What Attracts Crawling Pests to Landscaping and Mulch Beds?

What Attracts Pests to Outdoor Spaces in Cypress, TX?

Landscaping and mulch beds can create a serene environment for Cypress residents to relax in. Unfortunately, they can also become a hot spot for pest activity. The thickness and type of mulch used can create areas where humidity and decomposing organic matter contribute to the spread of pests which can ultimately lead to indoor pest infestations. 

Ticks use mulch beds to avoid the drying effects of the summer sun. These dense areas of mulch and moisture allow ticks to quest and remain unnoticed as residents work within their garden beds. Cockroaches are drawn to areas where damp moisture, darkness, and decaying matter create ideal conditions to nest and breed. When mulch runs up against foundations, cockroaches can enter homes through small cracks and nest within wall voids. 

Ants and fire ants become an increasingly concerning pest as mulch beds help to attract insects that support their lifecycle. Pests such as aphids will secrete a honeydew mixture which ants feed on, leading to ants becoming more active in areas where these pests can be found. Fire ants will build mounds underneath landscaping and mulch beds, as these areas provide soft ground to burrow in. When heat and rainfall disrupt their nests, fire ants and ants will use cracks and gaps to enter homes to seek shelter and moisture.

Reduce the Presence of Pests at Your Cypress Home

While pest activity is expected, there are steps you can take to reduce pest activity within your outdoor living areas. In fact, reducing the presence of crawling insects also helps to reduce the presence of the pest predators that feed on them. 

For example, timed sprinklers can contribute to the continued dampness found in mulch and landscaping areas. This allows pests to continue nesting and breeding within the damp, humid beds. Consider allowing your landscaping and mulch to dry out more in between waterings to reduce the ideal habitats pests live within. Create 6-12 inches of space between mulch and foundational areas to limit easy access for pest entry. Consider using gravel around landscaping areas to create a barrier between pest habitats and your home.

Remove leaf litter and wood piles from areas near your home, and trim lawns low to limit tick questing. Trim shrubs and tree branches to ensure there is a gap between your home and the areas where pests can travel. Pests will use these landscaping areas to create highways where they can enter through roof soffits, window weep holes, or nearby doorways. Ensure that you regularly check decorative stones, landscaping fabric, and edging where pests can create nests and colony sites. For fire ants and ants, reduce the amount of honeydew-secreting insects which draw ants to areas around your outdoor living areas. 

Interested in more ways to reduce and control pests at your home in Cypress? Head to our dedicated Houston area blog.

Professional Pest Control Services in Cypress

Mosquito Squad Plus offers comprehensive outdoor pest control services to residents of Cypress. Our team will begin by conducting a property inspection to learn more about your pest control needs and create a tailored pest control plan for your Cypress home. Our Yard Defender package is designed to reduce and control fire ants, ticks, and other common outdoor pests known to gravitate towards landscaping and mulch. This outdoor pest control package includes the strength of Barrier Treatment Plus, which is designed to reduce and control mosquitoes and other pests for up to 21 days at a time. In addition to this treatment, our team of technicians will deploy specialty products and methods to focus on areas of interest such as ant-mound drenching. 

For Reliable Pest Control in Cypress, TX Near You

Looking to reduce the presence of pests at your home in Cypress? Call Mosquito Squad of Houston at (713) 597-4202 or contact us online for a free quote.