Did you know that your flower garden may unintentionally draw unwanted pests into your home? Some flowers attract irksome creepy crawlies while others deter and repel them away. You can also grow certain flowers to attract helpful insects around your home. These friendly insects also help you get rid of nasty pests.
From sap feeding insects, to aphids and ants, you could be inviting pests in your home through your garden without even knowing it.
I am sure you’ve heard of pest repellent plants, but do you know which plants are inviting insects in your home?
Plants that Attract Problematic Pests
Most individuals don’t know that the plants they plant in their gardens or bring into their homes attract annoying and destructive pests. Most pests invade your home because they’re drawn to one or more items around your home to eat or live in. Common invaders include:
- Beetles
- Codling moths
- Ants
- Cabbage white caterpillars
- Rats and mice
- Leafhoppers
- Gall mites
- Sawflies
- Wasps
- Rats and mice
Here are some plants that these creepy crawlies find delectable:
- Cauliflower
- Leeks
- Tuberous vegetables such as potatoes and turnips
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
4 Pest prevention secrets every homeowner should know
We compiled the following list of pest prevention secrets to keep your home free from these modern day intruders.
Moisture
Pests need moisture to survive. Clogged gutters, leaky pipes, a leaky roof, damp basements and gutters that drain at the foundation are all water and moisture problems around the home that will eventually draw pests inside. Homeowners should quickly deal with water issues around the home to ward off pests.
Vacuum frequently
Okay, I admit it. It’s not anyone’s favorite chore! But those cobwebs in the corner, crumbs around the table, food particles that fall behind the stove are all things that build up around the home residence and can become active food sources for pests. Vacuum regularly to dislodge their eggs and eliminate food sources that draw them into your home.
Eliminate clutter
Pests like mice, cockroaches and spiders love clutter. Clean well and often: Vacuum beneath and behind nightstands, chairs and sofas. Clean corners, lighting fixtures and ceilings using an extension dusting pole. Use your vacuum hose to clean registers and air ducts.
If all else fails with a bad infestation, such as those found in older homes, may require a professional exterminator. Nowadays, most services offer nontoxic solutions, so be sure to ask around.
Seal crevices and cracks
Pests are incredibly small and can crawl through crevices and cracks near door jambs and windows, near soffits and roofs, in the basement and the foundation. So, grab your caulk gun and seal up holes and cracks paying close attention to the highlighted areas.
Conclusion
Despite your best efforts to ward off pests, you might have a seemingly unmanageable pest problem. Having professionals come in and take care of your particular pest problem is not only smart, but also much more effective than trying to do it yourself.