Keeping your garden healthy takes much more than watering, pruning and fertilising. It’s equally as important to ensure that pests stay away. From smaller insects munching on your plants to larger animals causing damage, there are many ways that pests can wreak havoc. In Australia, there are a number of pests that are commonly found in gardens. So how can you keep them at bay? Rest assured, we have you covered. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy outdoor space.
Choose Your Plants Wisely
One of the simplest ways that you can keep pests away from your garden is by opting for plants that naturally repel them. Some plants such as lavender, basil and marigolds, are renowned for being natural repellents because of their strong scents and oils. And by opting for pest-resistant plants, you are avoiding the need to use harsh chemicals and toxins to keep pests at bay.
Ensure Regular Lawn Care
By keeping your lawn mown and watered, and your soil healthy, you reduce the chance of pests settling in among the grass. You should rake up any leaves, grass cuttings and other debris to minimise the chance of pests hiding, and ensure frequent aeration to prevent soil from compacting. Pests like to settle in shaded, damp conditions, so you should avoid over-watering to minimise excess moisture from building up.
Consider Companion Planting
With some plants naturally repelling insects, companion planting becomes a great solution for pest-proofing your garden. The idea is simple; both plants work together to keep the other protected. For example, you could plant lavender with carrots or leeks. Lavender attracts a range of pollinators to aid the carrots or leaks, while repelling pests that can hinder growth.
Build Healthy Soil
Essential for creating a healthy outdoor space, your soil matters. By ensuring that it is rich in nutrients, has good drainage and is loose in nature, you promote the healthy growth of plants. And when plants are stronger and healthier, they are in a better position to fend off pests. You could consider regularly adding compost, applying mulch and using fertilisers to ensure that any soil is constantly enriched.
Install Physical Barriers
Although many pest-proofing methods are effective, sometimes you need an extra helping hand. That’s where physical barriers come in. If you have plants that are highly susceptible to damage from birds, rodents and larger pests, mesh or netting is a great solution. Other options to consider are row covers, sticky traps and baiting systems, depending on the variety of plants that you grow.
Perform Regular Maintenance
By familiarising yourself with the environments in which pests thrive, you can ensure proper maintenance work. As a rule of thumb, you should clean any food scraps immediately to avoid ants from collecting in the area, minimise the places in which water can build up to avoid mosquitoes breeding and remove any damp or moist wood to avoid termites from gathering. These are essential and effective habits to form if you are looking to maintain a healthy outdoor space that is free from pests.
Consult the Experts at Control Pest Management
If you are unsure of the best way to prevent pests from damaging your outdoor space, or have spotted an infestation already present, get in touch with the team at Control Pest Management. We create bespoke solutions that will treat any pests that have settled in your garden and protect the space from further damage with our comprehensive general pest control services. Get started today by calling us on 1300 357 246 or completing our online enquiry form.