As a pest control technician, it’s always important to do the job right. Still, the nature of our work is preventative, and no matter how comprehensive a pest control system is, those critters will return if something isn’t done. Read this blog to learn how to keep pests away from the yard.
As much as we want to guarantee that our work will last forever, we have to hand over the torch to our clients at some stage to ensure the pest problem stays gone. Unfortunately, outdoor areas are much harder to fortify than indoor areas. If a client wants to keep outdoor pests away, they’ll need to follow some rules.
Here are industry tips we give to our clients once the initial pest control job is done. This way, they can enjoy a pest-free yard for much longer.
How To Keep Pests Away
Learn to repel insects, rodents and other garden pests that may run amuck in someone’s backyard. Other than a property fence, most places don’t have much in the way of pest security. Because of this, it doesn’t take long for pests to return once that hard work you’ve done is past its most effective period.
Clean Up
Things like termites, mosquitos and rodents are all heavily attracted to open food sources. Don’t wait to remove the things they consider lunch. Clean up is a vital way to keep pests away from the yard.
Your client can’t always throw out the things pests may want to eat. If that’s the case, advise them to build barriers or take extra precautions yourself to ensure their home is protected.
Termites
To keep termites away from a property, the Queensland government recommends clients:
- Don’t put garden beds, trees or bark against the walls of a property.
- Don’t leave loose timber against, near or under the home.
- Remove old tree stumps from yards.
If your client suspects termite activity in any wood structures near or in the home (especially if the said area wasn’t treated during Termite Control), tell them to contact your business right away.
Rodents/Birds
Rodents and birds will sniff out any exposed food source, be that your garden or even pet food you have lying about. Rodents are particularly guilty of bunking up with chickens in their coop.
To keep rodents away from your property, as well as birds, we recommend clients:
- Clean any pet shelters (dog kennels, chicken coops, bird cages, etc.).
- Build barriers or fences around food sources (open containers, compost heaps, veggie gardens, etc).
- Store animal food in sealed containers.
If your client believes they see a rodent after the initial treatment, encourage them to take the following precautions, or for the safest option, to call for your services again.
- Set snap traps
- Set Colony Traps
- Apply Rodenticides
Insects
Much like rodents, insects will scavenge for easily accessible food sources. Keep them away by keeping food and water out of reach.
To keep insects away from your property, we recommend clients:
- Empty any stagnant water containers that may attract insects like mosquitos.
- Keep pet food sealed.
- Keep bins and compost heaps sealed.
- Remove pet faeces from the yard.
- Install natural pest repelling plants.
Don’t Chase Away Beneficial Pests
Not all insects are bad guys. Some are actually extremely beneficial to maintaining a level ecosystem. Wasps, mantises, ladybugs and some spiders are great at providing ground control in gardens. To attract these, be sure to plant some pollen-producing flowers or plants.
Repellent
To keep larger pests away from your yard, there are several scent repellents available. Some of which include chemical scent sprays, garlic clips, castor oil and even predator urine. These can be effective but are often a temporary solution as they need to be regularly monitored and reapplied to remain a viable solution.
Otherwise, visual and auditory devices can repel animals. These can include statues of predators, noisemakers, motion-activated water sprayers, ultrasonic repellers, spikes and reflective tape. These may have varying success as pests are known to become familiar with some systems and learn to live alongside them.
Pets
Cats and terriers are particularly good at sniffing out rats and other rodents before they make it into a home. Pets will often keep a yard protected from larger pests but fail to do much against insects.
Be Observant
It’s hard to guarantee long-lasting pest protection in outdoor areas. Chemical repellants, baits and other pest control measures will eventually be washed away, and new pests will return once they do.
Tell your clients to keep an eye peeled at all times. It’s critical to always be on the lookout for signs of pests. If they notice foreign droppings, nests, or a large number of pests that concern them, then advise them to call you again.
How To Keep Weeds At Bay
Mulching
Mulching is a fantastic and natural way to maximise plant growth in a garden and limit how freely weeds can grow. A good mulch cycle will keep the good things growing and the bad things away.
Weed Chemicals
Weed chemicals come in pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide varieties. Both are formulated for weeds, so they shouldn’t hurt a client’s lawn as long as they are applied correctly.
Spot Killers & Weeding
Sure it takes more time, but this system is tried and true. The best way to keep weeds away is to pull them out whenever you see them. If your client keeps on top of it, it will never become a big job. Otherwise, there are several spot killers that will eliminate a weed when applied directly onto them. There are chemical formulas, but boiling water or vinegar works just as well.
Want The Gear To Do A Great Job? Use Austates
With years of experience, the Austates team understands that every fleet has special requirements. We work with a range of vehicles and equip them all with top-notch Pest Management systems. If you want to level up your pest control fleet, call us today for a fast quote.