10 Tips from the Pros:
Running a playground for pests? Need to know how to prevent animals from eating your landscape? No shame, it happens to the most beautiful environments from the smallest gardens to the largest corporate parks. It’s natural for creatures to be especially attracted to new landscaping, but there are measures you can take to safeguard your property.
Whether for commercial or residential landscaping, consider hiring local professionals who are knowledgeable about the various animals in your area, their favorite (and least favorite) vegetation, and the seasons they’re most likely to graze. Professor Green Thumb has several solutions to ward off wildlife without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here the profs share a few tips:
Add fencing to your property
Fencing is very effective at deterring animals from coming on to the grounds of your property to feed. Ideally, you should have a solid wood or stone fence installed that is between 6-8 feet high. Animals are much less likely to attempt to leap a fence this tall. The structure can keep out a large variety of creatures from coyotes to rabbits. You can also have a trench added alongside your fence line that is covered with a fitted mesh to keep rodents from burrowing under. Interested in fence materials and installation?
Add ground cover
To keep creatures like skunks and raccoons from digging up your garden and eating your plant bulbs, you can add a fabric drop cloth over the area. From there, add a layer of straw mulch to provide additional nourishment for your plants. The straw mulch also helps with keeping away deer, squirrels, and rabbits looking to nibble on your vegetation.
Get creative
Create a mix of garlic, cayenne pepper, water, and a fragrant soap and use a spray bottle to distribute the concoction onto your flowers and plants. Many curious visitors will be turned off by the smell and avoid your landscaping altogether. Peppermint oil is also a traditional solution for ants and mice. These natural remedies can be fun for the family to make together, just be sure no one has allergies to specific ingredients.
Install a sprinkler system
Motion-activated sprinklers will scare away pests that come onto your property. Many are scared by the noise alone, and other don’t appreciate the shower. Either way, they run off hopefully not to return.
Don't focus all your attention on just one creature
Even if you believe you’ve identified the culprit that’s been sneaking onto your property, you should be focused on creating a comprehensive prevention strategy to keep as many unwanted animals away as possible. For example, in addition to installing new fencing, you should also clean up any brush or debris around your property that could attract wildlife. Look for a local landscaping business that can come out as many times as needed to prep and maintain landscaping for your lawn and garden areas.
Install plants that repel
Professor Green Thumb can recommend a list of plants that keep creatures like deer from turning your new garden into their personal salad bar. Our designs not only add curb appeal but function, as well. For example, there are several plants and flowers that bloom in the spring and others that add lots of beauty and color during the fall and winter months. These include (but are not limited to):
- Black-eyed Susan
- Sage
- Thyme
- Christmas Fern
- Purple Coneflower
- Snapdragon
- Marigold
- Hyacinth
- Lavender
You will also want to make sure that if you plant flowers or trees that bear seeds or nuts, you integrate preventive wildlife measure that would deter animals who are looking for food.
Trim back trees and vegetation
Branches and shrubs create a bridge that pests use to access your property. By keeping trees and other vegetation trimmed, you will help to eliminate these access points. Remember to use safety and hire professionals if the tree limbs are in high areas, above structures, or have nests.
Create a barrier
Another way to deter pests is by creating a barrier onto your property. By installing a 3-foot gravel strip around the perimeter of your building you can help keep many critters away. Rodents, for example, don’t like crossing over open spaces. By installing a protective barrier around your facility, you can help discourage entry onto your property and help keep your landscaping looking nice and neat.
Add plants to your pond
Having a pond on your property with fish makes an easy meal opportunity for birds. It can be hard to keep birds away, especially when your landscaping looks so inviting. A landscaper can help incorporate lily pads and other pond plants to provide hiding places for your fish.
Keep your lawn well-maintained
It’s important to keep your lawn cut. Ideally, your grass should not be more than three inches tall. That’s because tall grass creates the perfect environment for pests to feel safe and secure. Keep your property clear of any wood, trash, or other materials that could encourage critters and wildlife to move in.
Maintaining your residential and commercial landscaping is a lot of work. That’s why you should hire a local team with the skills and experience to design your landscaping needs and help you prepare your property for pest prevention. If you own multiple properties, you’ll definitely want to hire a company you can trust to provide convenient, reliable service.
A professional landscaping company will be able to assess your needs and create a customized design plan to help you achieve your goals and make a good impression with guests, tenants, visitors, and employees. Professor Green Thumb provides quality landscaping services for homes and businesses in St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL along with our Belleair and Clearwater communities.
We will work with you to coordinate the right services to keep the exterior of your property looking its best. Contact us today to learn how our team can assist you with commercial landscape maintenance, an essential part of pest control and management for your property.
