If you own a home or a commercial property, you know how frustrating it can be when rodents try to move into your outdoor living space.
Not only can they create a nuisance, but they can also be a health hazard.
The good news is that there are several landscaping tips you can use to help repel rodents from your outdoor living space.
In this blog post, we will explore some of these tips to help you keep your property rodent-free.
Keep your lawn and landscaping maintained to repel rodents
Overgrown grass and plants can provide the perfect hiding place for rodents.
Keeping your lawn well-maintained by regularly mowing it can discourage rodents from making it their home.
Rodents tend to avoid areas that are well-kept and have shorter grass.
Remove any piles of yard waste, such as leaves, branches, or grass clippings, as they can provide hiding spots for rodents.
Regularly clean up and dispose of these materials properly.
Avoid planting shrubs or vegetation directly against the exterior of your house.
Rodents can use these as entry points or hiding spots.
Maintain a clear distance between your landscaping and the foundation of your home.
Use natural rodent repellents
Consider using natural repellents when designing your landscape to deter rodents.
Some options include:
- spreading coffee grounds
- garlic powder
- cayenne pepper
- peppermint oil
- or peppermint plants around the edges of your outdoor space.
These strong scents are natural mouse repellents.
Additionally, cats and owls are natural predators of rodents and can help keep them from your property.
Consider planting natural repellant plants and encouraging natural predators to take up residence in your yard.
Remove food sources
If rats and mice are attracted to your property, it’s usually because there is an available food source.
This can include pet food, bird feeders, and even garden vegetables and fruits.
Make sure to store pet food in airtight containers and place bird feeders away from your home.
Make sure your garbage bins and compost bins are secure and tightly sealed to prevent rodents from accessing them.
Dispose of food waste properly to avoid attracting rodents to your outdoor space.
Additionally, harvest your garden regularly to prevent rodents from being attracted to your fruits and vegetables.
Limit water sources
Like food sources, rodents are attracted to available water sources.
Ensure that any water sources on your property, such as a birdbath or pond, are regularly maintained and covered when not in use.
Additionally, make sure to fix any leaks or standing water sources to eliminate moisture in your yard.
Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage to minimize moisture accumulation.
Secure your property
Finally, it’s important to make sure that your property is secure so as not to allow mice in your home.
This includes repairing any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation and sealing gaps around pipes and other entry points.
Additionally, make sure to seal any openings in outdoor structures such as sheds and garages.
If feasible, install a fence around your outdoor space to create a physical barrier that deters rodents from entering.
Ensure that the fence is buried at least a few inches into the ground to prevent burrowing.
Conclusion
By taking these simple landscaping steps, you can help repel rodents from your outdoor living space.
By keeping a well-maintained yard, using natural repellents, removing food and water sources, and securing your property, you can help prevent rodent infestations on your property.
Remember, preventing rodents from taking up residence in the first place is much easier than trying to remove them once they have established themselves.
Contact Seasonal Landscape today to keep your landscape properly maintained and rodent free.
