Landscaping mistakes, it’s important to avoid conditions that attract termites and other insects. Certain features around your home can create easy entry points for pests.
1. Landscaping Mistakes: Soil or Mulch Buildup
Excessive soil or mulch against brick walls or siding can create a hidden entryway for termites. It allows them to bypass treated soil and reach your home unnoticed.
2. Raised Foundation Planters
Planter boxes, flower beds, and other raised containers often sit against the house. Some have no bottom, allowing termites to move from the soil into your home undetected. Without proper barriers like flashing or concrete, these planters can trap moisture and invite pests.
3. Shrubs, Trees, and Vines Touching Walls
Ants and other small pest often take advantage of overhanging branches and vines as they find their way to your home. These pesky insects are adept at using natural structures found in your yard to gain access to your property. Ivy and other climbing plants create a direct pathway, allowing pests to easily enter through even the smallest cracks or gaps in your siding. This means that what appears to be a harmless vine can actually serve as a welcoming mat for unwanted guests, making it imperative to maintain a clear boundary between your home’s exterior and any vegetation that might encourage pest infiltration.
4. Dense Vegetation Near the Foundation
Thick ground cover and heavy vegetation trap moisture against the foundation. This creates the perfect environment for termites and other pests to thrive.
5. Wood Near the Structure
Wood debris, tree stumps, and firewood near the home attract termites. Other risky wood sources include:
- Firewood stored against the house or patio.
- Lumber or landscape timbers touching the foundation.
- Wooden fencing or flower bed borders in direct contact with the home.
Protect Your Home from Landscaping Mistakes
To prevent infestations, keep vegetation trimmed, use proper barriers, and store wood away from your home. Simple landscaping changes can make a big difference in keeping pests out.
