How To Keep Pests Out of Your Garden

Gardens can be a source of great joy for many homeowners, whether you enjoy growing your own food or cultivating beautiful flowers. However, that joy can easily dissipate when pests invade. Whether you’re dealing with insects, rodents, or other critters, keeping pests out of your garden requires a proactive approach.

In this blog, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control discuss some of the most common garden pests and the best methods for keeping them at bay.

Common Pests That Can Disturb Your Garden

Gardens can attract many types of pests, each with the potential to harm your plants in different ways:

• Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from your plants, causing leaves to curl and stunt growth.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be garden pests, munching on leaves and stems, sometimes stripping plants bare if not controlled.
• Deer: While not often thought of as a pest, deer can cause significant damage by grazing on your plants, particularly at the edges of forests or near wooded areas.
• Rabbits: These furry creatures can wreak havoc on gardens, nibbling on tender shoots, vegetables, and flowers.
• Rodents: Mice, voles, and other small rodents can dig up bulbs, gnaw on roots, and chew through stems and leaves.
• Slugs and snails: These slimy pests can chew large holes in leaves, flowers, and vegetables. They are most active at night and on wet, overcast days.

4 Best Ways To Keep Pests Out

The following are some of the best methods for keeping pests out of your garden:

Use Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can be highly effective in keeping pests out of your garden. Here are some common options:

• Fencing: A sturdy fence can help keep larger animals like deer and rabbits away. For smaller pests, such as rodents, consider using fine mesh or chicken wire around your garden beds.
• Netting: Bird netting can be draped over fruit trees and berry bushes to prevent birds and larger insects from feasting on your crops.
• Row covers: Lightweight row covers can protect your plants from insects and small animals while allowing light and rain to reach them.

Plant Pest-Repelling Plants

Companion planting is a tried-and-true technique that involves growing plants that naturally repel pests. Here are a few pest-repelling plants to consider:

• Basil: Planting basil near tomatoes can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and tomato hornworms.
• Lavender: The strong scent of lavender can deter moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
• Marigolds: These bright flowers repel a variety of pests, including aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies.

Maintain Healthy Soil

Healthy soil creates healthy plants, and healthy plants are less susceptible to pests. To maintain your soil health, be sure to:

• Compost regularly: Adding compost improves soil health, which supports robust plant growth and natural pest resistance.
• Mulch: Mulching helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, which can attract pests.
• Rotate crops: Rotating crops each season can prevent soil-dwelling pests and diseases from becoming established.

Apply Organic Pest Control Solutions

For persistent pests, organic pest control solutions can be a great solution:

• Diatomaceous earth: This powder, made from fossilized algae, can deter slugs, snails, and other crawling insects by damaging their exoskeletons.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.
• Soap sprays: Insecticidal soaps can be used to target soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies without harming beneficial insects.

Schedule a Pest Control Consultation

Keeping pests out of your garden can be challenging — especially when dealing with persistent, widespread infestations. If you’re struggling to keep your home or garden pest-free, it’s time to call in the experts at Home Paramount Pest Control. We offer professional, eco-friendly pest control solutions tailored to your specific needs, helping to protect your home without harming your surrounding ecosystem.

Request a free pest inspection by contacting Home Paramount Pest Control today.