Landscaping Tips To Protect Your Facility

When it comes to managing your facility, you have to take every detail into account – including potential pest problems. But where does pest prevention actually start? On the outside, of course. Your landscaping choices can contribute to pest activity, which is why it’s important to keep vegetation properly maintained and positioned.

Here are a few tips to help you keep the perimeter of your facility pest-free:

Choose the Right Plants

Plant fewer blooming flowers and avoid using plants that produce nuts, fruit or seeds, as these provide easy food sources.

Trim Your Landscaping

Trim all tree branches and shrubbery at least one metre from walls and windows, even at roof level. Branches touching the building create bridges for pests to get inside.

Watch Out for Water Sources

Make sure water in features like bird baths and reflecting pools is always circulating and use pencil cedar mulch instead of organic mulch (it retains less moisture).

Review the Lighting

Pests are drawn to light, so place exterior lights away from the facility, with their beams shining on the face of the building. This attracts bugs toward the light fixtures (and away from the building) while still providing proper illumination.

Natural Deterrents and Thoughtful Planting

• Avoid Blooming Flowers: Plant fewer blooming flowers as they attract bees and flying insects.
• Limit Nut, Fruit, and Seed-Producing Plants: These plants attract pests looking for food.
• Minimize Ground Cover: Avoid plants that provide shelter for insects and rodents.

Landscape Maintenance

• Water Management: Ensure fountains and pools circulate water to prevent insect breeding. Change water in bird baths and other features weekly.
• Tree and Shrub Maintenance: Trim branches and shrubbery at least one meter from walls and windows, and remove branches touching the roof to prevent pest pathways.
• Grass and Mulch: Keep grass mowed to prevent pest harboring. Use pencil cedar mulch, which retains less moisture and can repel certain ants.
• Lighting and Gravel Strips: Move exterior lights away from entryways. Install a one-meter gravel strip around the perimeter to deter crawling pests.
• Shade Reduction: Reduce shaded areas to minimize moisture, as shaded areas dry more slowly after rain.

By implementing these landscaping strategies, you can create a strong defense against pests, ensuring your facility remains pest-free both inside and out. For more tailored advice, schedule an inspection with your local Orkin Canada branch.

Preventing pests at a commercial facility is no easy task, but following the tips above will help keep them where they belong—outside. For more helpful landscaping tips, download this quick and easy guide.