.
Terminix Commercial understands the special needs a nd requirements of structures like yours, and will work to provide services at convenient times for you and your tenants. They will also offer advice on preventative pest control measures that you can implement inside and outside buildings to help keep insects, rodents, wildlife and birds at bay. Terminix Commercial professional technicians can also provide pest control education for your staff, i f you’d like. Request a commercial pest control plan today.
