Landscaping Approaches to Avoid Rodent Infestations

No one wants to deal with rodents in or around their property, and the winter season we’re in currently is one of the riskiest for this issue due to colder temperatures outside. There are a number of approaches to consider to prevent rodent infestations, and some of these involve your outdoor landscaping.

At Wright Landscaping, we’re proud to serve as the best landscape company in Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Layton and nearby areas, with landscapers who offer both commercial and residential landscaping services. Here are some tips from our landscapers on how to keep rodents far from your property throughout the year, including during the cold winter.

Rodent Deterring Plants or Herbs

There are several plants and herbs that rodents are known to dislike, so incorporating these into your landscaping can help keep them at bay. Some examples include:

• Mint: Rodents do not like the smell of mint, making it a great natural deterrent. Planting mint around your property can help prevent rodents from entering.
• Lavender: Similarly, rodents are also repelled by lavender’s strong scent. Placing lavender plants near entry points, such as doors or windows, can discourage rodents from coming inside.
• Marigolds: These bright flowers have a strong odor that is unappealing to rodents. Planting marigolds around your garden or along the perimeter of your property can act as a natural barrier against rodents.

In terms of planting location, both the perimeter of your property and the areas directly outside your home itself are important to consider. Rodents can easily enter through small gaps or cracks in the exterior of your home, so planting these deterrents near potential entry points is crucial.

Motion-Activated Lights

Rodents are active at night, but they also prefer to stay in the shadows as they move around. Installing motion-activated lights around the exterior of your property can help deter them by exposing their movements and making them feel vulnerable.

In addition to lighting up dark areas, these lights also serve as a warning sign to potential predators or humans that rodents may be present. This can discourage them from lingering in the area and potentially finding a way into your home or building.

Keep Landscaping Clean and Tidy

Rodents are attracted to cluttered and messy outdoor spaces because they provide hiding spots and potential food sources. Keeping your landscaping clean, tidy, and well-maintained is crucial in preventing rodent infestations.

This includes regularly mowing lawns, removing debris such as fallen leaves or branches, and keeping garbage cans securely closed. Additionally, keeping firewood stacked and away from the perimeter of your property can prevent rodents from using it as shelter.

Gravel Barriers

Particularly if you’ve had rodent entry issues around your home in the past, but even if you haven’t, one advanced tactic is using gravel barriers around the perimeter. This involves placing a layer of gravel about 2 feet wide and 6-8 inches deep around the outside of your home. Rodents do not like to dig through gravel, making it an effective deterrent.

As you’re doing this, be sure to also look for and seal any potential entry points, such as gaps around pipes or vents. By adding gravel barriers and sealing gaps, you can greatly reduce the chances of rodents finding a way into your home through the exterior.

Garden Elevation

Another potential entry point for rodents is through raised garden beds. These can provide a hiding spot and potential food source for rodents, so it’s important to elevate them at least a few feet off the ground.

One way to do this is by using concrete blocks or bricks to create a barrier between the bottom of the raised bed and the ground. This will make it more difficult for rodents to access your plants and also discourage them from using the space as shelter.

Incorporating these landscaping tips into your property maintenance routine can go a long way in preventing rodent infestations year-round. By implementing natural deterrents, keeping your landscaping tidy, adding barriers, and elevating gardens, you can significantly reduce the chances of rodents becoming a problem on your property.

Our team at Wright Landscaping is always here to help with efficient and effective landscaping services. Trust us as your go-to landscape company in Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Layton, and surrounding areas for all your outdoor maintenance needs. Don’t let rodents ruin your beautiful landscaping – take proactive measures today!