Roses are at their peak blooming during the summer months – it is a time of celebration for rose lovers. It is also when aphids are active on roses and accumulating quickly. Thankfully, if you see them, there are some quick fixes to rid this rose pest so you don't lose out on flowers.

Aphids are a common sight when growing roses, with the sap-sucking pests attracted to fresh growth. They aren’t always hugely problematic, but can multiply quickly in the warm months, and you don’t want a small infestation to become a big problem. There are easy ways to tackle aphids that make an immediate difference (like using this insecticidal soap spray from Amazon), as well as longer-term thinking to control them as part of a natural, wildlife-friendly garden.

I spoke to a rose expert about the best ways to tackle aphids on roses. Here, he reveals two five-minute tasks that can stop numbers from building, as well as how to use companion planting and interplanting to prevent aphid populations from building up each season.

Why You Get Aphids on Roses

Roses attract several aphid species, with the most common being Macrosiphum rosae, the rose aphid. These rose pests are small, soft-bodied insects that come in a range of colors, including green, deep pink, or brown.

They are spring and summer garden pests that feed on new plant growth and produce a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. Gardeners need to start checking for aphids from early spring onwards, as the pests are attracted to the fresh sap that roses produce.

Rose aphids can overwinter as eggs on the plants and hatch in spring. Large colonies develop quickly as the season progresses, often reaching their densest in July, when the roses are flowering.

Potential Issues With Aphids on Roses

Aphids congregate on leaves, stems, and flowers, often in large numbers. The pests have piercing mouthparts that suck sap from the plants. This stresses the plant and removes water and nutrients.

However, the good news is the sight of aphids on roses needn’t be a reason to panic. What is important is good management to prevent a major infestation occurring.

Aphids on roses can impact the foliage, which can curl or turn yellow. The honeydew the pests secrete also causes sooty mold. This common rose disease is a black fungal coating on leaves that impacts photosynthesis and can ultimately affect growth.

Liam Beddall, Head Rosarian at David Austin Roses, explains that aphids do affect roses, but are not usually a ‘significant issue’ when they are growing in a mixed garden, and the aphids are controlled.

While aphids on roses can be a nuisance, a shrub can often still flower while hosting some pests.

‘Aphids suck the sap from the fresh new growth, and over time, if there is no management, they can stunt growth and make the roses look unsightly,’ says Liam. ‘But it rarely reaches a severe stage when roses are planted amongst plants that attract lots of beneficial insects.’

‘They are particularly troublesome at the start of the season when the new growth on roses emerges, and the aphids are attracted to the sap, but as the season warms up and the beneficial insect numbers start to increase, aphids rarely become a big problem in a mixed garden setting,’ adds the rose expert.

‘Just remove the worst of them so you can enjoy your roses, and leave some to feed the beneficials in the food chain.’

It is advisable to check roses regularly in spring and summer for the signs of aphids. Look over the shoots, buds, and undersides of leaves, and keep your eyes peeled for black sooty mold or ants, which are attracted to the honeydew.

How to Get Rid of Aphids on Roses

When you spot aphids on roses, it is best to act quickly to prevent an infestation from getting out of control. Thankfully, there are several simple ways to get rid of aphids that offer quick results.

Liam Beddall suggests two really easy ways to deal with small colonies of aphids and stop numbers from multiplying quickly. He says: ‘If numbers start to build, brush them off with your finger and thumb or blast them off with a hose pipe.’

It won’t sound glamorous, but you can put on a pair of gloves (get gardening gloves at Amazon) and squash small colonies of aphids between your finger and thumb. Or, as also suggested by Liam, a strong spray of water from a garden hose to areas where aphids congregate is enough to knock them off the plant.

Companion planting and interplanting roses are also a fantastic way to introduce natural predators that eat aphids. Having more insect predators and birds in the garden helps keep pest populations at a manageable level, without needing to use pesticides.

Liam highlights ladybugs (get live ladybugs at Amazon), hoverfly larvae, earwigs, and beetles as the top aphid predators, and recommends planting yarrow, cosmos, penstemon, marigolds, alyssum, and fennel to attract the most beneficial wildlife.

‘For birds, get yourself a shepherd’s hook bird feeder and move it around the garden next to your roses that have the most aphids; you will attract birds to your garden, and while they are there, they can feed on the aphids,’ he adds. You can get a 92-inch double shepherd’s hook bird feeder at Walmart.

Organic gardening approaches such as companion planting are always the best natural way to deal with aphids on roses. Aphids can be a worrying sight, but a natural, thriving garden can be enough to control them.

Alternatively, for a quick fix, there are organic products to control aphids on roses. You can use insecticidal soap (get a bottle of ready-to-use insecticidal soap at Walmart), neem oil, or a DIY aphid spray made of soap, garlic, or essential oils to combat aphids.

However, all of these must be used with care to avoid damaging any beneficial insects or pollinators in your garden.

Shop Flowers to Attract Aphid Predators

The summer can be challenging for both roses and gardeners. For the best flowers all season long, our guide to summer rose care highlights how to keep your plants blooming for longer during the warmest months.

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Mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on summer evenings outdoors, but creating a more enjoyable backyard doesn’t always mean reaching for chemical sprays. One of the prettiest ways to help discourage these unwanted visitors is by planting lavender – a timeless garden favorite that brings fragrance, color, and pollinator appeal while naturally helping make your outdoor space less attractive to mosquitoes.

Loved for its silvery foliage and abundant purple blooms, lavender has long been a staple in cottage gardens, Mediterranean-inspired landscapes, and container displays. But beyond its good looks, this fragrant herb contains aromatic oils, including linalool, which are associated with insect-repelling properties.

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of mosquitoes naturally, lavender is one of the most attractive options to consider. While there are many mosquito repellent plants available, few combine beauty and practicality quite as effortlessly as lavender. Landscaping with lavender can help create a fragrant outdoor retreat while adding structure, texture, and seasonal color to borders, pathways, and patios.

‘Lavender is one of my favorite plants to include in a summer garden because it works hard on many levels,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘It creates beautiful structure and scent, attracts beneficial pollinators, and its strong fragrance is one that many garden pests tend to avoid.’

While planting lavender alone won’t completely eliminate mosquitoes from your yard, it can be a useful addition alongside other preventative measures, especially when placed near areas where you spend the most time.

How To Use Lavender To Help Deter Mosquitoes

For the best effect, grow lavender close to patios, outdoor seating areas, pathways, and entrances where its fragrance can be enjoyed, and its oils can be released naturally. Growing lavender in containers is also a smart option. Pots can be positioned around dining areas or moved to wherever you are entertaining outdoors. When the leaves and flowers are gently brushed or crushed, they release more of the plant’s aromatic oils.

For a low-maintenance choice, English lavender is one of the most reliable varieties for many gardens, and has a scent that deters mosquitoes. It thrives in full sun, prefers well-draining soil, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

The Hidcote Blue Lavender Plants from Amazon are a top-rated choice – and the very same variety I grow in my own yard for their beautiful blooms, fragrance, and easy-care nature.

Why Lavender Is A Better Choice Than Many Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Many mosquito-deterring plants are valued mainly for their scent, but lavender earns its place in the garden because it combines practicality with beauty. Unlike some strongly scented herbs, lavender creates a polished planting scheme that works just as well in a formal border as it does beside a relaxed patio.

‘The best garden plants are those that provide multiple benefits,’ adds Rachel Bull. ‘Lavender is a perfect example – it brings color, texture, fragrance, and wildlife value, while also helping create a more pleasant outdoor environment.’

How To Grow Lavender Successfully

To keep lavender healthy and fragrant, plant it somewhere that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. Avoid overly rich or wet soil, as lavender prefers drier conditions and can struggle with poor drainage.

Prune plants lightly after flowering to encourage a compact shape and prevent them from becoming woody. I use a combination of the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears and the Felco F322 Pruning Snips from Amazon to keep mine tidy.

With the right care, lavender can return year after year, making it a beautiful long-term investment for your backyard.

Whether planted along a garden path, surrounding a seating area, or grown in pots on a balcony, lavender proves that practical gardening solutions don’t have to compromise on style. This summer, it could be the simple addition that makes your outdoor space smell better – and helps keep mosquitoes at bay.

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Squirrels may be charming to watch from a distance, but they can quickly become frustrating visitors when they start digging up newly planted bulbs, raiding fruit crops, or scattering soil from containers. After trying various ways to protect my garden, I discovered that one of the simplest solutions was already sitting in my kitchen cupboard: cayenne pepper.

There are, of course, many ways to get rid of squirrels, from motion-activated sprinklers to planting pest-repellent flowers. But experts explain that squirrels can sometimes become accustomed to visual or sound-based deterrents over time. Cayenne pepper, by contrast, works by targeting their highly sensitive sense of smell and taste, making treated areas far less appealing. Best of all, when used correctly, this natural method does not harm squirrels. Instead, it simply encourages them to look elsewhere for food and digging opportunities.

Here’s what pest control experts want you to know about using cayenne pepper as a natural squirrel deterrent – and you can try it for less than $3 with this Amazon Grocery Cayenne Pepper.

Why Cayenne Pepper Deters Squirrels

Many common kitchen spices can help deter garden pests, including cinnamon and chili powder, but cayenne pepper is particularly useful for discouraging squirrels.

‘Squirrels have very sensitive noses and mouths because these are their main tools to find food and determine what’s safe to eat or avoid,’ explains Nicole Carpenter, President at Black Pest Prevention. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for its heat. When squirrels encounter it, the sensation can irritate their noses and mouths, making the treated area unpleasant enough that they are less likely to return.

‘Cayenne pepper is a useful natural deterrent for gardeners because it can help make vulnerable areas less appealing to squirrels without causing them harm,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘I’d use it around newly planted bulbs, containers, and fruit crops, but always as part of a wider prevention strategy that includes physical barriers and good garden hygiene.’

This makes cayenne pepper a simple and affordable option for protecting vulnerable planting areas without causing long-term harm to wildlife.

I also like to use Simply Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon from Amazon, a pantry staple with a strong, warming scent, to help deter squirrels, as well as get rid of mice and rats. It’s an easy natural option to try alongside other preventative measures, whether sprinkled around problem areas in the garden or used as part of a wider pest-control approach indoors.

If you’re looking for a more decorative solution, I’d also recommend planting marigolds to help deter squirrels while adding cheerful color and long-lasting blooms to the garden.

How To Use Cayenne Pepper To Deter Squirrels

There are several ways to use cayenne pepper in the garden, depending on what you are trying to protect. For example, you can sprinkle it around the base of fruit trees, along garden boundaries, or over freshly planted bulb beds where squirrels are known to dig.

A convenient option is Simply Organic Cayenne from Amazon, which can be used in small amounts as part of a broader squirrel-deterrent strategy. ‘Grab dry, ground cayenne pepper powder and mist it with water – one tablespoon of cayenne to one cup of water – so that it sticks to the surface and doesn’t blow away,’ advises Nicole.

An empty spray bottle can make this application easier and help distribute the mixture more evenly. You can also mix cayenne pepper into mulch or compost in areas where squirrels frequently dig, making it a useful tactic for protecting summer-flowering bulbs and potted plants.

If squirrels are targeting your bird feeders, adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to birdseed can also help. Nicole explains that birds do not have the same receptors for capsaicin as mammals, so they are not affected by the spice in the same way squirrels are.

However, avoid applying cayenne pepper directly to edible leaves or produce that you plan to eat, and always wash harvested fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

How Often Should You Reapply Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper can be an effective squirrel deterrent, but it is not a one-time solution. Rain, watering, and wind can reduce its strength, so it should be reapplied every few days, particularly after wet weather.

‘For a long-term and wider effect, you need to use other methods alongside cayenne pepper,’ says Nicole. ‘Try using physical barriers, like mesh or hardware cloth, which blocks access. This is something that works no matter what and something squirrels can’t get used to or ignore.’

For the best results, combine cayenne pepper with other squirrel-deterring strategies, such as protecting bulbs with mesh, keeping bird feeders clean, and planting marigolds or other pest-repellent flowers nearby. Used as part of a broader prevention plan, this humble kitchen spice can be a surprisingly effective way to keep squirrels away from edible plants, flower beds, and potted containers – all without resorting to harsh chemicals.

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Rats and mice are rarely welcome guests, but keeping them out of your home often requires more than simply reacting once you spot signs of activity. Alongside practical measures such as sealing entry points, reducing food sources, using traps, and calling professional pest control when needed, certain strong scents may help discourage rodents from settling into your space.

While no smell is guaranteed to eliminate an infestation, some aromas are thought to be unpleasant or overwhelming to rats and mice because of their highly developed sense of smell. The good news? Many of these ingredients and products may already be sitting in your kitchen cabinet, cleaning closet, or garden shed.

If you are looking for natural ways to get rid of mice or help keep your home rid of rats, these scent-based deterrents may offer an additional layer of protection when used alongside good housekeeping and prevention methods.

We asked pest control experts to share the scents rats and mice dislike most, plus how to use them safely around your home.

1. Essential Oils

Strongly scented essential oils, including peppermint, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and clove, are among the most popular natural options for helping deter rodents. Their intense aromas can be overwhelming to animals with a highly developed sense of smell, making certain areas of the home less appealing.

Brett Bennett, Director of Operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions, recommends diluting essential oils with water and spraying the mixture in areas where rodents have been spotted, including potential entry points, nesting areas, and along baseboards.

Nicole Carpenter, President of Black Pest Control, says peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used natural rodent deterrents. ‘The smell of peppermint oil is incredibly strong and can overwhelm a rodent’s sensitive sense of smell, making it more difficult for them to navigate their surroundings,’ says Nicole. ‘To use peppermint oil as a deterrent, soak cotton balls in the oil and place them strategically around entry points, nesting areas, and other areas where rodents are active.’

For a ready-to-use option, products such as Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray from Amazon can make application easier, while a pure Peppermint Essential Oil can be diluted and used to create your own spray.

Peppermint oil may also deter squirrels from visiting certain areas, making it a useful scent to try around garages, attics, sheds, and outdoor spaces where unwanted wildlife may be causing problems.

For an easy at-home solution, place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls behind appliances, inside cabinets, beneath sinks, and near gaps where rodents may enter. The scent will gradually fade, so replace them regularly to maintain the strongest effect.

2. Mothballs (Naphthalene)

Mothballs contain naphthalene, a chemical compound known for its strong odor, which can be unpleasant to rodents. A popular option is the Enoz Para Moth Balls from Amazon, which are designed to help protect stored items from pests while releasing a scent that rodents may find off-putting.

However, mothballs should be used with caution. Because they can be harmful to people and pets when used incorrectly, they should never be scattered throughout living spaces or placed where children or animals can access them.

If used, they are best reserved for enclosed areas such as attics, basements, garages, or crawl spaces where rodents are more likely to travel. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions carefully, and avoid using more than recommended.

3. Ammonia

Ammonia has a sharp, pungent smell that rodents tend to avoid. Because its odor can be irritating to humans and pets too, it should always be handled carefully.

A diluted ammonia solution can be applied in small amounts to areas where rodents may enter or travel, such as along baseboards, near potential entry points, or around suspected nesting areas.

Always follow the instructions on the product label, avoid inhaling concentrated fumes, and never mix ammonia with other cleaning products.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the natural compound responsible for its heat, which can irritate a rodent’s sensitive nose and help discourage it from exploring treated areas. Its strong scent and spicy properties make it a simple, natural option to try alongside other pest prevention methods.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around potential entry points, along the perimeter of your home, near gaps in walls, and around areas where food is stored. A convenient option is Simply Organic Cayenne from Amazon, which can be used in small amounts as part of a broader rodent-deterrent strategy.

Keep in mind that cayenne pepper will need to be reapplied regularly, particularly after rain, watering, or heavy cleaning, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness over time. For gardeners, growing cayenne pepper plants can also provide a convenient supply of dried peppers that can be ground into powder when needed.

5. Vinegar

The strong acidic scent of vinegar is another household smell that may help deter rats and mice, particularly in areas where they frequently travel. While it is not a guaranteed solution, vinegar can be a useful addition to a broader pest-prevention strategy thanks to its sharp odor and everyday versatility.

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution around trash cans, countertops, baseboards, and potential entry points. For convenience, a ready-to-use option such as Harris 30% Vinegar All Purpose Cleaner from Amazon can be diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and used as part of a regular cleaning routine.

You can also soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them discreetly in problem areas, such as beneath sinks, behind appliances, or near gaps where rodents may enter. A simple pack of Cotton Balls from Walmart makes this method easy to try around the home.

As with essential oils, the scent of vinegar will fade over time, so refresh sprays and replace soaked cotton balls regularly to maintain the strongest effect.

While certain scents may help make your home and garden less inviting to rats and mice, they should be viewed as a complementary deterrent rather than a complete pest-control solution. Rodents are highly adaptable, and once an infestation is established, effective treatment usually requires a combination of prevention measures, targeted control methods, and, in many cases, professional intervention.

If you notice persistent signs of rodent activity – such as droppings, scratching noises, gnawed packaging, or nesting materials – it is wise to consult a qualified pest control expert who can assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate solution for your home.

When used alongside good housekeeping habits, secure food storage, and carefully sealed entry points, these scent-based remedies may provide an extra layer of protection while also helping your home feel cleaner, fresher, and more welcoming.

It's that time again when nuisance yellowjackets are making an appearance and making outdoor dining a little less comfortable with their threat to sting. But, you can successfully deter these social wasps by using just one plant: mint.

It's one of the easiest and most natural ways to get rid of yellowjackets because these pesky bugs can't stand the scent and essential oils of several mint varieties. By carefully positioning mint plants around your seating area, you can discourage their presence. It can be as simple as placing this peppermint plant from Walmart on your outdoor table.

It is worth noting, however, that this isn't a fool-proof solution on its own. It'll provide protection in the immediate area, but the most effective approach will be combining methods to get rid of yellowjackets from your yard. Here, we explain exactly how to use mint to deter yellowjackets and the best types to use.

How to Use Mint to Deter Yellowjackets

The reason mint is on the list of pest-repellent plants is because many garden pests, including yellowjackets and mosquitoes, can't stand the fragrance of it.

More specifically, mint contains the essential oils menthol, menthone, and pulegone, which disrupt yellowjackets' senses.

These wasps use scent to locate food, so having mint nearby can disguise the smell of the meat, sugary drinks, and fruit they seek.

For this reason, it is effective to place mint plants around your outdoor dining area in summer to prevent their presence.

It's even more effective to harvest your mint plant regularly and crush a few leaves to release the oils and create a stronger fragrance. You can use these herb garden scissors from Amazon to cut the leaves.

Remove the Flowers

One word of warning to note about using mint to deter yellowjackets is that you shouldn't let the mint flower.

These tall spikes are excellent at attracting beneficial insects, including hoverflies, bees, butterflies, as well as yellowjackets, so it can be counterproductive.

The simple solution to this is cutting the flower spikes before they bloom and regularly harvesting from your mint plant to stop them flowering.

Best Mint Varieties to Deter Yellowjackets

While all types of mint will play a part in deterring yellowjackets, there are particular varieties that are more effective than others.

Peppermint (like these peppermint plants on Amazon) is one of the best because it's the highest in menthol content and has one of the strongest scents.

Spearmint (which you can find at Walmart) is also a good choice, though it has a soft, sweeter aroma than peppermint.

Finally, apple mint (like this plant from Amazon) is worth considering. It has a fruity, fresh scent and fuzzy leaves. Its scent is milder but it grow vigorously and offers lots of scented foliage as a deterrent.

It's best to grow these mint plants in containers (I personally love this metal herb planter from Wayfair) as they can spread aggressively. This also makes it easy to move the mint plants around as needed, to keep yellowjackets away from your hosting space.

What to Shop

While mint is a good deterrent to use for yellowjackets, the most effective solution is combining methods. This includes picking up fallen fruit, keeping bins sealed, and covering sugary drinks. There are also plenty of wasp-repellent plants that discourage the presence of all types of wasps and yellowjackets.

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Japanese beetles are some of the most destructive pests to find lurking in your garden. They're non-selective and will quickly devour leaves, flowers, and fruit – if any of your plants have skeletonized damage, take a closer look and you might spot these shiny, jewel-toned metallic beetles.

They're a summer garden pest you want to get rid of as soon as you spot, as they can quickly spread and destroy entire beds and borders. Luckily, there are a few ways to get rid of Japanese beetles, from natural methods like planting Japanese beetle-repellent plants (including these anise hyssop plants from Walmart), to using targeted insecticides.

Here, we talk through three effective methods to banish these destructive beetles from your yard for good.

1. Remove Them By Hand

The most effective way to get rid of Japanese beetles is by hand removing them, just like getting rid of aphids.

You should do this early in the morning when they are sluggish, knocking them off the plants into a bucket of soapy water which clogs their breathing tubes and stops them escaping back into the garden.

You can use castile soap (like this from Walmart), dish soap, or an insecticidal soap (like this from Amazon).

Be careful not to crush the beetles when removing them, as this can release pheromones and attract bigger populations to your yard.

Repeat this regularly for the most effective results, checking near the top of plants where the beetles are most commonly found.

1. Grow Repellent Plants

There are plenty of pest-repellent plants that work well to get rid of Japanese beetles, as these little critters can't stand the scent and texture of them.

Some of the top picks include catnip (you can get two starter plants on Amazon), alliums (like these garlic chive plants from Walmart), and tansy (you can purchase seeds from Amazon), all of which have strong scents and chemical compounds that Japanese beetle dislike.

The best approach is to integrate these plants among your most susceptible plants, overall making your garden less appealing to the beetles.

You can also plant them around the perimeters of your garden to create a pest-repellent barrier.

But, this alone won't be the most effective way to get rid of Japanese beetles, though it will help control populations. It's best to combine it with other methods, like manually removing them.

3. Use Insect Sprays

If you have a Japanese beetle infestation, you can use insecticides for fast results.

You can get targeted sprays labeled for Japanese beetles, which often include pyrethrins. This Bonide Captain Jack's insecticide on Amazon is highly rated for beetles.

Neem oil (like this from Amazon) is another option, which is considered a natural pest control spray. It works by making foliage unpalatable to them, reducing damage.

It's important to note that using sprays and chemicals in the garden comes with a risk of harming beneficial insects. For this reason, only use it where necessary on targeted areas and avoid using it during peak pollinator activity in the middle of the day.

To help control future populations, you can also apply beneficial nematodes. These are microscopic worms that prey on larvae in the soil. You can find beneficial nematodes at Walmart, simply mix with water as to apply, as per the product instructions.

What to Shop

FAQs

Do Japanese Beetle Traps Work?

Japanese beetle traps (like these on Amazon) work by using floral scents and pheromones to attract adult beetles from long distances. For this reason, they do need to be used with caution as it could attract more beetles into your yard than the trap is able to capture. They're best used on large landscapes, or at least 30ft away from your most vulnerable plants. Many gardeners use them to monitor for Japanese beetle presence, rather than an effective method to get rid of them.

If you can't seem to get on top of your Japanese beetle problem, it might be that you have plants that attract Japanese beetles growing in your yard. Swapping these for more repellent and less-attractive plants will make it much easier to manage going forwards.

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Ants in the kitchen are frustrating, but repeatedly spraying vinegar won't get rid of the infestation. Experts say the most effective natural solution is food-grade diatomaceous earth, a fine mineral powder that kills ants as they travel through it. Used alongside good kitchen hygiene and sealing entry points, it's the best chemical-free way to stop ants in their tracks.

If you've noticed a trail of ants marching across your kitchen countertop, your first instinct might be to reach for the white vinegar. While it can temporarily disrupt the scent trails ants use to navigate, it won't tackle the infestation itself, meaning they'll often be back within days.

If you're wondering how to get rid of ants in a kitchen naturally, experts say there's one remedy that stands out above the rest: food-grade diatomaceous earth. Unlike vinegar, which simply masks pheromone trails, this natural mineral powder works on the ants themselves, helping to reduce the infestation without relying on synthetic pesticides.

Why Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth Works Better Than Vinegar

White vinegar has earned a reputation as a natural way to get rid of ants in the home because its strong smell temporarily erases the pheromone trails ants leave behind for the rest of the colony to follow.

The problem? It doesn't actually kill the ants or eliminate the colony. Once the vinegar dries and the scent fades, the ants simply lay a new trail and return.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth works differently. Made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms, the ultra-fine powder damages the ants' protective outer coating as they walk through it, causing them to dehydrate over time. Because it works mechanically rather than chemically, it's one of the most effective natural pest control methods available.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Get Rid of Ants in a Kitchen

For the best results, lightly dust a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth along active ant trails, beneath the sink, behind appliances, around baseboards, and anywhere you've spotted ants entering your kitchen.

The Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, available on Amazon, is one of the most trusted options. Made from 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth with no added chemicals, it's suitable for use around the home when applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and comes with a handy powder duster for precise application.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Walmart's Expert Gardener Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth offers the same natural active ingredient at a lower price point, making it a great choice for first-time users or smaller infestations.

For those who prefer to buy in bulk or also want to use diatomaceous earth around the garden, Garden Safe Diatomaceous Earth, available from Lowe's, is a long-established favorite among organic gardeners thanks to its high purity and versatility.

Whichever product you choose, always check that it's labelled food grade. Never use pool- or filter-grade diatomaceous earth indoors, as it has been heat-treated and isn't suitable for household pest control.

Less is more here. A fine dusting is far more effective than thick piles, which ants are likely to avoid altogether.

The powder must also stay completely dry to work, so reapply after cleaning or if it becomes damp.

At the same time, remove anything that's attracting ants in the first place. Wipe away sticky spills and crumbs, store dry goods in airtight containers, empty the trash regularly, and fix any dripping taps that provide a water source

Can a Natural Remedy Get Rid of an Entire Ant Colony?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is one of the best natural ways to deal with ants, but it's important to set realistic expectations.

Unlike slow-acting ant baits, which worker ants carry back to the nest to eliminate the colony at its source, diatomaceous earth only affects the ants that come into direct contact with it.

That means it's highly effective for small infestations and stopping ants from repeatedly travelling through your kitchen, but severe or recurring infestations may require a colony-targeting treatment if you want to eliminate the problem completely.

The Ant-Proof Kitchen Kit

If you're serious about getting rid of ants and keeping them from coming back, I've rounded up the kitchen essentials you need to keep your space ant-free.

If you're looking for a non-toxic pest control alternative to chemical pesticides, food-grade diatomaceous earth is the method experts recommend over white vinegar. While vinegar may temporarily hide ant trails, diatomaceous earth actually works on the insects themselves, making it a much more effective long-term solution.

Used alongside good kitchen hygiene and by sealing any gaps where ants are getting inside, it's the closest thing to a foolproof natural method for getting rid of ants in a kitchen.

It's easy to let squirrel control slip down the priority list once spring planting is done, but easing up now can quickly undo your hard work. As bulbs emerge and vegetables begin to ripen, squirrels become increasingly active, digging through borders, raiding raised beds, and helping themselves to container displays.

While the damage can be frustrating, it's worth taking a balanced approach. Squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem, and there's little benefit in trying to eliminate them entirely. Instead, the goal should be to gently encourage them elsewhere using humane, non-toxic methods that protect both your plants and local wildlife. If you're looking for ways to get rid of squirrels from your garden, the most effective approach is often to make your outdoor space less appealing rather than trying to remove them completely.

One of the simplest ways to do just that is by learning how to grow marigolds. These cheerful annuals are celebrated for their vibrant blooms, but they also happen to be one of the best flowers for naturally deterring squirrels. Their distinctive fragrance helps disguise the scent of tempting bulbs, seeds, and ripening vegetables, making your garden a far less inviting place to forage.

How to Use Marigolds to Deter Squirrels

Beloved for their long-lasting flowers and easy-going nature, marigolds earn their place in the garden for far more than their good looks. I grow them myself and recently picked up this best-selling French Marigold Seed Mix from Amazon, although you'll find young plants at almost any garden center throughout the growing season.

Marigolds are wonderfully unfussy. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for flower beds, borders, vegetable patches, and containers alike. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in plenty of compost to improve moisture retention, then apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth. Choose a variety suited to the space available, particularly if you're planting in pots.

Position marigolds around the edges of vegetable beds, among spring bulbs, or beside containers you want to protect. Their bold, distinctive scent can overwhelm a squirrel's highly developed sense of smell, making it harder for the squirrel to detect the bulbs, fruits, and vegetables it's searching for. They're particularly useful during spring and early summer, when squirrel activity tends to peak.

Marigolds offer even more benefits beyond squirrel control. They are often used in companion planting because their fragrance can also help discourage whiteflies, aphids, and other common garden pests, while their bright blooms attract pollinators throughout the season. Pairing them with aromatic herbs such as thyme creates an even stronger natural barrier and brings extra biodiversity to your vegetable garden.

As with any wildlife deterrent, marigolds work best as part of a broader strategy. Keep the garden tidy, clear away fallen fruit and food scraps, and avoid leaving birdseed scattered around planting areas, as these can attract squirrels.

What to Do if You Can't Plant Marigolds

If planting marigolds isn't an option, there are still plenty of natural ways to discourage squirrels from visiting your garden. Squirrels tend to dislike strong aromas, such as apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and using peppermint to deter squirrels, making scent-based repellents a simple, chemical-free alternative.

Mix one of these ingredients with water to create a homemade spray, then apply it around vulnerable plants, containers, or the edges of raised beds. You'll need to reapply the solution after heavy rain or every few days to keep the scent strong. While these DIY repellents and natural pest control methods won't completely eliminate squirrels, they can help encourage them to forage elsewhere, especially when combined with good garden hygiene and strategic planting.

Shop Marigolds, Squirrel Deterrents and Tools

While no squirrel deterrent is foolproof, marigolds provide an easy, affordable, and beautiful way to make your garden less appealing to unwanted visitors. And if you want to add extra protection, there are plenty of other methods worth trying, too – here are some of my favorites.

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For many gardeners, welcoming wildlife into the backyard is one of the joys of the season, and that includes watching the antics of local squirrels. However, admiration can quickly turn to frustration when these playful creatures begin digging huge holes in pristine container displays and freshly planted raised beds. The resulting damage can ruin months of hard work overnight. But there is a natural, aromatic fix.

Squirrels are clever creatures, meaning standard deterrents often fail. From setting up dedicated nut tables to draping protective netting over vegetable crops, determined squirrels frequently find a way to persist. It is their natural instinct to dig for food, meaning traditional barriers rarely provide a long-term fix.

The secret to protecting the yard without causing harm lies in eco-friendly, natural pest control. Fortunately, there is one potent herbal scent that squirrels detest: peppermint. When deployed strategically and in the correct form, peppermint, which you can snap up at Walmart, offers a completely safe, humane, and highly effective barrier that stops digging behavior in its tracks.

Why Peppermint Works as a Squirrel Deterrent

Simply put, squirrels have an incredibly heightened sense of smell, and the pungent, intense aroma of peppermint completely overwhelms their senses.

While other natural repellents like cayenne pepper or cinnamon can also drive them away, they aren't always pleasant to have wafting across a patio. Peppermint is the perfect compromise: a scent that humans find wonderfully refreshing, but rodents find utterly repulsive.

However, using peppermint successfully to get rid of squirrels requires understanding the target. Squirrels are highly intelligent, persistent, and adaptable creatures. If a scent barrier is weak or fades, they will quickly figure out a workaround. To turn this into a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix, the peppermint aroma must remain highly concentrated and be reapplied consistently.

This is where application method becomes critical, as living plants alone rarely pack a big enough punch.

'Peppermint offers a mild, temporary deterrent, but squirrels quickly adapt, and the scent fades outdoors,' explains Ricky Young, owner of Young Pest Control.

To combat this, Young notes that a concentrated peppermint spray, which you can find at Amazon, is far more effective than relying solely on live mint plants. For gardeners dealing with particularly stubborn pests, he suggests pairing the scent with a physical barrier, such as heavy-duty netting, such as this from Ace Hardware, to ensure vulnerable plants are fully protected.

How To Use Peppermint For Maximum Impact

Relying solely on live mint plants won't keep determined rodents at bay. To create a truly effective barrier, the peppermint must be concentrated, strategically placed, and consistently refreshed.

The scent from a fresh peppermint plant isn’t concentrated or consistent enough to bother squirrels, explains Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention. 'It might slow them down briefly, but if you’re going the peppermint route, go with a high-quality spray or oil-soaked cotton balls and reapply often. And even then, rotate the scents, as squirrels get nose-blind fast.'

To achieve that expert-level concentration, gardeners have two highly effective options:

The Essential Oil & Cotton Ball Method

Soak cotton balls in pure peppermint essential oil and tuck them directly into the soil of vulnerable containers, raised beds, or near the base of prized plants.

Because the oil is shielded slightly by the cotton, it holds its scent longer outdoors than a topical spray.

A Concentrated Peppermint Spray

You can easily mix your own solution by diluting pure peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle, or purchase a pre-mixed rodent repellent spray.

Generously coat the perimeters of raised beds, the rims of containers, and the poles or bases of bird feeders. Avoid spraying the actual bird food or feeding ports directly, as strong essential oils can irritate a bird's respiratory system.

Spray at least two to three times a week, and always immediately after a heavy rain shower.

To prevent squirrels from becoming nose-blind to the mint, follow Carpenter's advice by rotating your strategy. Try switching to cayenne pepper, available from Amazon, and spray for a week before returning to peppermint.

For the ultimate multi-layered defense, you can still plant live peppermint in pots around the perimeter of your raised beds. While the live plants provide a gentle, continuous baseline aroma, the concentrated sprays and oils supply the heavy-hitting punch needed to keep your yard squirrel-free.

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By combining peppermint with other known squirrel repellents, such as an ultrasonic device, from Amazon, or these natural squirrel repellent balls, also on Amazon, you can shore up a significant defence against these mischievous critters.

You can also plant marigolds around any high-risk plants, for another method that brings yet more joy to us in the garden, and hopefully keep the squirrels at bay.

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Squirrels love to dig in my garden, especially in the loose soil of my potted plants. It provides a convenient hiding spot for their acorns but harms my plants in the process, as they disturb and damage roots.

That's why I'm finally putting a precaution in place to keep squirrels out of potted plants: these Amazon anti-squirrel pot plant grids. It's an insert to pop in your containers, creating a physical barrier that stops squirrels and other animals digging in the soil. You can even use it to stop curious pets damaging your houseplants.

It's much more durable (and subtle) than using garden netting as a barrier because it's made of thicker plastic which isn't easy for squirrels to rip through. It can even be cut down to the size of your pot: 'Easy to cut and squirrels are not smart enough to remove these!' one happy reviewer writes. It's currently discounted to just $9.99, so I'm stocking up now to prevent any further damage to my summer containers.

Why Shoppers Love Them

These Amazon anti-squirrel pot plant grids are really easy to use. They come as five 7.48" disks that can be cut to the size you need. They also have stakes to insert into the soil easily, creating a secure barrier.

'It’s been a week since I placed these and NO digging whatsoever,' one reviewer describes.

'Great for keeping the squirrels from digging in my plants,' another satisfied shopper writes. 'Works great! No more dirt mess everywhere to clean up!'

Made of ABS plastic, shoppers haven't had an issue with cutting the grids or squirrels breaking through them:

'Cuts easily to fit around the pot and plant stem,' one person describes.

It seems it's a super effective natural pest control method that helps gets rid of squirrels (and stops mischievous pets) without causing harm.

Perhaps the only issue is that they are designed for smaller pots, and won't cover the surface area of large planters. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other similar, larger pot grids on the market, such as these 20.8" pot grids on Amazon.

As a simple solution to deter squirrels from digging in your containers, this is a quick, effective, and affordable option.

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Squirrels can be a nuisance in the yard in more way than one. Luckily, there are plenty of effective solutions to keep squirrels away from fruit trees, and you can even use cayenne pepper to deter squirrels. You may also want to make some adjustments if you have mistakes attracting squirrels to your yard.

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I love living next to a woodland, but it does mean a lot of cheeky squirrels come into my yard. They've been known to help themselves to my home-grown veggies before I get a chance to harvest them. I've tried the usual methods, including netting, but these clever critters always seem to find a way to get through.

That's when I discovered these Amazon ultrasonic squirrel repellers. It's an effective way to get rid of squirrels because it detects motion and emits a strobe light and sound to scare them off. In fact, this is also a useful tool to help deter deer, raccoons, skunks, and more.

I'm reassured by the fact it has a full 5-star rating, with shoppers expressing how well it has kept a wide range of pests away. One of the best parts is it's solar powered and doesn't need manual operation. Plus, it's currently reduced in the Amazon Prime Day sale, so now is the time to get your hands on it.

How Does it Work?

If, like me, you want to use natural pest control methods that don't cause harm to squirrels, then an ultrasonic repeller is worth considering.

It has a motion sensor to detect movement, whether from squirrels, deer, or other destructive wildlife in the yard, and emits light and sound to scare them away.

The fact its solar powered means you don't have to do anything to get it to work, other than position it in a spot where it will get sun exposure. It then automatically turns on when activity is detected.

These repellers tend to be subtle in appearance and aren't disruptive, as most adults can't hear the ultrasonic frequencies. It's also much less of an eyesore than protective garden netting (like this from Walmart).

For best results, position the repeller facing the area you want to protect, such as towards your kitchen garden.

What Shoppers Say

With a five-star rating, the Amazon ultrasonic squirrel repellers have positive reviews about how well they works.

'Ever since I put them out, the party in my yard has pretty much shut down. It's like the little critters decided they had better places to be,' one reviewer writes.

You get two repellers in this pack, so you can position them to protect multiple spots in your yard or place them either side of your veg patch as an extra precaution.

'They’re super easy to set up. Just stick them in the ground or mount them on something, and they start doing their thing. They charge up during the day, so I don't have to mess with batteries or anything,' one shopper explains.

These repellers are solar powered, so should work automatically as long as they're positioned in a spot with sun exposure to charge up. They're also waterproof, so you can keep them out in adverse weather conditions for year-round use.

'There is no need to manually turn the gadget on and off since it is designed to turn itself on automatically at night,' another reviewer writes.

I'm impressed by the fact these repellers have 27ft and a 110° angle detection, so squirrels and other animals will be scared off well in advance of reaching my crops.

As for installation, this kit comes with stakes to insert in the ground or you can mount them higher up to scare away squirrels coming along fences, for example.

It's hard to find a disadvantage to these Amazon ultrasonic squirrel repellers, especially considering you get two for $31.99 in the current Prime Day deal.

Perhaps the only warning to note is that it isn't fool-proof for long-term protection. Some animals, including squirrels, can learn to adapt to disturbances like ultrasonic sound and may eventually ignore them.

For this reason, it's always worth combining multiple methods to fully protect your crops and ornamentals from squirrels. This includes using cayenne pepper to deter squirrels.

However, for solving an immediate issue with squirrels in your yard, these ultrasonic repellers are an effective choice and will keep your veg patch safe this summer.

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If you are getting a lot of squirrels in your garden, it might be that you have one or more mistakes attracting squirrels to your yard. Luckily, there are lots of ways to keep them away. This includes growing the best squirrel-repellent plants and using garlic to repel squirrels.

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I'm growing strawberries for the first time this year and the biggest problem I've faced is keeping birds off them. The most failsafe solution has been putting a protective barrier in place to stop these winged garden visitors getting to my crop.

If you're also struggling to protect soft fruits from birds, then I can't recommend enough using a cloche. I've been using fabric mesh ones, but these Amazon metal strawberry plant cloches have caught my eye because they seem much more durable. They even come with supports to hold the fruit safely off the ground, stopping rot and keeping the berries safe from soil-borne diseases.

I prefer the idea of using a metal cage cloche because it's harder for birds, squirrels and rodents to rip open. It also provides plenty of ventilation for the plant. The fact you get six in this pack is ideal, and the best part is they're modular and can be connected to make bigger cages, offering protection for a whole row of strawberry plants and other crops.

A Bird-Proof Barrier

While there are a few methods to keep birds away from strawberry plants (like the strawberry red rock decoy hack), I personally think there's nothing more effective than putting a physical barrier in place.

You can purchase soft mesh cloches, like this set from Walmart, but I like the Amazon metal strawberry plant cloches because they're constructed of sturdy steel wire. This is much harder for birds, squirrels, and rodents to break through than a softer material.

The other benefit is the fact these cloches are open with lots of ventilation. This keeps the plant healthy by improving airflow and helping to prevent powdery mildew and other strawberry diseases.

I also love the fact the six cloches can be customized, with interconnectable panels. This means if you have a long row of strawberry plants (or any other vulnerable crops) you can build a singular longer cloche.

Not only do these cloches provide a bird-proof barrier for your strawberry plants, they also come with growing trays to hold the fruit off the ground. This keeps it safe from destructive insects on the ground, soil-borne diseases, and rot.

In this way, these Amazon metal strawberry plant cloches protect fruit from all kinds of strawberry pests, not just birds.

More Ways to Protect Strawberries

Like I mentioned, there are several other tried and tested ways to protect strawberries from birds and other pests, so you can ensure they don't get to your sweet, juicy harvest before you do. Below are some of my top picks:

Protecting strawberries from birds is just one way to boost your yield. Getting strawberry fertilizing right is also important and it can help you grow bigger strawberries.

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It's tick season and many of us are nervously tiptoeing in the garden to avoid a nasty surprise. One of the best ways to actually get rid of them is by encouraging owls. They prey on rodents, i.e. tick hosts, which can reduce tick populations in the yard.

So, what's the best way to attract owls to your yard? One of the best ways to do it is by installing an owl nest box. Take this Amazon owl nest box, for example. It provides a manmade nesting space for owls, resembling the natural tree cavities that are becoming harder for these birds to locate.

I like the fact the entry is just the right size for owls while keeping predators out. With reviews that note it's a 'beautifully made box well worth the money,' I feel confident in its quality. Plus, it's reduced to $23.99, so now is the time to get your hands on it to make tick season less of a worry in your yard.

How Do Owls Help with Ticks?

Owls play a huge role in natural pest control for preventing ticks in the yard and getting rid of rats in the yard.

This is because ticks often spend part of their lifecycle feeding on rodents, which are reservoirs for the diseases ticks spread, such as Lyme disease.

Owls prey on rodents, reducing their presence. With fewer hosts for ticks, their population and disease transmission reduces.

Encouraging owls to your yard can therefore help with tick population control indirectly, though it's best to pair this approach with other methods. For example, it's effective to keep your grass mowed as ticks like to hide in long grassy areas. You can also opt for products like this plant-based tick spray on Amazon.

Now is an ideal time to install an owl nest box to your yard, as these birds nest until mid-summer – and the Amazon owl nest box is a great one to consider.

Why Shoppers Love This Nest Box

Installing an owl nest box in your yard is one of the easiest ways to encourage these beautiful birds to your yard. They seek cavities to nest in but natural ones in trees and barns can be hard to come by.

The Amazon owl nest box seems to be a popular choice among shoppers because it's designed for optimal use by these birds.

It's built for small to medium-sized owls measuring around 9–11 inches, which is the average size of the owls most commonly frequenting US yards. It also has a slanted roof and ventilation holes to provide airflow and keep rain out, offering a safe and dry spot to nest and raise their young.

Some shoppers note it's been a useful addition for other garden wildlife, too: 'The squirrels love it,' one reviewer writes.

When it comes to assembly, the majority of buyers are happy with the ease and quality:

'The wood panels are all edge-glued smaller planks. It looks well done, no voids or knots. The boards are 15mm thick,' one person describes.

'Easy to assemble and mount on tree,' another person shares. The kit comes with all the hardware needed to put it together and attach securely to a tree.

However, some shoppers note there are some discrepancies with the drill holes: 'The pre-drilled holes on the bottom piece of wood are incorrectly drilled,' one shopper says.

Nevertheless, the overall consensus is that it's solid, good quality, and it's simple enough to rectify the drill hole issue by drilling new holes, though this is a slight inconvenience.

Beyond its function, this Amazon owl nest box has a beautiful, rustic look. I'm particularly taken with the decorative owl head shape, adding charm to a quiet corner of the yard.

For $23.99 on the current deal, I think this owl nest box is more than worth it, especially considering others on the market are priced much higher (like this $59.95 owl nest box from Walmart). It will last for many years, help local wildlife, and secondarily keep my yard pest-free.

What to Shop

Nest boxes are just one way to help owls in your yard. Our guide to helping garden birds in winter has lots of ideas relevant to these elegant birds, including providing safe shelter and encouraging natural prey.

And if you're keen to keep ticks away, make sure to combine different methods. There could be several things in your yard that attract ticks you can change. Likewise, you can read up on why there might be ticks in your yard, so you can make some adjustments.

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Kitchen scraps are surprisingly useful. From making compost to brewing stock, they have a lot of life left in them despite the name. Perhaps one of the most practical uses, however, is as a pest deterrent.

As the summer weather starts to peak, pesky bugs are at their most active, seeking suitable shelter to reproduce. Kitchen scraps can make non-toxic deterrents that make areas less attractive to pests, explains Ed Dolshun, Technical Director at Catchmaster. 'They can help with light activity, but if pests keep showing up, there is usually a food source, moisture issue, or entry point that needs to be fixed.'

These are the three scraps worth repurposing for natural pest control and how to use them to deter persistent bugs.

1. Used Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can help to keep bugs away and smell fantastic while doing so. Given that good-quality, ethical coffee beans can be expensive, this is a great way to further justify the spend while avoiding creating unnecessary trash at home.

As Ed Dolshun explains, 'Used coffee grounds can be particularly helpful outside around patios, trash bins, or garden edges because the strong smell can make those areas less appealing to some crawling insects. The important thing is not to overdo it. If coffee grounds sit too long and stay wet, they can start to break down and attract pests instead. I would use them as a short-term outdoor deterrent and refresh or remove them regularly.'

Collecting your coffee grounds is easiest with the best non-toxic coffee makers. I use the Bialetti Moka Pot, available at Amazon, and the grounds are simple to tap out of the funnel after each use. The Aarke French Press, from Williams Sonoma, also makes it easy. Made entirely from stainless steel, you do not need to worry about either vessel contaminating the grounds with nano or microplastics that might pollute your outdoor environment.

2. Banana Peels

Banana peels are fantastic for plants, acting as free fertilizer without added harsh chemicals. The added benefit to using this kitchen waste in your garden and pots is non-toxic pest control.

Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, explains, 'Banana peels are one of the underrated kitchen scraps that homeowners can use against summer pests, especially ants and aphids. What makes it effective is isoamyl acetate, which releases a strong scent when broken down.

'Simply chop the peels into small pieces and then bury them around the base of your plants to avoid attracting fruit flies and rotting in the sun. Also, you can create a nutrient boost from these scraps by soaking the chopped peels in a jar of water for two days.'

This airtight storage jar from Walmart is perfect for this, letting the skins soak without accidentally attracting pests with the sweet smell.

3. Leftover Nutmeg and Mace

There are plenty of spices that deter common garden pests, but for summer, Allan suggests leftover nutmeg and mace, usually found in abundance in pantries and kitchen cabinets after the fall and winter baking seasons. Repurposing them prevents stale spices next season, without them going entirely to waste.

'They contain myristicin, a natural plant compound that seems to deter bugs,' Allan explains. 'Nutmeg can keep termites away and mess up ant scent trails. Simply sprinkle your expired nutmeg powder right along your home's foundation to block bugs. You can even throw it in your pantry bins to ward off grain weevils or simmer it in water to make a quick bug spray for wooden patio furniture.

'However, if you’re a pet owner, keep nutmeg away from your dogs because their bodies can’t metabolize myristicin. It’s toxic for them even in small amounts.'

What Else to Consider

Natural deterrents are a fantastic first defense against an infestation; however, they should not be relied upon entirely. Doing so is one of the most common pest control mistakes.

Ed warns that natural deterrents only work if the basics are handled too. 'Keep food sealed, wipe up spills, take trash out regularly, check for moisture, and seal gaps where pests may be getting in,' he advises.

'If you are still seeing consistent activity after that, then it is usually at the point where monitoring tools or targeted traps make sense. Catchmaster’s window fly traps [from Amazon] are an easy option for kitchens and glass doors where flies tend to collect. For crawling pests, Catchmaster’s glue boards [also from Amazon] can be placed under sinks, along baseboards, in garages, basements or near entry points to help monitor what is actually getting inside. They are pesticide-free and odorless, which is helpful for households that want to avoid indoor sprays.'

What to Shop

Preventing pests requires a multifaceted approach, from the best deterrents to top cleaning tips. These are the essentials to help keep them at bay without harsh chemicals.

All prices correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Keep an eye out for the signs it's time to call professional pest control to prevent lasting damage to your home and health.

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It is tick season, and as populations continue to expand across the US, taking steps to prevent them from settling in your yard has never been more important. The greatest risk remains in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, but experts warn that several species are spreading into new areas of the country. The good news is that there are plenty of effective ways to make your yard less appealing to ticks.

From strategic landscaping choices and wildlife deterrents to natural repellents and targeted treatments, small changes can have a big impact, and there are many ways you can prevent and kill ticks in your yard

These tiny pests can transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease, making yard prevention an important step in protecting both your family and pets. Here, pest control experts and gardeners share the five best ways to prevent ticks from moving in and reduce the chances of unwanted encounters this season.

1. Keep Grass Short

If you want to prevent ticks, it's also important to keep your yard well-maintained. 'Regular mowing, trimming shrubs, and removing leaf litter are crucial,' says landscaping expert Scott McLeod.

Ticks thrive in humid environments with dense vegetation, so staying on top of summer lawn care leaves them with fewer places to hide. During peak tick season – typically from late spring through early fall – experts recommend mowing regularly to keep grass short.

It's equally important to manage the transition zones around your yard. Trim back overgrown borders, clear weeds from fence lines, and prune low-hanging branches to increase sunlight and airflow, creating conditions that are less favorable for ticks.

Ensure fallen leaves are actually removed or collected rather than simply raked to the edges of your yard, as ticks readily shelter in damp leaf piles. The same applies after storms or periods of heavy rain, when accumulated garden debris can retain moisture and provide ideal hiding spots.

Finally, decluttering your yard and storing firewood in a dry, elevated location away from the house can help reduce potential areas for both ticks and the small mammals that often carry them.

2. Create Physical Barriers

Similar to how gardeners use crushed eggshells to deter of slugs from reaching vulnerable plants, you can create a larger physical barrier to help keep ticks out of your yard.

'Creating a 3-foot-wide barrier of wood chips, gravel, or similar material between your lawn and any wooded areas can help deter ticks from entering your yard,' says Scott McLeod.

You can find pea gravel at Ace Hardware. Alternatively, this cedar wood chip mulch from Amazon would be a great choice, as the natural oils in the wood helps to repel ticks.

Ticks prefer cool, humid environments with dense vegetation and leaf litter. By introducing a strip of dry, exposed material between wooded areas and frequently used parts of the yard, you make it harder for them to migrate into spaces where children and pets play.

These barriers work particularly well along the edges of properties that back onto woodland, naturalized areas, stone walls, or unmanaged vegetation.

For maximum effect, keep the barrier clear of encroaching plants and replenish materials as they break down over time.

3. Add Tick-Repelling Plants Around Pathways

One of the main reasons there are ticks in your yard is because they've been carried in on another animal. That's why ticks like to hang out on the border of landscapes, where people and other animals will walk through.

If you have pathways or transition areas in your yard, pest control professional Matt Smith suggests doing some 'strategic planting' with tick repellent plants to prevent ticks from hitching a ride into your yard.

Ticks will avoid plants and herbs such as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and marigolds, so consider adding these beautifully fragrant pest-repellent plants to paths or around the edge of your plot to ward them off.

For expert tips on growing rosemary and growing lavender, you can head to our guides. Often used for companion planting, marigolds keep bugs away and bring a warm, vibrant color to your yard.

You can find marigold seeds at Botanical Interests.

4. Try Natural Tick-Repellent Sprays

You can also deter ticks with scented sprays. Entomologist David Price from Mosquito Joe advises using natural tick repellent sprays containing cedar, eucalyptus, or neem oil.

These substances may help repel ticks and can be applied to clothing, outdoor fabrics, or around the yard.

A homemade bug spray can also be handy to have around, and you can make your own using essential oils diluted appropriately for outdoor use. You can find eucalyptus essential oil at Amazon.

However, it's important to remember that natural repellents tend to break down more quickly than synthetic alternatives, particularly after rainfall or irrigation, so regular reapplication is key.

If you're relying on natural sprays as part of your tick-prevention strategy, experts recommend combining them with other methods mentioned in this article, as the most effective way to reduce tick activity in yards.

5. Discourage Deer and Rodents From Entering Your Yard

Reducing the number of animals that carry ticks into your yard can also help lower your risk of encountering them.

While deer are an important part of many ecosystems, they are one of the primary hosts for adult ticks, while small mammals such as mice can transport immature ticks through gardens.

These ultrasonic solar animal repellent devices from Amazon are very well reviewed, and would help to keep deer and small rodents from entering your yard.

Other simple measures such as choosing deer-resistant plants, using fencing where appropriate, DIY deer deterrents, and removing food sources that attract rodents can make a difference.

To make your yard less inviting to rodents, keep bird seed in sealed containers, clean up any spilled seed beneath feeders, and store firewood neatly stacked in a dry, elevated location away from the house.

Sealing gaps around sheds and other outbuildings can also help prevent mice from taking up residence. While these animals all play a role in the natural environment, limiting their activity in the immediate vicinity of your home may help reduce the number of ticks entering your outdoor spaces.

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FAQs

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are invertebrates that belong to the class Arachnida, the same class as spiders, scorpions, and mites. These small insects are most active during the warmer months of the year, and feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.

'Once these opportunistic hunters find a host, they dig their heads into their skin and they suck blood from them,' says Matt Smith, the co-owner of Green Pest Management. 'Ticks carry Lyme disease, which is really nasty and can affect your health for the rest of your life.'

There are lots of pests that can destroy plants, but ticks will just use plants to perch on and wait for a host to come by before attaching themselves to them. Here are five things you can do to repel them.

What Time of the Day Are Ticks Most Active?

Some experts say that ticks are the most active in the morning and the evening, but they can turn up at any time of the day.

It also depends on the species of tick, for example, there are two main types, 'hard' ticks and 'soft' ticks. Adult ticks are more active in the morning, and if the temperature reaches about 50 degrees, any ticks present are likely to be active.

Ticks can be a year-round problem, particularly if you live in an area with high temperatures and humidity, so it's sensible to keep vigilant.

The most effective way to prevent ticks from becoming a problem in your outside space is to combine the measures mentioned above, which will ensure you're keeping your yard safe for everyone in it.

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There's a never-ending battle between gardeners and slugs as these destructive critters eat their way through ornamental plants and crops alike. But I've discovered an easy, natural way to create a slug-proof barrier that will protect your most vulnerable plants.

It's essentially using one of the best slug-repellent plants and turning it into a boundary: ferns. Ferns are disliked by slugs and snails because of their rough, fibrous texture, which is hard to eat. By strategically planting ferns around the softer plants slugs do like to munch on, you can create an effective slug-proof barrier.

So, if you're after slug control methods that are chemical-free and non-harmful, then here's why you should consider ferns as the one plant you need to create a slug-proof barrier.

Why Slugs Dislike Ferns

Slugs tend to target fresh, tender plant foliage and seedlings. Essentially, they'll target any soft, palatable plants. This is why they can cause havoc in kitchen gardens, but are also known to devour dahlias and delphiniums, among other flowering plants with smooth foliage.

But, when it comes to ferns, the foliage is too rough, leathery, and fibrous for slugs to consume. Not only this, but many ferns have toxic chemical compounds that slugs dislike the taste of and interfere with their digestion.

For this reason, ferns can be used to make a slug-proof barrier, protecting the plants they're looking to attack.

How to Make a Slug-Proof Fern Barrier

The first thing to do when making a slug-proof fern barrier is choosing the right ferns.

While slugs tend to dislike most ferns, there are some more reliable slug-proof options to choose from.

This includes Japanese painted ferns (like this from Nature Hills), hart's tongue fern, and classic wood ferns (like this from Nature Hills), all of which have particularly tough foliage that slugs dislike.

If you want to protect plants in your border, you can either use ferns as edging or plant them throughout, focusing on placing them around those plants susceptible to slug damage.

Likewise, in a veg patch, you can use ferns to make a perimeter that surrounds the likes of lettuce, brassicas, legumes, and the other crops you find lots of slugs attacking.

Packing the ferns closely together to create dense coverage is the most effective way to make your slug-proof barrier, reducing the likelihood of slugs slipping past and heading straight for your vulnerable plants.

To strengthen your efforts, you can add gravel and crushed eggshells around the base of the ferns to make a rough surface that slugs dislike traveling across.

Don't forget to pay attention to fern care, too. The majority of ferns enjoy shady to partial shade conditions (often typical of native woodland habitats), but if you need to protect plants in a sunnier location, opt for something like a bracken fern, which is better suited to full sun.

What to Shop

There are so many tried and tested ways to stop slugs destroying plants, so it's all about figuring out what works in your yard. For example, the cucumber hack can help draw slugs away from vulnerable plants in your garden.

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The sun is shining and temperatures are warming up, encouraging not only your plants to shoot up but pests to come out. I'm always looking for chemical-free ways to stop destructive insects in the yard, which is how I stumbled across the hack of using flour to deter garden pests.

It's a natural pest control method where you lightly sprinkle flour (just like all-purpose flour from Walmart) on the plants being attacked. Soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and even cabbage worms are disrupted by it, either by the plants becoming harder to feed on or by dehydrating the pests.

But, as with all hacks, using flour for pest control does come with a couple words of warning. It can be used as a short-term deterrent, but in the long-term can hinder plant health and potentially attract rodents. Here, I explain more about why this hack works and how to use it correctly to protect your plants this spring and summer.

How Does Flour Deter Garden Pests?

Many spring garden pests can be deterred by flour. In particular, it's most effective as a defence against aphids, mites, cabbage worms, and other soft-bodied destructive pests.

It works by lightly sprinkling flour on, or around, vulnerable plants. When the pests then try to feed on them, the flour gums up in their mouths and makes it harder to continue feeding on the plant.

In other cases, flour can dry out pests' bodies and dehydrate them, much the same as diatomaceous earth (you can purchase diatomaceous earth from Amazon).

However, it isn't just a case of chucking loads of flour on your plants. This often does more harm than good. Instead, you should follow a few rules when trying this hack.

How to Use Flour to Deter Garden Pests

If you're planning to use flour to deter garden pests, you should proceed carefully.

Just like using spices to deter garden pests, putting a thick layer of flour on plant leaves can block plant pores, known as stomata, which can inhibit essential processes like photosynthesis and stunt growth.

Not only this, but leaving flour on foliage can encourage the development of powdery mildew and mold as it gets wet and turns into a paste.

As food, it can also attract rodents, ants, and other unwanted pests to your yard.

So to avoid these issues, you should only use flour to deter garden pests as a short-term solution.

Lightly sprinkle flour on the plant that is being attacked, let it do it's thing, and then wash it away a day or two later. You can use a watering can with a rose spout (like this from Wayfair) to gently rinse the leaves.

You can also create a flour boundary around plants to form a physical barrier that stops pests in their tracks. Once again, you should take care to remove this once the pest problem subsides, as it can attract unwanted backyard visitors and encourage fungal issues.

Shop Pest Control Solutions

There are so many more chemical-free ways to deter pests in your yard. For example, you can incorporate the scents garden pests hate and grow pest-repellent plants, such as these marigolds from Walmart.

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Lily beetles cause headaches for all growers of these stunning plants. As spring is a key time when the adults are actively feeding and start laying eggs, gardeners should keep a close eye on their lilies this month.

Left to their devices, adult lily beetles and their larvae can cause huge damage and even stop bulbs from flowering again. Close monitoring for signs of pests and their damage means you can start controlling them more quickly. You can handpick them from the plants or spray sunflower oil to combat active pesky larvae – but it needs to be done carefully.

Whether you have them in borders or grow lilies in pots, your plants are at risk of the lily beetle. Here we reveal the signs to look for and the best methods to get rid of these unwanted pests so your lilies keep putting on a performance year after year.

All About the Lily Beetle

The lily beetle, also known as the scarlet lily beetle, red lily beetle, or lily leaf beetle, is a pest that came over from Europe and has spread across the US since the early 1990s.

The troublesome summer garden pests are small, only 6-8 mm long, with a scarlet-red body and black legs. The adults start feeding once the lilies break through the soil, typically in spring, and lay hundreds of eggs on the underside of leaves.

The larvae feed voraciously before pupating into adult bugs that overwinter in soil or plant debris, to emerge again in spring and start the cycle again.

Lily beetles are good at camouflage and protection. When disturbed, they drop from plants and lie upside down, where their dark undersides are hard to spot against the ground.

The larvae have an unappealing habit of covering themselves in their own excrement, both for camouflage and to deter predators – plus it puts gardeners off picking them from the plant.

The Signs of Lily Beetles to Look For

Lily beetles feed predominantly on lilies and fritillaries, and these are the only plants on which they lay eggs and complete their life cycle. The pests are known to feed on lily of the valley, Solomon’s seal, nicotiana, hollyhock, and potatoes, but not daylilies, canna lilies, or calla lilies.

Adults and larvae mostly eat the foliage, but will also target stems and developing buds at times.

Lotte Berendsen, an expert from the PlantIn app, explains what to look out for during the season. She says: ‘The adults leave small, circular holes in your lilies’ leaves, while the larvae feed away at the bottom, leaving dry and brown patches.’

‘You may find tiny orange-colored eggs on the bottom of the leaves; they are usually laid in clusters,’ adds Lotte.

In most cases, lilies can cope with the damage, provided action is taken. However, large infestations can defoliate plants, destroy flowers, and ultimately cause the lily to not bloom the following year.

It is advisable to monitor plants in the spring for signs of early damage and the presence of eggs. The key times to be vigilant are in April and May when the beetles emerge, and from May to midsummer, when the adults start laying their eggs on the underside of leaves.

How to Control the Lily Beetle

The best way to control lily beetles is to handpick them from the plants. Scour the leaves (including the underside) and pick them off, dropping them into a container filled with soapy water.

If you place a light cloth or piece of paper under the plant, you’ll be able to spot any adults that drop off and roll over to reveal their darker undersides. Remember, gloves are definitely recommended for handpicking larvae and their unsanitary habits.

An organic, unconventional way to control lily beetles is to spray the plants with sunflower oil. Brandon Runyon, an entomologist with Swat Pest Management, explains how sunflower oil works through suffocation. He says: ‘The oil blocks the spiracles, so the beetle cannot breathe.’

Lotte Berendsen adds that while 100% sunflower oil works best on larvae, it will impact adults, too, just not in the same way.

‘Sunflower oil works best on larvae, as these are soft-bodied and vulnerable,’ she says. ‘It also creates a barrier on the leaves, making it harder for both the larvae and the adult beetles to feed. But adult Lily Beetles have a shell that can protect them.’

Spraying sunflower oil only treats active infestations, rather than being preventative, and only has a temporary effect, so it would need multiple applications. You can get bottles of organic 100% sunflower oil at Walmart.

There are cautions to using sunflower oil to control lily beetles. Primarily, be careful what you spray, as it could also harm beneficial insects if they are caught in the crossfire. But, overall, the oil won’t have long-term impacts on insects in the garden.

Both insecticidal soap (get ready-to-use insecticidal soap at Walmart) and neem oil (get ready-to-use neem oil at Amazon) have been shown to kill larvae. However, these also pose risks to other soft-bodied insects and will need to be reapplied at least once a week.

There are other recommended natural pest control methods. If you grow lilies as part of a wildlife garden and use companion planting to attract birds, beetles, and frogs to your yard, these are all natural predators of the lily beetle larvae and will help to control populations.

For showstopping displays from your lilies year after year, it is advisable to feed them. You should fertilize lilies in spring to give them all the nutrients they need for the summer blooming. The best type of feed to use at this time of year is a balanced fertilizer, such as this 10-10-10 plant food at Walmart.

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If you're curious as to what scent keeps mosquitoes away, the answer, say entomologists, is citronella oil − non-toxic, all-natural, and featuring fresh, uplifting, citrussy notes.

For that reason, it's perfect for use throughout the warmer months. After all, long summer evenings spent outdoors are one of life's simple pleasures, but hosting and relaxing can quickly be ruined by the buzzing of bothersome insects.

Here, pest experts explain why the vibrant aroma is a scent that deters mosquitoes.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Whether you're looking to get rid of mosquitoes in the house naturally, keep mosquitoes away from the front door, or get rid of mosquitoes from your al fresco hosting set up, the answer, say pest experts, is as simple as citronella oil, available at Amazon.

Brandon Runyon, Board Certified Entomologist at Swat Pest Management, explains, 'Citronella is a great way of repelling mosquitoes because it works to cover the lactic acid, CO2, and heat given off by humans. The strong odor of citronella works to overcome the receptors of the mosquito, actively pushing the mosquitoes away from where the people are congregating.'

And, to make it even more effective, you can always plant some mosquito repellent plants around your garden and patio to boost the natural repelling qualities of citronella oil.

How to Use Citronella Oil to Repel Mosquitoes

To use citronella oil, Brandon advises, you can apply it topically, make your own mosquito repellent, or use it in your best essential oil diffuser. My favorite is the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe, which is larger than most and suitable for outdoor spaces. You can also keep mosquitoes away from windows by lightly spritzing them with citronella oil using a spray bottle.

Alternatively, you can also use citronella to repel mosquitoes by burning citronella candles, available at Amazon, or using a Citronella-Scented Torch Fuel, available at Walmart.

And, if you prefer something completely fragrance-free, the Zevo On Body Insect Repellent Aerosol, available at Walmart, is odorless, lightweight, non-greasy, and lasts for up to eight hours.

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a selection of citronella mosquito-repelling essentials for summer, from the best candles to keep them at bay to alternative citronella oil picks and a very unexpected solution that I love for adding a touch of fun and whimsy to your patio space.

Meet the Expert

Does burning coffee grounds get rid of mosquitoes? Our experts reveal everything you need to know.

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Every gardener knows the perils of pest control – especially in the spring. And if you're keen to deter mice from your yard right now, there's one non-toxic trick you need to know about: vinegar. Diluted with water and sprayed on both garden borders and furniture, it carries a scent strong enough to repel rodents.

After months spent tending to your plants and sprucing up your yard, there's nothing that dampens the mood quite like spotting mice or rats – but you don't need to fork out on traps or use harsh chemicals. Often, the best way to keep mice out of your yard is to use natural pest control methods.

It might sound dubious, but vinegar really can help you deter mice from your garden furniture and your plants. Below, a pest control expert explain why – and shares their best tips on how to use this humble pantry staple effectively.

How to Use Vinegar to Deter Mice in Your Yard

Vinegar works in the same way as other common deterrents, such as peppermint (which you'll find in plenty of popular products such as rodent repellent pouches, like these from Walmart, or peppermint oil repellent spray, like this one from Home Depot.)

These are just a few of the many smells that mice and rats hate – which is why they can be used to protect everything from your patio furniture to your raised beds.

Yet it isn't the scent of these deterrents themselves that acts as a repellent; instead, their odor serves to overpower and even neutralize other smells. This is what disorients rodents, making them less likely to seek out the food sources that would otherwise attract them.

'It’s not necessarily the harsh scent that makes vinegar useful,' explains Nicole Carpenter, President at Black Pest Prevention. 'It's actually the acetic acid that neutralizes chemical compounds and removes mice-attracting smells.'

So, while cleaning with vinegar might be a common household hack, this simple ingredient is just as useful outdoors.

If you've noticed mice in your garden, you'll most likely find them in garden beds, which they use for shelter, and compost bins, which they use as a source of food. With this in mind, you can spray vinegar along your garden borders and around compost bins and lids to keep mice away.

'Vinegar is more useful as a cleaning tool than an active mouse repellent,' advises Nicole. 'In the garden, vinegar can help remove mice-attracting odors from patio tables, trash cans, compost bin lids, or even outdoor furniture in vacation homes after long periods of vacancy.'

You can dilute vinegar with water and dispense it using plastic spray bottles (which you can buy from Amazon). Alternatively, you can stock up on specially-formulated vinegar cleaning sprays like this one, also from Amazon.

To create a simple DIY cleaning solution, 'mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water,' says Nicole. 'Apply it only to hard, non-porous surfaces, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe the surface clean.'

While this is a brilliant way to effectively 'seal off' borders and surfaces from rodents, it's crucial not to spray the solution directly onto your plants.

'Never spray vinegar directly on your plants, lawn or soil because vinegar is an acid and can damage vegetation,' confirms Nicole. Vinegar is, in fact, a natural herbicide that kills crops.

It's also important to note that vinegar is a quick fix rather than a long-term solution – primarily because its odor weakens over time.

'Vinegar may be unpleasant to mice for a short time, but outdoors its scent fades in a couple of hours and stops working,' Nicole summarizes. 'This makes it a better cleaning solution rather than a standalone mice repellent.'

With this in mind, you can easily use vinegar solutions to protect garden surfaces, but you will have to reapply them daily for optimal results. It's also worth investing in rodent-proof garden essentials such as a heavy-duty trash can lock, like this one from Amazon, and secure patio storage boxes, like this one from Walmart.

For more natural pest control tips, check out our guide to the best mouse-repellent plants, or take a look at our tips on how to get rid of mice from a garage.

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Birds, for all their many positives, can be a nuisance when they decide to eat newly sown seeds or nibble on seedlings. They are only after an easy, convenient food source, but it is a pain. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to stop birds from eating seeds and seedlings.

As a gardener who has seen seeds disappear and lost brassica seedlings to hungry birds before, I know the frustration. But I have also found simple ways to prevent it from happening again. Planting seeds deeply, covering seeds and seedlings, and using deterrents are proven ways to prevent pigeons, sparrows, blackbirds, finches, and more from targeting your new plants.

As well as knowing how to stop birds from eating grass seed, it always pays to know the best methods for protecting seeds and young plants in flower beds and vegetable gardens. I have my own tried and tested methods, but I also spoke to other experts to see what they recommend.

How to Stop Birds From Eating Seeds and Seedlings

Birds can wreck new seeds and seedlings, especially in a kitchen garden where the likes of peas, beans, and brassicas are always a temptation for them. Fresh seeds are attractive as an easy food source, especially when sitting on the surface, and tender seedlings can be a target as they provide valuable nutrients.

The simplest ways to stop birds from eating seeds are easy to achieve, and here are three expert-approved methods:

1. Always Cover Seeds When Sowing

When you sow seeds outdoors, undoubtedly the easiest way to stop them becoming an easy snack for local birds is to make sure they are covered.

Seeds just scattered onto the surface are an easy win for the birds that will love to target exposed seeds, so don’t play into their hands and make that basic seed-sowing mistake, as you can all too quickly lose all those potential plants.

‘It’s beneficial for gardeners and plants to cover seeds lightly, so they’re not tempting birds,’ says Patricia Schnieder, senior horticulturist at Newfields in Indianapolis, Indiana.

‘Potting soil can be sprinkled over top if something light is needed (sometimes soil is too heavy), otherwise you can rake your seeds in with the back side of a rake or run a garden weasel cultivator over the surface for shallow coverage.’

You can get organic potting mix at Burpee to cover seeds if you want to try this tactic.

For added protection, some larger vegetable seeds can be planted slightly deeper than the recommended rate to protect them from being eaten, including pea, bean, corn, pumpkin, and squash seeds. It is not advisable to sow smaller seeds too deeply, as they won’t germinate when buried.

An alternative is to sow seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings out into the garden once they are larger. This will depend on how much space you have to start vegetable seeds indoors, and even when transplanted, seedlings can still be at risk of birds.

Unless you use method two.

2. Use Physical Barriers

This is one tactic I have religiously done for many years, especially when planting brassicas (after previous disappointments), but really for most of my crops.

Vegetable garden netting is not only an essential way to keep caterpillars away from plants, but it will stop birds from eating seedlings after you transplant your cabbage, kale, or broccoli plants.

‘One of the best things you can do to keep birds away from your seeds is to install netting over the area,’ says David Joles from PURCOR Pest Solutions. ‘With animals like birds or squirrels, physical barriers tend to be the most effective.’

This opinion is echoed by Patricia Schnieder, who admits that birds don’t respond to some triggers that work on other animals, such as using cayenne pepper to deter squirrels or using spices to deter garden pests.

‘Birds don’t respond to deterrents that rely on a trigger response as a repellent because their receptors are designed differently from those of mammals,’ she says. ‘Generally, physical barriers are going to be the most consistent and environmentally friendly option for most home gardeners.’

Fine garden netting allows light, water, and air to reach seedlings but provides a valuable physical barrier preventing unwanted visitors from getting in and nibbling the plants. However, it is important to securely peg down the edges to stop birds from getting in or getting stuck in the barrier.

Garden netting (such as this ultra-fine netting at Amazon) or lightweight row covers are the best materials to put over crops to stop birds from eating seeds or seedlings. The material should be laid over hoops and then secured to the ground. You can use landscape staples like these at Amazon.

3. Install Deterrents

While smell or taste repellents don’t work in deterring birds, what is more impactful is using light, noise, or decoys as a deterrent.

An old-school tactic for vegetable gardens is to hang shiny objects over seeds or seedlings. You can use old CDs, DVDs, mirrors, or aluminum foil to deter pests.

It shouldn’t be treated as an absolute failsafe method, but reflective surfaces catch the light as they do spin in the air, and this scares away birds – at least for a time.

You can get spinning bird deterrents at Amazon to hang around the garden to scare birds away.

Decoys can also be placed around the vegetable garden to deter birds. These include fake predator birds or rubber snakes, such as this two-pack of fake owls at Amazon.

The key aspect with any of these lights or decoys is moving them regularly. Otherwise, the birds learn not to be afraid if they never move.

Maybe one of the easiest ways to stop birds from eating seeds or seedlings is to add more ways to feed birds to your yard. Providing readily available food can prevent them from targeting things you’d rather they didn’t. Maybe the best place to start is this guide on where to place a bird feeder.

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During the warm months of spring and summer, there's nothing better than relaxing and hosting al fresco. But, with wasp numbers reaching their peak in the run-up to late summer, your days and evenings spent outdoors can wind up ruined by buzzing nuisances.

To effectively keep them at bay, the Solar Wasp Trap, available at Amazon, works to attract and trap wasps, with a reusable, durable design that will see you through the whole spring and summer, and for seasons to come.

It's a simple yet effective solution to get rid of wasps, and can be hung and used anywhere you need it.

This Solar Wasp Trap Is An Al-Fresco Hosting Essential

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Keeping wasps away from your porch is one of the trickiest parts of enjoying the warmer weather of spring and summer. But with the Solar Wasp Trap, available at Amazon, it's easier than ever.

Based on the type of insects you want to attract, simply fill the trap with sugar, soda, apple juice, or meat, for example, and hang it outside and away from your living areas. In particular, fermented, sweet scents like ripening fruit will work well to attract wasps, as will soda, beer, pet food, and barbecued meat. Once in place, the four taper holes work to allow wasps in, while the smaller exit makes it difficult for wasps to escape once they're inside.

It works in the dark, too − along with scent, the solar-powered LED light charges during the day and automatically illuminates after dark, to attract insects at night, boosting the trap’s effectiveness and providing continuous protection. It's no surprise, therefore, that one review refers to this Solar Wasp Trap as a 'Backyard Game Changer.'

'Every summer, our picnic table used to get swarmed by wasps and hornets, making it impossible for the kids to play outside,' they write. 'I decided to give this product a shot − and the results blew me away! Setup was a breeze: Just fill the reservoir with sugar water, hang it on a tree branch, and let the solar panel charge automatically. At night, the soft LED glow attracts pests. It caught over a dozen on the first day!

'What really impressed me was the dual-entry design − it seriously boosts trapping efficiency. The materials are super durable too, with stainless steel and weather-resistant plastic that holds up against the sun and rain. Now our backyard is peaceful again, and we can finally enjoy weekend barbecues without worry. Just a quick tip: Wear gloves when emptying the trap.' The Expert Gardener Smooth Nitrile Gardening Gloves, available at Walmart, for example, will work well for this.

Another review highlights that it works effectively both during the day and the night.

'This solar wasp trap is very good for my backyard,' they say. 'I had too many wasps near my patio. I could not relax outside because of them. After I set up this hanging wasp trap, I saw many fewer wasps. Now I can enjoy my yard again!

'The solar-powered LED light is a great feature. It works well both during the day and at night. It attracts wasps easily. The design stops them from escaping. When they are in, they stay inside. I like that it is eco-friendly. It uses natural baits like sugar water or fruit juice. It does not use chemicals. Also, it is weatherproof and strong. It can handle rain and wind well.

'Setting it up was very easy. I just added the bait, hung it up, and let it work. I saw results within a few hours! If you want a good, safe, and reusable wasp trap, this one is a great choice. I highly recommend it for anyone with wasp problems!'

More to Shop

Looking for more effective wasp solutions? I've trawled the very best options, and below, you can shop a selection of highly-rated products.

On your patio and porch spaces, you can also make use of the best wasp repellent plants.

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Ticks are one of those garden pests most of us would rather not think about – but they’re worth paying attention to. These tiny, blood-sucking insects aren’t just unpleasant; they can also pass on harmful diseases to both people and pets. Making your garden less inviting to them is one of the simplest ways to protect your outdoor space.

The good news is that planting choices can make a real difference. Just as with mosquito- or snail-repelling varieties, several tick repellent plants work by targeting one key weakness: their sense of smell. Ticks rely on scent to find hosts, so strong, fragrant flowers and plants can help throw them off and make your garden far less appealing.

If you’re going to start with just one, growing lavender is a brilliant choice. Beyond its calming fragrance and soft purple blooms, it quietly works to make your garden less attractive to pests, including ticks. Its aromatic oils – particularly linalool – are known for their insect-repelling properties, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

Lavender is one of those rare plants that really does it all – looks good, smells incredible, and helps you create a garden that feels more comfortable to spend time in.

How to Use Lavender for Tick Protection

Lavender really comes into its own when you treat it as part of a wider companion planting scheme rather than a standalone feature. It’s lovely on its own, of course, but when you weave it in with other fragrant, oil-rich plants, the effect is much stronger – both visually and practically. Ticks are incredibly sensitive to scent, so a garden filled with aromatic plants naturally feels less inviting to them.

For example, I’ve planted NatureZ Edge English Lavender Seeds in my backyard alongside Petite French Marigold Seeds from Amazon. Both are easy to grow, fragrant, and work beautifully together, creating a vibrant, multi-sensory border that not only looks stunning but also helps deter pests. I'll soon be adding the best-selling Phenomenal™ Lavender Plant from Fast Growing Trees to my flower beds, too.

Where you place it makes a difference, too. Try tucking lavender along paths, edging lawns, or around seating areas – anywhere you’re likely to brush past it and catch that scent as you move through the garden. Ticks tend to linger in damper, shadier corners, so planting lavender in sunnier, more open spots helps create a kind of gentle buffer between those areas and the spaces you actually use.

‘I’ve always thought of lavender as more than just a pretty face in the garden,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘It’s one of those plants that quietly does everything well. There’s the obvious beauty and that unmistakable scent, but it also plays a really practical role in how a garden feels and functions. I often use it to shape spaces – planting it along pathways or near seating so you catch the fragrance as you pass. It creates a soft, sensory layer that makes the garden feel more immersive, but also a bit more considered.

It’s never about relying on one plant to do all the work, but when lavender is used thoughtfully, alongside other aromatic planting and good garden care, it helps tip the balance. You end up with a space that not only looks and smells beautiful, but also feels less appealing to pests like ticks – which, for most of us, is exactly what we’re after.’

Companion Planting for Extra Protection

You can boost lavender’s tick-repelling qualities quite easily by planting it alongside other fragrant, aromatic varieties.

Think rosemary, thyme, sage, or even marigolds – plants that not only pair beautifully with lavender but also bring their own strong scents into the mix. Marigold flowers are also known to help deter squirrels, making them a smart, multi-purpose choice for a pest-repellent garden.

When you layer these together, you’re creating more than just a pretty border. It becomes a kind of soft, multi-sensory barrier that ticks are far less likely to cross. The result feels intentional rather than functional – a garden that looks cohesive, smells wonderful, and quietly works a little harder behind the scenes.

One of the best things about lavender is how easy it is to grow. Give it a sunny spot and well-drained soil – even if the soil isn’t perfect – and it will reward you with months of soft purple blooms and that unmistakable, calming fragrance. It doesn’t ask for much; a simple trim after flowering is usually enough to keep it looking neat and encourage fresh new growth.

Lavender is also incredibly versatile. It works just as well in a relaxed garden edging as it does in a gravel garden or a container on the patio. No matter where you plant it, you get that gentle scent and graceful movement, and it will make your garden a little less appealing to ticks. It’s one of those rare plants that’s beautiful, practical, and almost effortless at the same time.

Shop Lavender Essentials

It’s worth remembering that lavender isn’t a magic solution for ticks, and there may be other things in your yard that attract ticks.

However, it can definitely help reduce their presence, but it works best alongside good garden habits – keeping the grass trimmed, clearing away leaf litter, and letting sunlight reach shady corners. Lavender also prefers sunny, well-drained spots, so avoid heavy, waterlogged soil, and a light trim after it flowers will keep it looking neat and healthy.

Even with those small considerations, lavender is a plant that really earns its place in the garden. It’s vibrant, fragrant, and adds color, scent, and a touch of natural pest protection. When planted in the right places, it’s one of those rare plants that can do little wrong.

As spring gets underway, now is the time to enjoy watching your garden finally burst into bloom. What you might have noticed, however, is a few more pests attempting to dig up and nibble on your seedlings, potentially ruining all that hard work.

Fortunately, there's a quick fix that you might not have considered – primarily because it involves an unusual material. According to garden experts, aluminum foil is the perfect way to deter pests including squirrels, birds and even rats.

It might sound unlikely, but reflective surfaces like foil are often used as a natural pest control method, discouraging unwanted visitors from scampering across your soil and digging it up. So, if you're desperate to protect your seedlings, balls of foil could be a cost-effective approach.

Why Aluminum Foil Works as a Pest Deterrent

Many gardeners use large reflective deterrents (like this one from Amazon) to bounce light around their yard and scare off pests.

Devices like these often rely on both noise and movement as a disorienting tactic; this can be as simple as rattles and spinning reflective discs, though you can also find ultrasonic deterrents (like this one, also from Amazon) which use vibrations as a powerful repellent.

However, experts say that any reflective surface can be helpful in deterring pests – and this includes aluminum foil. While it's unlikely to provide failsafe pest protection, foil can be a great approach if you want to try something simple and budget-friendly.

Aluminum foil might be a less advanced method, but the principle remains: reflective surfaces positioned near seedlings or feeders can prevent pests from approaching.

The recommended strategy is to use string or twine to hang sections of foil around your yard, or suspend scrunched-up foil balls from feeder poles and tree branches.

'Hanging shiny objects such as CDs, sections of foil, or takeout containers means they spin in the wind,' explains Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.

'The flashing of light when the sun hits the surface as it spins can scare away birds and protect plants, berries, or seedlings.'

Another benefit of the foil method is that it won't actually harm pests – it will simply disorient them.

Just like features such as pest-repellent plants, foil is a non-toxic and non-lethal way to deter squirrels, rats and birds, providing a brilliant alternative to chemical solutions and other pesticides.

So, if you happen to have a roll of aluminum foil to hand, you can use it for more than just kitchen tasks. (And if you're looking to stock up, you can find a pack of six rolls for under $25 on Amazon.)

Alternative Methods to Try

While foil is a popular option, any reflective surface can be effective.

'For many years, I have hung old CDs on my vegetable plots to deter birds from going after my crops,' says Drew. 'This tactic is also useful after sowing grass seed to stop pests from eating the seed before it has a chance to germinate.'

You don't have to stick to one material, either. In fact, it's best to experiment with different surfaces and find a variety of ways to position deterrents in your yard.

'It's advisable to mix things up and hang items at different heights and spacings,' says Drew. 'This will create unexpected movement and erratic glare, which helps to deter the birds.'

Shop More Natural Deterrents

Looking for more handy hacks? There are even more ways to use aluminum foil around the house – and when it comes to your garden, you can even use spices to deter common pests.

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Crape myrtles are a common sight in southern landscapes, but they are at risk from an invasive insect in the form of crape myrtle bark scale. There are ways to combat this troublesome pest, but researchers at Auburn University have found a natural method they claim works better than using pesticides.

The team focused on attracting natural predators to deal with the pests. Using orange oil to attract lady beetles, they observed that the beneficial insects significantly reduced the bark scale population within weeks.

This natural treatment for bark scale will appeal to many households that grow crape myrtle who prefer natural to chemical approaches. As this natural oil offers benefits without harming wildlife or the environment, it is understandable why many gardeners will prefer this approach to crape myrtle bark scale over using pesticides.

You can get 100% natural orange oil at Walmart

What Is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?

Crape myrtle bark scale is an invasive pest from Asia that was first detected in the US in Texas in 2004 and quickly spread across the Southeast. Its primary host is the crape myrtle, but it also targets the American beautyberry, and the pest will affect the look of shrubs and be a reason a crape myrtle is not blooming as well as you’d hope.

Infestations of crape myrtle bark scale can be spotted through black sooty mold on twigs, branches, and the tree’s trunk. The insect is rarer on the foliage, but in extreme cases they may be on the underside of leaves.

Aphids, another common pest of crape myrtles, also cause such black sooty mold, but these insects only feed on leaves. Where the pests congregate is a key way to differentiate between aphids and bark scale.

Heavy infestations of crape myrtle bark scale can cause leaves to yellow and drop, branch dieback, and reduced flowering. Adult females are a few millimeters long and covered with a soft, white, felt-like coating, while nymphs are pinker in color. When the insects are crushed, they excrete a pinkish liquid.

The movement of infected nursery plants has contributed to the spread of the pest. When shopping for new plants to add to your beds or grow crape myrtle in pots, examine plants carefully for any signs to avoid introducing the pest to your area.

Homeowners with crape myrtle can take steps to keep plants pest-free. For example, being too heavy-handed when you prune crape myrtle can leave trees more susceptible, as the pests feed and congregate around pruning wounds.

A Natural Treatment for Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

David Held, professor of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, says: ‘Crape myrtles have relatively few pests, but aphids and bark scale are tough ones to shake once you have them.’

The researchers at the university tested biological controls to combat crape myrtle bark scale. Lady beetles are known natural predators that can control it, and the team looked at ways to attract more beneficial lady beetles to help deal with bark scale populations.

They tested scented compounds to discover what attracted the natural predators, and found that orange oil proved the most successful. They tested applying orange oil to infected plants weekly and saw impressive results.

‘We were truly surprised to see this treatment work so well. It worked even better than our systemic insecticides,’ said David. ‘Our students’ work uncovered that these beetles were then able to crush a population of bark scale in just a few weeks, and as a bonus, the orange oil smells great.’

Using natural treatments is preferable to pesticides, which also impact bees, pollinators, and other beneficial insects, as well as the bark scale.

You can use orange oil throughout the season to attract ladybugs to your yard, and also add plants that attract ladybugs for natural pest control, such as nasturtiums, cosmos, dill, and fennel.

Homeowners can get limonene, commonly referred to as orange oil, to use at home. Such as this container of orange oil on Amazon, which you can spray onto shrubs using a spray bottle, like this adjustable plastic spray bottle at Walmart.

How to Control Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

A few small steps can help to keep crape myrtle bark scale at bay. It all starts with planting crepe myrtles in full sun. The shrub wants a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, and studies have shown that crape myrtles in full sun suffer less than those growing in the shade.

Jeremy Pickens, a specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, hails the importance of choosing the right cultivar and planting it in the best spot. ‘Wherever a crape myrtle is planted, full sun is essential. Sun equals flowers,’ he says.

Keeping crape myrtle plants healthy also helps to combat the pest. That includes properly understanding when and how to prune crepe myrtle, so you don’t over-prune and stress the tree.

Fertilizing crape myrtle properly also reduces the risk, as over-fertilizing plants with too much nitrogen encourages tender growth that attracts pests. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer in the spring for a level dose of plant nutrients that encourages healthy growth and strong flowering, such as this natural, all-purpose plant food available at Burpee.

Other Ways to Treat Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

There are other treatments or techniques to control crape myrtle bark scale other than spraying plants with insecticide.

These include scrubbing infected branches with a stiff brush and soapy water to impact populations, or pruning out infested branches and destroying them. Any limbs with small populations should be removed to stop the pest from spreading.

Alternatively, plants can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or a homemade bug spray made from two or three tablespoons of liquid soap mixed with a gallon of water. Horticultural soap (you can get ready-to-use horticultural soap at Walmart) works on soft-bodied insects like aphids and mites, but it also comes with a risk to beneficial insects and natural predators.

If you are trying to attract lady beetles to deal with pests, don’t jeapordize things by spraying horticultural soaps at the same time. It is also likely that several applications are needed to deal with infestations, and may not be enough to control large infestations.

FAQs

Will Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Kill the Tree?

Crape myrtle bark scale does not usually kill a tree, but it does weaken the plant and seriously affect its appearance. The invasive pests suck sap and steal nutrients. This stresses the tree, affects flowering, and leaves it more susceptible to pests and diseases.

While larger infestations may kill individual branches, the rest of the tree can survive. If you see an outbreak of crape myrtle bark scale, prompt treatment is advisable to prevent the issues from spreading and killing branches.

What to Shop:

If you have a thriving shrub and want more, you can propagate a crape myrtle from softwood cuttings during late spring or early summer. Taking plant cuttings is a way to expand your collection on a budget, but it does require a bit of care and patience.

Take 6-8 inch cuttings from new season’s growth, remove all but the top two sets of leaves, and dip the bottom end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting into small pots filled with a light compost and keep it somewhere in bright, indirect light. It may take six weeks for roots to form.

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There's nothing more exciting than heading out in the garden in early spring and seeing fresh growth, signalling your plants are waking from dormancy. But, simply trusting they'll grow happy and strong isn't enough for a successful season. Without careful monitoring, they could get destroyed by aphids.

If you've already dealt with getting rid of aphids before, you know how destructive they can be. In early spring, new aphids hatch and look for soft, fresh growth to devour. Spotting them and removing them as soon as possible is key to not only protecting tender and young plants, but also stopping the aphid population in your yard expanding beyond control.

Luckily, it's simple and quick to check for aphids in early spring and they're relatively straightforward to get rid of if you do find them lurking on your plants. Here, gardening experts advise.

Why Check for Aphids in Early Spring?

You should check for aphids in early spring to save your spring garden, so add it right to the top of your spring gardening checklist.

Aphids lay eggs in fall on winter hosts (primarily woody shrubs and trees). When the temperatures warm up in early spring, they hatch.

This coincides right with the host plant's buds opening, so aphids are in the optimal spot to start feeding on them.

'The plant bud is actually the most nutritious part of the plant because it contains a high concentration of sugars and other essential plant nutrients needed for growth,' says garden pest expert, Nicole Carpenter.

'Aphids use so much energy reproducing and these are exactly what they need. Buds are also softer than any other plant parts, making them easy for aphids to pierce,' she explains.

Not checking for aphids and letting them take over risks your shrubs and trees being devoured. With no buds, there won't be much growth this season, and it will severely weaken the plant's health.

But it isn't just your trees and shrubs that are at risk. You need to check for aphids in early spring so that you stop their rapid reproduction.

As the season continues and tree and shrub growth hardens, aphids turn their attention to soft new growth on kitchen garden crops and ornamental garden plants.

'Aphids steal sugars and amino acids meant for the plant growth for their own growth. It can weaken young shoots and developing buds, but healthy, established plants usually quickly recover,' Nicole explains.

'If aphids are present in large numbers, or if aphids are infected with plant viruses, it can lead to plant death,' she warns.

So, failing to check for aphids in early spring really can lead to your entire garden coming under attack.

How to Check for Aphids in Early Spring

When checking for aphids in early spring, you're looking for pear-shaped green or black insects.

'Aphids cluster on the underside of young leaves, leaving sticky honeydew and sometimes causing curling or distortion,' says Siobhan Shaw, gardening expert and founder of Growing to Give.

You should likewise regularly check new shoots and flower buds, as these spring garden pests target a wide range of plants.

As Siobhan notes, a symptom of aphid damage is distorted leaves and you may also spot the sticky residue they leave behind.

If there's a large presence of ants on and around plants, this can also suggest there may be aphids. This is because these insects have a symbiotic relationship where ants 'farm' aphids for their honeydew and in return herd and protect them from predators, like ladybugs.

While not found on fresh growth, you should also be aware of root aphids in early spring. They can be harder to spot as they feed on roots rather than leaves. Symptoms of root aphid damage include stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing leaves.

What to Do if You Spot Them

If you do find aphids on new growth in early spring, it's key to act fast to get rid of them.

'A strong spray of water and pruning heavily infested leaves (with these sharp Fiskars pruning shears on Amazon) keeps them under control,' Siobhan suggests.

'Right after blasting them with your garden hose, spray insecticidal soap (which you can purchase from Amazon) on the plant, fully coating the buds, stems, and undersides of leaves,' Nicole adds.

'You need to repeat this treatment three times total, taking a break of three days between them, to be sure the aphids are gone,' she advises.

You can also look into what eats aphids. More specifically, you can employ the help of ladybugs who prey on aphids and help manage the population naturally.

You can actually purchase ladybugs on Amazon for this purpose, or use methods to attract ladybugs to your yard.

'Neem oil for plants also helps get rid of aphids, and it's organic and safe for plants,' Siobhan adds.

You can find neem oil for plants at Walmart.

FAQs

Can You Squish Aphids?

Removing aphids by hand and squishing them is one of the most straightforward ways to get rid of them, especially if there are only a couple. Take care to wear gloves (you might find gardening gloves like these from Walmart preferable) to protect your skin.

Shop Natural Pest Control

Not only should you check for aphids in early spring in the yard, you should also look for aphids on houseplants and take steps to get rid of them before they wipe out your indoor garden.

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The joys of being a devoted houseplant parent mean checking underneath leaves regularly for any lurking pests. Spring in particular is when many of them become active, so I'm on the hunt for organic solutions to get rid of them before they destroy my indoor garden – like neem oil spray.

You may have already heard of using neem oil on plants in the garden. It's a natural product that can get rid of aphids, scale insects, Japanese beetles, and common houseplant pests. More specifically, products like this Amazon houseplant neem oil spray can be applied to indoor plants under the attack of thrips, spider mites, fungus gnats, and more.

This Amazon houseplant neem oil spray is a top choice with a 4.5-star rating, and is part of Amazon's Spring Sale. Shoppers who have tried it out say, 'This neem oil spray works extremely well for fungus gnat control. It has great smell.' The biggest reassurance for me is knowing this is an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides and won't harm my houseplants' health.

The Benefits of Using Neem Oil on Houseplants

Neem oil is a natural pest control solution that gets rid of pests very quickly.

You can spray it on houseplant foliage when you spot destructive critters like thrips, spider mites, aphids, gnats, and more, and it will kill them.

In fact, you can even use it as a precaution because its scent acts as a repellent, safeguarding your houseplants before pests even arrive.

The added bonus is that it leaves your plants looking luscious, especially those with showy foliage like monsteras. Just like leaf shine (like this from Walmart), neem oil helps clean houseplant foliage and gives it a glossy finish.

Having said that, you do need to be careful not to overapply neem oil and only use it when necessary. It can cause a build-up that suffocates plants, blocks pores, and makes them sensitive to direct sun, sometimes resulting in leaf scorch.

Top tip: for a more gentle application, spray neem oil onto a microfiber cloth (like these from Walmart) and wipe foliage carefully.

What Shoppers Say

It can feel daunting to spray products on houseplants, but shoppers who have used this Amazon houseplant neem oil spray say they felt safe using it on their indoor garden.

'A must for houseplants, works great and smells really good! It's a pest control spray that also works as leaf shine,' one five-star reviewer writes.

It's clear from the reviews that this neem oil gets to work quickly.

'Within five minutes of spraying the plants, the gnats were dead,' one person describes.

'It’s very effective at making my plants look nice and shiny, and I don’t seem to have any pest issues. Definitely works on spider mites. I’d purchase it again!' another shopper shares.

Customers also put my concerns for an unpleasant scent to rest, as they describe: 'You won't even know it has neem oil, it smells just like clove.'

This is likely thanks to the fact this Amazon houseplant neem oil has eight additional essential oils. This includes tea tree, clove, sage, thyme, cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, garlic, and capsicum – many of which are scents that repel pests, strengthening its pest control qualities.

Something else to note about this particular neem oil product is the fact it comes in a spray bottle.

'It sprays a very fine mist so all you have to do is mist the leaves front and back and leave it. No need to wipe if the leaves are smaller,' one shopper describes.

You can also purchase non-spray concentrated neem oil products (like this one on Amazon) to mix into a homemade bug spray solution. But, there's no doubt that it's more convenient to use this pre-mixed, ready-to-spray product.

Of course, one of the best parts about the Amazon houseplant neem oil spray is the fact it's organic.

'I especially love that it’s made with natural ingredients and free of harsh chemicals. Excellent quality and truly essential for anyone with houseplants,' one satisfied shopper writes.

Perhaps the only downside to note is that neem oil can be irritating on the skin:

'I would recommend wearing gloves when spraying it, because it left a tingly sensation on my skin that came in contact with the solution. I washed my hands right away and that went away,' a reviewer advises.

It's true some people experience minor irritation with neem oil, but this is easily avoidable with careful use and protective wear, like these rubber gloves at Walmart.

For just $19.95 (currently $16.96 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale), this neem oil spray seems more than worth it – especially if it means I'm saving hundreds on replacing pest-ridden houseplants.

FAQs

Does Neem Oil Harm Pollinators?

When used correctly, neem oil is considered to have low-toxicity to beneficial insects and pollinators. However, there are some environmental concerns around using it incorrectly. For example, you shouldn't directly spray it on flowers because it heightens the risk of pollinators becoming coated in it. Likewise, it's best to dilute it. In a houseplant capacity, however, it is contained indoors where it can't harm pollinators and helps get rid of pests efficiently.

Shop More Non-Toxic Ideas

If being an organic gardener is something you want to prioritize this year, check out our guide to eco-friendly garden ideas for more inspiration.

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If you've ever run into a problem with carpenter bees, you know just how destructive they can be. They drill holes in wooden structures, weakening them and making them unsightly. But, you don't have to turn to harmful pesticides – a carpenter bee trap offers a much more humane, chemical-free way to contain and remove them.

I'm always pro natural pest control solutions which is why I think these traps are a kinder way to get rid of carpenter bees. Take the Best Bee Brothers carpenter bee trap on Amazon, for example. It's a wooden box that resembles a nesting site. When the carpenter bees enter, they're led to a clear vessel flooded with daylight which they'll continue to fly towards, keeping them contained.

It's most efficient if you place a carpenter bee trap near vulnerable wooden structures. On the current deal of two traps for $46.74 in the Amazon Spring Sale, you can maximize trapping opportunities by placing them in different spots, keeping your pergolas, fences, and decks safe. Customers who have already bought them express 'these carpenter bee traps really work' capturing destructive bees as soon as the first day of being installed. So if you're tired of your wooden structures being damaged, carpenter bee traps offer an eco-friendly, quick, and easy solution.

Do Carpenter Bee Traps Really Work?

If you haven't come across one before, you may feel a little skeptical about carpenter bee traps, but they've become an essential for dealing with these destructive insects.

Carpenter bees are attracted to the traps because they look for softwood to drill into and nest in. The fact the traps have an entry hole already make it easy for them to enter.

What I find clever about the Best Bee Brothers trap is the fact the wooden box is lined with plastic and the entry holes are drilled at an angle, so you can be sure the bees won't escape.

Plus, the aeration of the design releases pheromones from trapped dead bees, luring other carpenter bees in. You can even get bee bait (like this from Amazon) to put inside for the same effect.

Once inside, the carpenter bees will continuously try to fly towards the daylight of the clear vessel, keeping them contained.

The entry holes are drilled at an upward angle, making it even trickier for the bees to back through and escape.

What Shoppers Say

The Best Bee Brothers carpenter bee trap has a 4.1-star rating with reviews expressing just how efficiently it works.

'These traps work so well. We put a dead bee in the trap and had 8-10 bees by the next afternoon. No poison needed. Easy disposal,' one five-star reviewer writes.

'One bee goes in and cannot get out, and after a while there are a bunch of dead bees in the trap,' another describes.

The lid of the trap can be removed to place bait inside, like the person above describes. Once you need to empty the trap, you can use the spring-loaded release to do it sanitarily and with ease.

As for installation, customers have had no trouble putting these traps in place.

'The cages were easy to use and put up, and they're very well-made. Instructions were easy to follow and they're priced well,' one shopper writes.

'The design and appearance make it nice addition to the back porch and they are barely noticeable,' they add.

Of course, the carpenter bee traps are made of wood to recreate a natural nesting site. This makes them quite attractive and easy to subtly slot into the garden without being an eyesore.

One five-star reviewer offers the tip to take an additional step for extra success: '[I filled] existing holes in my fence posts with spray foam and between the two, I see no more bees boring holes.

'This is not my first purchase of these carpenter bee traps and I knew they worked. Simple design, but effective,' they add.

In fact, for many of the shoppers, these traps have encouraged welcomed bee activity:

'They still stop by for the flowers, which I'm happy about,' one person shares.

There's only one downside I can find about the Best Bee Brothers carpenter bee traps: 'You need many to cover around a house or deck, and they are pretty expensive,' one customer writes.

This means they may not be the most affordable solution if you have a large yard with extensive carpenter bee activity, though purchasing once means you'll save possibly thousands of dollars of damage to large wooden structures.

Plus, the current Amazon deal of two for $46.74 makes each trap quite affordable, especially considering they're well-made and durable.

In any case, if you have a carpenter bee infestation, it might be best to call for professional pest control help to solve the issue. You can then consider installing a bee trap as a preventative measure for the future.

Shop Non-Toxic Pest Control

There are other ways you can deter carpenter bees from you yard without using harmful chemicals and pesticides. For example, you can try using natural repellents for carpenter bees.

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Gophers are a huge problem for gardeners in much of the US, destroying plants from Minnesota (nicknamed the 'Gopher State') to California, and even Florida. Any yard where the soil conditions suit their tunnelling tastes or is brimming with food sources is likely to attract these destructive creatures.

In fact, there are several mistakes attracting gophers to your yard you may be unknowingly making. From leaving entry points open, to not protecting your most vulnerable plants, and even overwatering your yard, there are numerous things that make a garden more appealing to them. Identifying these problem points is the first step to getting rid of gophers.

To help you out, I take a closer look at the top five reasons you might be under attack from these hungry critters, so you can stop gophers eating your prized plants and keep their numbers down using natural pest control methods – including using these peppermint oil rodent repellents on Amazon.

1. You’re Giving Gophers Free Entry to Your Backyard

In states like Nebraska, Kansas and Texas, gophers appreciate the flat, open terrain that makes burrowing and foraging easy. And they make no distinction between open country and private backyard.

So, if your yard is open, they’ll come right in and dig their tunnel networks. These are where they hunker down for shelter and protection, and where they stash often huge hoards of food.

For this reason, one of the best things you can do is install barriers under the ground (gophers can burrow 3ft deep). You could also install deep garden fencing, blocking gophers from getting in.

Important, too, is the material and mesh size of your chosen barrier. The most durable barriers are made of stainless steel (like this wire mesh from Amazon), while a mesh size of 3/4" will keep even young gophers out and allow plant roots, worms and water to move freely.

2. You’re Leaving Plants Unprotected

If you suspect gophers are to blame for failing plants, the tell-tale signs will be there in the form of piles of loose soil at the entrances to their tunnels.

But, you’re not necessarily nothing wrong, says Nicole Carpenter, President at Black Pest Prevention: ‘Gophers may want to explore any yard, even if there's nothing super attractive – that's because almost any yard has grass roots, plant roots, and areas with soft soil that they love.’

Because gophers are underground dwellers, preventative measures such as surface repellents or noise stakes won’t help.

However, what can work, says Nicole, are underground barriers: ‘You can either install gopher wire baskets (like these from Walmart) around specific plants you want to protect or put in gopher wire around garden beds or lawn — the key is to bury it 22-24" deep.’

Of course baskets are much simpler to install around new plants, but there’s no reason why you can’t dig up existing plants and kit them out with gopher-proof baskets before replanting.

To avoid shocking your plants, make sure you dig them out with plenty of soil around the root ball, ideally during late autumn or winter in their season of dormancy.

The fibrous root system will eventually make its way outside of the basket, but the main roots of your plants will remain protected inside.

Shop for gopher baskets at Amazon – they come in a huge range of sizes, starting at 1 gallon.

3. You’re Growing Gophers’ Favourite Snacks

Gophers love all kinds of different plants, from grass roots to bulb and flowers, but some of their go-to meals include tubers and root vegetables, as both are energy dense and easily available – they don’t even have to come out from underground.

So, if you’re planning a kitchen garden, do factor in gopher protection to keep all your hard-won harvests from ending up in a gopher larder underground.

Laying gopher wire below any new veg beds 2-3ft deep should stop these furry fiends gaining entry from below, while a firmly secured protective cage above ground will keep them from nibbling at anything else.

'To protect raised garden beds from gophers, you can use gopher wire or hardware cloth, but install it horizontally under the bed to make it work as a protective floor,' says Nicole.

'It's crucial to bend the wire up along the inside edges of the bed by about 2-4". This creates a small lip that blocks gophers from squeezing in through the corners where the bottom meets the sides. Don't use plastic garden mesh or chicken wire because gophers can chew through it,' she adds.

Shop for gopher wire at Ace Hardware.

4. You’re Overwatering Your Backyard

As well as appreciating a reliable source of easy-access and nutritious food, gophers love to burrow and are attracted to backyards that have plenty of soft, easy-to-dig soil. It’s not that they like wet soil in particular, but loose, damp soil often makes it easier to tunnel through.

‘Mulched garden beds and raised beds are perfect spots for gophers because they mean moist and soft soil that's easy to dig in,’ says Nicole.

‘In areas with gopher activity, it's crucial to avoid overwatering as overwatered garden beds and lawns with constant irrigation are major attractants,' she explains.

Of course plants need water, but perhaps you could afford to cut back on lawn irrigation. Grass is a tough plant and the majority of lawns will easily survive a dry spell and spring back into life after the next spell of rain.

If you're putting in a lawn, consider a drought-tolerant grass species to help combat any gopher issues. When it comes to beds and borders, choose drought-resistant planting here too and look for ways to reduce watering, including directing water right at the base of your plants, during their first growing season only, in order to get those roots deeply established where they can then find their own water source.

You can also use an irrigation system on a timer (like this kit from Amazon) to prevent excessive watering.

Mulching your backyard can also encourage gophers for the same reasons. If you’re relying heavily on mulch to retain the moisture in your soil, then you’re contributing to that easy-dig earth that gophers love.

Again, try direct, targeted watering instead and cut back on the mulching.

5. You’re Growing the Wrong Ornamental Plants

If you’d rather tackle the problem of gophers in your yard by adjusting your planting, then there’s plenty that can be learned.

Although on the whole gophers don’t seem to be particularly choosy when it comes to plant material, it does seem that there are some species that they rarely, or never, touch.

The first of these is euphorbias, a large group of plants that contain toxic milky white sap. These include varieties such as Euphorbia characias (hardiness zones 6-10), with its vibrant lime-green spring flowers and handsome grey-green foliage – you can purchase Euphorbia characias starter plants on Amazon.

Then there are the cactus-like euphorbias such as crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii – hardiness zones 9-11) and candelabra cactus (Euphorbia ingens – zones 10-11), which are happiest in dry, desert-like conditions.

Lavender (US hardiness zones 5-9) and rosemary (zones 8-11) are also plants that gophers take little or no interest in, while members of the garlic family such as Tulbaghia violacea (society garlic) and pelargoniums seem to survive where gophers are active.

Shop rosemary at Perfect Plants Nursery and lavender starter plants at Walmart.

FAQs

Can You Use Peppermint Spray to Deter Gophers?

Yes, peppermint spray (like this from Amazon) can be used around the yard, vulnerable plants, and entry points to discourage gopher presence in your garden. You can also apply it directly to any tunnels you find.

Now you know the mistakes attracting gophers to your yard, you can turn your attention to preventative measures. Combining a range of the solutions above will provide stronger protection. Many of the ideas in our guide to keeping rats away from the yard will also work for gophers.

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Shop Pest Control Solutions

There’s nothing mysterious about why squirrels are attracted to some yards more than others. With strong foraging and hoarding instincts, these furry creatures are usually on the hunt for food, and our gardens are often seen as a well-stocked and convenient pantry. But it might also be because you're making one or more of these six mistakes.

Knowing how to get rid of squirrels and how to get rid of ground squirrels humanely is key to protecting your crops, flowers and property from damage. Prevention is highly effective so it pays to know more about the habits of these agile, furry visitors so you can identify the what is capturing their attention, and make them less attractive.

From top dressing and disguising tasty flower bulbs to opting for smart bird feeders (like this squirrel-proof bird feeder on Amazon), there are plenty of nifty ways to persuade squirrels to leave your yard and go elsewhere. But first, you need to identify the problem area – here are six mistakes attracting squirrels to your yard.

1. Leaving Fallen Fruit on the Ground

It’s simple but often overlooked – ripe windfalls that litter the ground beneath your fruit trees are an easy-win for ever-hungry squirrels.

‘Fallen fruit is one that nobody thinks about,’ explains garden expert Gerardo Loayza, CEO and Founder of Bacqyard.

‘Everybody worries about bird feeders, but that rotting apple under your tree is squirrel bait that needs to be cleaned up.’

Make clearing up fallen apples, pears and other orchard fruit a cinch with these straight edged Leaf Scoops from Amazon and be sure to add them to a covered or in-ground composter, such as this from Walmart, to break down and enrich the soil, well away from furry friends.

2. Not Protecting Your Bird Feeder

It’s good to feed birds into the yard, but laying out a feast of seed, nuts and cracked corn 24/7 is an open invite to nearby squirrels.

With a voracious appetite and strong hoarding instincts they will happily empty any feeders or bird tables, stashing their gains in the flower borders, lawn or wherever is convenient.

Solve the issue by rationing offerings, refilling feeders little and often, or alternatively invest in specially designed feeders that exclude our furry friends.

Using baffles to deter squirrels in your garden is one very effective idea and we particularly like this Squirrel Buster feeder from Amazon with it’s clever weight activated shroud.

Placing bird food within easy of reach of your yard’s perimeter is another mistake that's easy to remedy.

‘If your bird feeder or container is within 8-10 ft of a fence or a tree branch, any squirrel is making that jump,’ says Gerardo.

Remove problem branches easily using geared, heavy duty loppers such as these from Walmart.

Our guide to keeping squirrels away from bird feeders has more advice.

3. Leaving Flowering Bulbs Exposed

Ever spent time diligently planting flower bulbs, with visions of springtime color, only to return the next day to find them dug up and gone? Well, sadly it’s all to common unless you take precautionary steps.

‘Bare soil after planting bulbs is basically a scent trail,’ says Gerardo.

‘You can lay chicken wire (like this from Amazon) flat over newly planted bulbs and cover with mulch to disguise it. The plants will push right through just fine in the spring,' he adds.

If you don’t fancy the idea of laying wire in the garden, then there are natural ways to protect bulbs. Horticulturalist Peggy Anne Montgomery suggests these alternatives.

‘Often, rodents are attracted to newly planted bulbs because they can smell them. Mask these scents through strategic planting or repellents.'

She continues, ‘try mixing bulbs favored with those distasteful to rodents. Pairing tulips and crocus – two grazer favorites – with daffodils, fritillaria, or hyacinths, that rodents are more likely to avoid can deter hungry critters from munching the bulbs and the blossoms in the spring.’

Spraying emerging bulbs with rodent and deer repellents also works well.

Peggy Anne continues, ‘Many all-natural repellents are available at garden centers and retailers that effectively keep small mammals away. Typically, they have an unpleasant smell to the rodents, deterring them from snacking.'

Try the Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent from Walmart.

4. Not Protecting Fruit Trees

Leaving ripening fruits such as apples, pears and juicy berries in situ and uncovered is a irresistible temptation for squirrels, as garden expert Lars Nyman, founder of vegetable growing platform Taim.io, explains.

'Squirrels are notorious for raiding fruit trees and devouring the harvest. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate ripe fruits, and they may nibble on both the fruit itself and the tree's buds, flowers and young shoots,' says Lars.

'By providing alternative food sources in your yard, you can keep squirrels away from fruit trees. Set up feeding stations with squirrel-friendly treats to divert their attention,' he adds.

There's a wide election of fun squirrel feeders, including designs that accommodate a variety of food (from Walmart) and even a squirrel feeder with an inbuilt Solar powered HD video camera (from Walmart).

5. Creating Appealing Nest Sites

Although some squirrels construct dreys from twigs, leaves and grass in the forks of trees to raise their young, others find openings in hollow trees, walls and a roof overhang irresistible.

Dark, sheltered and private, these cavity nests can quickly become a nuisance, harboring ticks and fleas, and if they happen to be near electrical cables, squirrels may gnaw on them.

The simple solution is to remove these nesting opportunities, but only after making sure that they are not in use and no young are present. If in doubt, consult pest control experts for the best course of action.

Holes in roof overhangs or soffits can be repaired or blocked using strong wire mesh such as fully welded stainless steel panels with 6mm holes from Amazon.

Our guide to getting rid of squirrels in the attic has more information.

6. Leaving Young Trees Exposed

There’s little more appetising to a squirrel than a fresh young sapling – or their bark, to be specific.

Leave the trunks or mainstems of these tender youngsters unprotected and long-term damage can be inflicted in minutes, especially during winter and early spring when other food is scarce.

Squirrels are adept at stripping off the outer layer of bark, with their teeth, to access the tasty and nutritious cambium layer underneath.

Protective, physical barriers, such as plastic and metal collars and tree guards, such as these from Amazon, are effective, but it is important to make sure that they are tall enough – out of jumping from ground height – and held firmly in place.

A further note from Gerardo is that, ‘people wrap trunks but forget the low branches. Squirrels strip bark from branches just as much.'

While spiral protectors can work, a natural squirrel spray repellent – such as this one from Amazon – can be easier to apply.

FAQs

Do Squirrels Eat Flowers?

Yes, squirrels do often eat flowers, including buds and bulbs. They target tender, sweet, and soft plant material, and can destroy entire flowerheads and bulbs. That's why it's important to put some precautions in place to protect your spring and summer garden display.

If none of these mistakes attracting squirrels to your yard apply to what's happening in your garden, take a closer look at your borders and the plants never to grow if you don't want to attract squirrels. It's also worth knowing how to keep squirrels out of the garden with this one common flower.

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Squirrel-Proofing Essentials

Bird feeders might be the key to encouraging native birds to visit your garden, but they can also attract other visitors, including rats.

In fact, if you've happened to notice any unwanted guests in your garden, it might be down to one thing: leftover bird feed. This can be particularly enticing to plenty of creatures, but when the night draws in, rats can come in search of food – and bird feeders are often their first target.

According to experts, learning how to feed birds is about more than plants and feeders: it also requires a few more considerations to help deter pests. These handy tips will not only keep birds happy, but also preserve the harmony in your garden.

Why Bird Feeders Attract Rats

There are plenty of reasons why you might find rats in your garden, but your bird feeder may well be the culprit.

If you've ever watched birds visit a bird feeder, you'll know that they aren't exactly the tidiest guests. Seeds will spill onto the ground in no time, and this is exactly what rats come searching for under the cover of nightfall.

'While birds feed during daylight hours, rats are primarily nocturnal, so they come out at night to take advantage of the leftover seed and husks scattered below bird feeders,' explains Kyle Turner, Pest Control Specialist and President & CEO at Pro Active Pest Control. 'Once rats discover a consistent food supply, they tend to return repeatedly and may even establish nests nearby.'

With this in mind, here are six ways to stop your bird feeder from attracting rats.

1. Feed Birds Earlier in the Day

While rats will visit your garden at nightfall, most garden birds will do the opposite – so it's best to take advantage of this and fill your bird feeders in the morning.

'One of the easiest things you can do is to manage when and how birds are fed,' says Sean Hearn, licensed Pest Control Operator, Associate Certified Entomologist, and Chief of Revenue at All "U" Need Pest Control. 'Putting out seed earlier in the day will really help to remove the food source rats look for at night.'

2. Clear Up Leftover Feed Before Dusk

Since spillages and excess feed is what attracts rats, it's crucial to clear up your bird feeder at the end of each day.

'Avoid leaving excess feed out overnight,' advises Kyle. 'Clearing up spilled seed around dusk removes the prospect of that easy night-time meal.'

If you're particularly apprehensive about pests, you can even bring your bird feeders inside in the evening and refill them each morning. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that your garden doesn't become a hotspot for rats.

3. Invest in Seed-Catching Trays

'I suggest feeders with catch trays or seed-saving designs, which help prevent large amounts of food from spilling onto the ground,' says Kyle.

Hanging trays, like this one from Walmart, are a budget-friendly way to protect your bird feeders: they're specifically designed to contain seeds and keep your garden as tidy (and pest-free) as possible.

'If you're looking at which feeder to select, make sure you're matching the seed size to the openings on the feeder,' advises Ralph Masferrer, Director of Technical and Training at Aruza Pest Control. 'If the holes on your feeder are too big, smaller seeds will still fall out, creating further waste and spillages.'

Mesh seed catchers, like this one from Walmart, can also limit waste by fitting onto the base of your bird feeder.

4. Pay Attention to the Position of Your Feeders

According to experts, considering where to place a bird feeder is just as important as the feeder itself. Since rats are accustomed to moving around stealthily, choosing an exposed spot can help to deter them.

'Positioning feeders away from walls, dense shrubs, or structures can discourage rats because they prefer to move under cover,' explains Kyle.

Rats are also keen climbers, so securing your feeders to poles or other elevated spots is a wise decision.

'Mounting feeders on a smooth metal pole with a baffle or guard makes it hard for rats to climb,' says Ralph. (You can pick up adjustable bird feeder stands from Amazon for as little as $30.)

5. Secure Your Storage

Another crucial consideration? Storage. While feeders and bird tables can act as rodent hotspots, rats will also attempt to find food at the source: your feed containers.

'Bird seed should always be kept in sealed, chew-resistant containers so rats can’t access it,' says Sean. 'It's also preferable to keep containers off the ground to make them that much more difficult for rats to find.'

'I recommend storing bird seed in metal bins with tight-fitting lids, because rodents can easily chew through plastic bags or thin containers,' adds Kyle. (Consider metal barrels or bins with locking lids, like this one from Walmart.)

6. Add Natural Deterrents to Your Garden

It's easy to forget, but plants can act as natural (and non-toxic) deterrents to rats – while adding plenty of joy to your garden, of course.

'Some homeowners plant natural deterrents, such as strongly-scented herbs like mint, around their gardens,' explains Kyle. 'These can help to make the area less appealing to rodents.'

What to Shop

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There's no feeling quite so disappointing as spending time and effort carefully planting bulbs only to find they never come up because gophers, squirrels, and other rodents have got to them. Well, I'm avoiding the heartache this year by using wire planting baskets to get my bulbs in the ground safely and with ease.

It's one of those inventions I didn't know I needed for planting bulbs until I stumbled across it. Take a look at these Amazon wire planting baskets – their design is simple and their benefits expansive. It's essentially a steel mesh basket that you can pop your bulbs into and plant. It then acts as a guard from destructive pests and also makes lifting bulbs at the end of the season easier.

These Amazon wire bulb planting baskets have a 4.4-star rating and customers say they 'absolutely do what they're intended to do' protecting from a wide range of pests, plus they're 'very sturdy and easy to use.' Thanks to these, I can finally can get my spring planting done without the uncertainty of whether they'll make it to blooming.

Why Use Wire Planting Baskets?

If you have a problem with gophers, moles, and squirrels digging up bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, and plant roots in your yard, a wire planting basket might just be the thing that saves your spring garden.

It acts as a physical barrier that stops these pests that dig and burrow getting the to the plants. At the same time, the wire structure doesn't restrict root growth and is flexible, so the plants can grow healthily.

A big bonus is if you have bulbs or tubers that need lifting, for example like overwintering dahlias, the basket is easy to pull up, reducing the risk of damage to the plants.

Why Shoppers Love These Baskets

On paper these wire planting baskets make sense, but I do wonder how effective they are in practice. Well, the reviews reveal just how good they've been at keeping plants of all kinds safe from destructive pests.

'These baskets are a game-changer for anyone dealing with gophers, moles, or voles in their garden,' one five-star reviewer writes.

'We have a 'herd' of gophers. They killed protea plants and roses before we discovered these gopher guards. Now we use these for any new plant [and] have not lost any plants to gophers [since],' another adds.

'Voles keep killing my plants, chewing them off at the roots, this protects the new ones going in,' another describes. 'This is the insurance for all my new plants,' they add.

In terms of how to use them, it appears these Amazon wire planting baskets are pretty straightforward:

'I found that filling the bottom of the basket with soil first, before putting it into the hole, helped the basket to keep its shape better. It made it easier to then place my plant and finish filling the basket,' one reviewer describes.

'Much easier than lining the entire garden with chicken wire to keep the pesky gophers from destroying all the hard work,' another shopper writes.

'The included gloves are a thoughtful addition, making it easy to handle the baskets without any hassle. The instructions were clear, and I had no trouble setting them up around my plants,' someone else adds.

One of the best parts of this deal is that you get 30 baskets to work with, in a mix four different sizes, so they really are versatile for a wide range of plants, including trees.

Even better, the current sale ($30.59, down from $33.99) works out at around $10 per basket – an absolute steal for tools that will protect plants all growing season and beyond.

'I’ve used them for everything from small flowers to larger shrubs, and they work brilliantly for all,' a happy customer writes.

As for durability, these wire planting baskets are made of stainless steel, making them rust-resistant and corrosion-proof. A strong guard against the most determined pests and staying in good condition when planted.

It's hard to find a downside to these when they work so effectively and are affordable.

Perhaps the only word of caution is the fact that more robust, woody plants (like trees and shrubs) may eventually experience 'root girdling' where roots grow into the wire and struggle to take up water and nutrients, causing stress to the plant.

But, this is easily avoidable by considering carefully which plants you use them for and finding more suitable natural pest control methods for others.

The best way to deal with pests in the yard is by using multiple methods. Our guides to getting rid of voles and getting rid of moles has more information.

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More Humane Pest Control Ideas

As the weather cools down, mice start looking for warm places to settle in. Unfortunately, our homes are the perfect hideaway.

It's no wonder that so many of us turn to quick fixes such as dryer sheet scent deterrents to try and keep them at bay, but unfortunately no, dryer sheets do not help to keep mice away.

If you’re dealing with these unwanted visitors in your home, you’ll need a deterrent such as peppermint that’s actually proven to send them packing. It’s simple, natural pest control that is far more reliable than any laundry-room hack, say pest pros.

Why Dryer Sheets Don't Repel Mice

There are several uses for dryer sheets around the home, such as using them to clean shower doors and as part of a hidden fragrance hack for living rooms. However, despite their pleasant scents, they are far from the ideal deterrent for mice.

While strong odors can help prevent mice from getting into your house by making your home uncomfortable for their sensitive sense of smell, dryer sheets do not last long enough, nor do they all have the same potency, making it a hit-or-miss trick at best.

As a non-toxic pest essential, it may work for a day or so, but these sheets will need constant replacement, and mice can quickly adapt to the smell.

What To Use Instead

If you want to create a real barrier against mice and stop creating unnecessary trash at home, the trick is to use peppermint to prevent mice instead.

Daniel Baldwin, board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control, explains that, 'The bold, minty aroma of peppermint oil can be surprisingly off-putting to them. It’s not a magic fix, but it can help make your home less inviting. Think of peppermint oil [from Walmart] as a polite but firm “no vacancy” sign: It won’t stop determined visitors, but it might encourage them to look elsewhere.

'To use it, soak cotton balls [also from Walmart] in 100% pure peppermint oil and tuck them into corners where you’ve noticed mouse activity, under sinks, behind appliances, near entry points. Refresh the scent every few days to keep it potent.'

It helps that, in winter, fresh mint is also an easy way to make your home smell nice for Christmas, killing two birds with one stone. According to one fragrance pro, peppermint is one of the best ways to erase cooking odors at Christmas, too.

For a more convenient option, you can find 100% natural peppermint plug-in air fresheners from Scent Fill at Amazon. Several verified shoppers mention in their reviews that the scent was enough to get rid of mice from a garage, making sealing up gaps more effective.

'For best results, pair this method with sealing up cracks and gaps,' Daniel continues. 'Just a gentle note: Pure essential oils are powerful stuff. When handling them, avoid direct contact with your skin and eyes, and keep the bottle capped when not in use. A little goes a long way, especially when you’re working with scents that mice find overwhelming, and humans might find memorable.'

It is also important to know when to call a professional pest control in. If you spot signs of mice in your home, contact an exterminator such as Orkin Pest Control, who offer free exterminator estimates.

What to Shop

Meet the Expert

Mice aren't the only indoor pest you need to worry about in winter. Other winter pest infestations, such as silverfish and spiders, are also a concern as the temperature drops and homes become prone to damp.

With colder, wetter weather conditions sweeping across the US as we head into December, you may find yourself pondering how to get mice out of the walls in your home. After all, while we spend more time indoors getting cozy, mice, too, seek the same warmth, shelter, and food sources.

Luckily, getting rid of rodents in walls doesn't have to be stressful, nor does it require maintenance – the $22 MaPorch Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler, available on Amazon, makes it simple. Here's why we recommend it.

This Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler Effectively Keeps Mice Out of Your Walls

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While no one wants to spot any tell-tale signs that they have mice, getting rid of mice is easy with the MaPorch Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler available at Amazon, which is perfect for winter rodent protection both inside and outdoors.

Most importantly, the bendy and flexible steel wool is easy to use and shape. The included scissors are suitable for cutting it to size without any hassle, while the gloves keep your hands protected from cuts and scratches.

It's also so versatile – aside from using it to prevent mice from getting into your house, you can also use it to repel mice from your yard, get rid of mice from a garage, and even get rid of mice in the attic.

It's loved by shoppers, too. One, leaving a five-star review, writes that it's, 'everything you need in one box' for keeping mice out of your walls without buying multiple products or spending days on the problem.

'Very pleased with this,' they say, noting the simplicity of the application. 'The material was easy to work with, and it was nice to have the gloves and scissors included in the box.

'Not only did I seal up the pipes by the baseboard heaters, but I also stuffed the wool into gaps between the carpet and walls, under some baseboards, in gaps inside cabinets, and around water and plumbing pipes,' all of which are common spots for hidden pest harborage[...] I feel much better about keeping mice out of the house.'

A second shopper, David, dubs it 'great stuff,' adding, 'My house was built in 1960, so there are lots of little holes that I haven't had a chance to patch yet...in every hole I place steel wool in, I get no more mice.

'This stuff was well-priced, easy to use, and if they ever come back, I know exactly what I'm buying. I've also told my neighbors about it. And no, I'm not employed by the company or Amazon, I'm just ecstatic that after four years, I finally found a product that works great and doesn't break the bank.'

A third chimes, 'No mice since installation, yippee!' so take it from them – using steel wool to stop mice getting indoors really does work.

What to Shop

You can also utilize mouse repellent plants to keep them at bay.

As a gardening journalist, I come across so many different hacks to apparently prevent garden problems. While many of them have proven to be useful, some are not always the best advice to follow – including the latest trick of using plastic forks to deter pests from crops over winter.

It's a pest control method that involves sticking plastic forks in the ground upward to create a barrier for the pests that destroy plants. While it's true the spikey nature of the forks will deter some pests to a certain extent by making it challenging for them to reach the plants, it isn't necessarily the most sustainable or effective method to use.

Instead, you should opt for natural pest control methods and quality pest control tools that will guarantee safety for your crops. Here's a more in depth look at why you shouldn't use plastic forks for pest control and what to use instead.

Why you shouldn't use plastic forks for pest control

The idea of sticking plastic forks in the ground around your plants to create a pest barrier can be a tempting cheap and quick pest control hack, but it's a method Drew Swainston, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, says 'is riddled with potential flaws.'

Though you may not see the damage happening, Drew notes, 'Putting huge numbers of forks in the ground risks lots of potential microplastics ending up in the soil.'

In turn, this affects your soil health and structure, including nutrient-retention, impacting plant growth. Plus, crops growing in contaminated soil can also lead to microplastics being consumed by humans.

Not only this, but plastic forks are not the strongest of materials. Things like adverse weather and small animals may dislodge and break them, instantly removing any pest control purpose they were offering.

By having to then regularly replace the plastic forks, this can also become quite a wasteful method to use.

Above all, Drew notes it may not even work as effectively as you would hope:

'Small pests, such as slugs and snails, aren’t going to be bothered by forks sticking up out of the soil, while you would need huge quantities of forks to efficiently ward off larger ones, like rabbits, rats, squirrels, or cats.'

'It is inefficient method to discourage only a small proportion of seasonal pests, and it is a risk to wildlife, which could scratch or impale themselves,' he explains.

That's where non-toxic gardening swaps and methods come in, offering more reliable protection through natural means and plastic-free products.

'I think the best way to keep pests away from your vegetables over winter is to use netting to cover large plants, cover smaller plants or seedlings with a cloche (glass one from Amazon) or portable cold frame cover, and use companion planting courtesy of aromatic herbs or alliums to deter pests,' Drew suggests.

What to use instead of plastic forks for pest control

Now you know why you shouldn't use plastic forks for pest control, you can explore alternative methods to adopt.

This includes companion planting, where you place the best pest-repellent plants near the plants you're wanting to protect.

These are plants that often give off a scent or release a chemical pests can't stand, like marigolds (seeds from Walmart).

Or, you can use other sources of scents that deter pests, like a peppermint pest spray (from Amazon).

You can also use crushed eggshells in the yard to create a pest barrier, offering a spikey and uncomfortable boundary they won't want to cross.

There are plenty of eco-friendly yard tools that will stop winter garden pests and spring garden pests alike, too. This includes using a burlap barrier or cover, which is made from natural fibers. You can find garden burlap on Amazon.

You can shop some of our top picks of non-toxic winter pest control tools below:

FAQs

Can I use metal forks for pest control?

Yes, you can use metal forks for pest control by placing them in the ground upwards. It creates an uncomfortable barrier for pests to cross, keeping them away from plants. This is a more sustainable option than plastic forks, but it still isn't necessarily as effective as plant covers and companion planting, as many pests will be able to move past and avoid the forks.

While putting winter pest control methods in place, make sure to also take the time to stop pests overwintering in your shed. This is a warm and sheltered spot that can house a range of destructive pests over the winter months.

I don't know about you but I feel like there's a never-ending list of things to get done this month before winter truly arrives and frost takes over my yard. In the midst of mulching and pruning, I realized there's one area of my yard I've neglected to give any attention: the shed.

While giving your shed a tidy up may be low down on your fall gardening checklist, it's actually quite important to give it some TLC before you retreat indoors for winter. Pest control experts say that messy, unorganized, debris-filled sheds are the perfect spot for overwintering pests to hide. When spring comes around, they may just make their way into your yard and cause mayhem among your planting. Plus, they could cause damage within your shed in the meantime.

Luckily, it's super easy to fix this issue. Here, pest control experts share which type of winter garden pests may use this space in your yard and five quick steps to stop pests overwintering in your shed.

Which pests overwinter in garden sheds?

There are quite a few pests that can be found lurking in garden sheds in winter, according to pest control experts.

'Throughout winter, pests will ultimately search for warmth, shelter, food, and water. Your garden shed provides all of these things in one relatively safe space,' says Daniel Baldwin, entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.

'Boxelder bugs, for example, are likely to search for warm locations, squeezing through tiny cracks and gaps in doorways or windows. These areas offer protection, allowing them to overwinter indoors until spring arrives.

'Rodents, such as rats and mice, may also be tempted into your garden sheds during winter due to the cold temperatures and food sources becoming harder to find outdoors,' Daniel notes.

Other pests that destroy plants and small mammals that may cause damage to your shed contents may also find a hiding spot here, as unorganized sheds with piles of debris, dirty tools, and open food sources (like bird seed) provide the perfect spot for some shelter during winter.

Not spotting them can risk bigger issues, like nests and infestations, which is why taking preventative measures now is well worth it.

Luckily, there are a few things that can be done to stop pests overwintering in your shed:

5 ways to stop pests overwintering in your shed

No matter what shed idea you have in your yard, it's important to give it some attention before the depths of winter arrive. Messy spaces are more susceptible to attracting pests. That's why pest control experts recommend following these five steps to get your shed in order ahead of the coldest season:

1. Seal all entry points

The first thing to do when trying to stop pests overwintering in your shed is make it impossible for them to get in.

'Inspect all exterior walls, foundations, and vents to ensure they are sealed and in good condition,' Daniel advises.

'Remember, mice can fit through a hole that is less than 1/16 inch in diameter, so be sure to fill any cracks or holes you find with caulk (from Amazon) or foam,' he adds.

Make sure any windows are shut and consider putting in place draft excluders (from Amazon) if your shed door has a gap beneath it.

As a bonus, this will also help weatherproof your shed for the harshest weather conditions and keep your contents inside safe and secure.

2. Remove food sources

If your garden shed doesn't provide what pests are looking for, they're less likely to take up residence in it. This includes removing food sources.

'Many people store things like bird seed or pet food in sheds, so many pests have all the food they need to survive,' says Jeff Schumacher, owner at All-Safe Pest & Termite. 'You can easily cut off their food supply by sealing containers,' he adds.

These bird seed storage containers from Amazon are a good choice, for example.

Bulb and seed storage is also important, like this seed tin from Amazon. Make sure to keep your potting shed organized with these containers neatly put on shelves to ensure they don't fall over and accidentally open.

3. Get your tools in order

It's important to clean your gardening tools and store garden tools properly over winter. Leaving them dirty and lying around is more likely to entice pests in.

You can use warm water and cleaning vinegar (from Amazon) to get your tools in prime condition, before hanging them up with a wall tool organizer (from Amazon) or placing them in a storage box.

The same goes for bags of potting mix and compost. Leaving them open provides a toasty spot for destructive critters to crawl into. When you later spread it in your yard, you may be delivering pests directly to your plants.

'Keep tools, bags of soil, and other items organized on shelves or in lidded plastic totes to ensure pests aren’t able to use them to hide,' Daniel says.

These jumbo sealable storage bags from Amazon may be useful in securing soil bags, for example.

4. Clear out debris

Just like fallen leaf piles and deadwood in the yard, any garden waste and debris sitting in your shed will attract pests. It provides shelter and hiding spots for them, away from the cold temperatures outdoors.

'Pests often thrive in messy spaces, so it’s really important to keep your shed clean and clutter free,' says Daniel. 'Sweep the floor to remove debris, and avoid storing items in piles on the ground,' he says.

Shed storage can be really handy for this, like these resin boxes from Amazon.

'You also shouldn’t stack things right up against walls, and make sure water drains away from the shed so it doesn’t stay soggy,' says Jeff. 'Less moisture and clutter make the shed far less inviting to insects,' he notes.

5. Use organic pest repellents

As well as getting your shed in ship-shape for winter, you can be extra cautious by using natural pest control methods to repel pests from your shed.

'The scent of peppermint is strong and is often disliked by certain pests, which can deter them from living in areas where it’s present,' says Daniel.

'Homeowners can dilute a few drops of peppermint oil (from Amazon) with water in a spray bottle and apply to the areas where you have seen pests, such as behind shelves, in corners, and near entry points or cracks within walls,' he advises.

You can also purchase peppermint pest spray (from Amazon) and use spices to deter common garden pests, like chili powder.

FAQs

What should I do if I find mice in my shed?

If you have only spotted one or two mice, you can take measures to make your shed less attractive to them. This includes removing food sources and tidying up tools and debris to remove shelter. You should also seal any entry points. If you have a a larger rodent presence in your shed, it's advised to seek professional pest control help.

While preparing your yard to stop pests overwintering in your shed, why not also take the opportunity to declutter your shed? Your future self will thank you for getting it in shape now, ready for a busy spring gardening season.

Get your shed organized with these accessories:

The adage claims you are never more than six feet from a rat. Whether or not that is true depends on many environmental factors. However, rats are common in cities, towns, and rural areas, so you are likely to see a rat in your garden at one point or another.

The truth is that some plants attract rats more than others, so you may unknowingly be growing some that are secretly inviting rats into your yard. Unfortunately, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and bulbs will attract rodents, as do dense shrubs that provide food and shelter.

There are two choices to get rid of rats, or at least deter them. You can opt against having these tempting plants in your yard, or adopt a strategy of companion planting. By integrating plants that repel rats in your garden, you can still grow fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other plants, and reduce the potential risk of rats. This guide outlines the plants that attract rats to be aware of and expert-recommended alternative plants that deter rodents to grow instead.

5 Plants That Attract Rats and Expert Recommendations on What to Plant Instead

There are a few plants that can draw rats to your yard, but there are likewise those that help reduce potential rat problems. I chatted to some gardening experts who highlighted both plants to avoid and alternative plants that repel rats to grow instead.

1. Tulips

While adored for their ability to put on spectacular flowering displays, rats are attracted to spring bulbs as they look for food during the leaner winter months. Rats, along with other rodents, squirrels, or voles, can smell the bulbs in the ground, especially in freshly disturbed soil caused by gardeners planting spring bulbs in large numbers.

Ondrea Kidd, owner of Sowing Joy Farm, highlights tulips, crocuses and gladiolas as three of the worst bulbs that attract rats. She recommends looking for alternative spring bulbs or adding plants that repel rats around them, if you do pick any of the aforementioned ones.

'There's nothing worse than putting your heart, energy, and hope into planting a spring garden only to have it destroyed by rodents,' says Ondrea.

'If you enjoy planting those spring bulbs, a few great choices that will deter those pests are daffodils, allium, grape hyacinth, and fritillaria,' she adds. 'My favorites are the daffodils and alliums; each of these options comes in some really unique and fun varieties, so have fun with the colors and styles of these.'

Discover the range of daffodil bulbs to plant at Dutch Grown

Discover the range of daffodil bulbs to plant at Amazon

Discover the range of daffodil bulbs to plant at Walmart

2. Fruit Trees

Planting fruit trees and soft fruit bushes is a great way of getting a bounty of delicious fruit harvests year after year. But while you enjoy the tasty pickings, so can rats and other unwanted pests as they hunt for a reliable food source.

The likes of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and more are all likely to become attractive to rats, who see them as a consistent food source as well as a place for shelter. When it comes to planting fruit, lean more towards tart fruits, which are less attractive to rats.

'The sweeter the fruits, the more attractive they will be to the rats in your area,' claims Elizabeth Waddington, garden designer and writer at First Tunnels. 'Instead of planting a nut tree or a sweet apple or cherry tree, try a sour cherry, cooking apple variety or crapapple tree.'

'You can still get edible yields, but these don't attract rats as much because rats will prefer sweeter options,' she adds.

One example is a Montmorency cherry. It is a popular sour cherry to grow, as it produces medium-sized fruits great for baking, preserves, or juices. You can get a Montmorency cherry at Fast Growing Trees to add to your garden. Alternatively, you can opt for a Profusion crabapple tree, available at Amazon.

As well as being selective with what fruit you grow, you can add other plants that repel rats, such as daffodils, lavender, marigolds, or mint, around your fruit trees or bushes.

Other ways to reduce issues include spacing fruit trees adequately so the branches don’t touch and give rats clear passage from one tree to another. And to be regular with cleaning up any fallen fruit to reduce the risk of rodents taking your harvest before you get a chance to enjoy it.

3. Nut trees

Plants that attract rats include nuts, which are full of fat and a high-calorie food source. If you have walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts growing in your yard, the likelihood is that they will become a target for rats and other rodents.

In particular, late summer through fall, when most nuts are ready to harvest, is a time when rodents are on the lookout for high-energy food to eat now and stash for their upcoming nesting season.

They are attracted to both the nuts on the tree and on the ground, as Elizabeth Waddington hails the importance of making sure to 'harvest promptly' and also 'picking nuts off the ground to avoid attracting too many rats'.

Petar Ivanov, Fantastic Gardeners' gardening and plant expert, highlights flowering dogwoods (such as this live red dogwood tree at Amazon) or hawthorns as plants that repel rats and offer an alternative to nut trees. He claims: 'They provide berries and seasonal interest for birds without offering the dense protein sources rodents prefer.'

As well as harvesting nuts at the right time and picking fallen ones off the ground, good practice is to discard any unharvested nuts at the end of the season to stop rats from having a free food source

4. Sweet Vegetables

The unavoidable fact is that rats will be attracted to fruits and vegetables, whether they are in the vegetable garden or stored. The list of vegetables that attract rats is, unfortunately, long and includes root vegetables, corn, pumpkins, and legumes.

It is not a case of forgoing growing vegetables due to the risk of rats, but making smarter decisions on what you plant, and what you plant it with. Elizabeth Waddington suggests the notion of growing less sweet crops or 'more calorific ones' (including potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, or parsnips) to divert the rats' attention elsewhere, or keeping these types of vegetables in a protected area.

'Keeping sweeter and higher-calorie crops in a polytunnel, fruit cage, or greenhouse can help to reduce the chance that rats will try to take your harvests,' she adds. 'Outdoors, if rats are a problem, crops in the cabbage family, for example, will be less attractive (especially if there are sweeter natural food sources around) and can give us abundant yields when protected from other pests.'

Another way to protect vegetables is companion planting. Growing strong-smelling aromatic herbs (like lavender, mint, or sage) or crops in the allium family (think garlic, onions, leeks, or chives) alongside susceptible vegetables will discourage rodents, along with other pests, from nibbling them.

Companion planting offers a great form of natural pest control to protect crops, plus you also get harvests from those plants.

5. Bamboo

There are some well-known issues with growing bamboo, primarily that you need to stop bamboo from spreading, but many gardeners may not know it as a plant that attracts rats.

The shrub can provide a dense shelter for rats to hide, rest, or even build a nest in, whether it is a large bamboo variety in a border or a smaller cultivar growing in a container garden. Some species also produce seeds that rats will eat, and the young shoots of bamboo are tender enough for rats to enjoy as a food source.

If you want an alternative screening plant to bamboo, dogwoods can provide lots of year-round interest. Such as a stunning pink flowering dogwood at Fast Growing Trees, which offers a lot of seasonal interest with pink blooms, red fall color, and checkered bark in winter.

To deter rodents from any flower beds, several perennials can be planted to keep rats away.

'If you are looking to build your garden full of great perennials that will deter pests, my favorites are peonies and astilbe,' says Ondrea Kidd. 'Many Mediterranean herbs are also a beautiful option. These include lavender, rosemary, and mints.'

FAQs

Do Lavender Plants Repel Rats?

Growing lavender can help repel rats and other pests. Lavender repels pests thanks to the strong aroma that comes from the essential oils contained in the plant; it is a scent that garden pests hate.

Do Coffee Grounds Repel Rats?

You can use coffee grounds on plants, but does it help with pests? Well, some gardeners claim the smell of coffee repels rats, but there is no concrete evidence that it does work effectively.

Shop More Rat-Repellent Plants:

One of the best flowers for companion planting is marigolds. You can grow marigolds from seed easily, and they are highly valuable. Not only are the bright flowers attractive, but marigolds keep lots of bugs away from more precious plants.

I have always planted marigolds in a vegetable garden as part of natural pest control, as the strong scent of French marigolds is effective against aphids, flies, flea beetles, thrips, tomato hornworm, squash bug, cucumber beetles, and many more.

You can get a bumper pack of French marigold seeds at Amazon to grow your own companion planting powerhouses.

Well-managed healthy soil is essential for a productive garden. As we approach the end of a growing season, there are steps you can take to maintain your soil's health and minimize potential pest problems next year.

From adding organic matter to ensure a thriving ecosystem in your soil, to growing cover crops or harnessing the power of natural pests, there are simple fall soil amendments to discover that make a huge benefit to the overall health of your garden.

If you are putting soil health at the top of your fall gardening checklist, here are a few seasonal soil fixes to discover that help prepare your ground for spring and disrupt the lifecycle of unwanted pests.

Fall Soil Amendments to Boost Nutrients and Combat Pests

This season is an ideal time to test your soil and check its nutrient and pH levels after a hard growing season. After the rigours of the season, the soil can be short of resources, and a test will highlight any imbalances that can be fixed with soil amendments before spring.

You can check your soil using a professional soil test kit like this at Amazon, which measures 13 plant-available nutrient levels.

Some of the following fall soil amendments add nutrients to the soil and help reduce pest problems, while others focus solely on ridding the soil of unwanted pests. However, they all do make a difference and are worth adding to a to-do list this fall.

1. Add Compost or Well-Rotted Manure

Healthy soil is full of life, and such a thriving ecosystem supports natural predators in the soil. Keep a healthy soil, and the likes of nematodes, predatory mites, and spiders will prosper, and they can help by eating soil-dwelling pests like aphids, grubs, and fungus gnat larvae.

Fall is an ideal time to add nutrient-rich compost or well-rotted manure to your soil. Such organic material helps boost soil nutrients and maintain a rich ecosystem, which includes fungi, bacteria, earthworms, insects, and more.

You can either incorporate the organic matter into the soil or add a 2-3 inch layer of mulching materials and let it mix into the soil naturally.

It is important only ever to use well-rotted manure. Adding fresh manure can burn plant roots and harm the soil's ecosystem.

This 40-pound bag of blended compost and manure available at Walmart makes an ideal mulch for smaller gardens.

2. Remove Debris to Prevent Overwintering

There are a surprising number of pests that overwinter in plant debris left sitting on the soil. The likes of squash bugs, aphids, spider mites, slugs, snails and beetle larvae can survive the coldest months tucked up in old debris or leaf litter.

This old garden material provides them a warm, protected spot for winter, allows them to breed, and can even provide food to see them through until spring. So don't leave piles of old stems or leaves sitting on the soil throughout winter.

While it may seem like an effort to clear them away, you are doing pests a favor by leaving them in situ for long periods of time. It won't take long to head out with a garden rake or fork to collect all the material into a bucket and remove it from the soil.

If the material looks disease-free, use it to make compost. However, if it appears infested with fungi or pathogens, it is safer to discard it rather than risk spreading disease problems.

3. Gently Till the Soil

Lightly turning the top few inches of soil can help reduce pest populations by disrupting their habitats and leaving them vulnerable to predators and weather.

Just agitating the top 2-4 inches can be enough to expose insect eggs and larvae just under the surface of the soil. It makes them susceptible to natural predators, such as birds, and also freezing temperatures.

It is best to do this before the ground freezes. Tilling can be a laborious task, and whether you choose to do this may depend on the size of your plot. Tilling the soil can be done manually with a garden fork or a machine, like this electric garden tiller and cultivator at Amazon.

If you do no-dig gardening and don't till the soil, you can pick certain mulches that are known to repel winter pests. Such as using seaweed in the garden, which has jagged edges when it dries, that agitates slugs and keeps them away from the area.

4. Add Beneficial Nematodes

These small-but-mighty microscopic organisms are great for natural pest control and can be added in the fall, provided the soil is not frozen and has a temperature above 41°F.

The beneficial insects feed on soil-borne insects and pests, including fungus gnats, caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs, and more. Different species of beneficial nematodes target set pests, seeking out their prey, reproducing inside of it, and killing the target within 24-48 hours. They can have an effect on pest populations within the soil within a week.

Beneficial nematodes are dormant within their packaging and are mixed with water and applied to the soil. And this mix of live beneficial nematodes at Amazon can guard against over 200 soil-dwelling pests.

Another useful suppressant that can be added to the soil in the fall is diatomaceous earth. It is made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms, and its jagged edges pierce soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, ants, and earwigs, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Diatomaceous earth can be used on the soil around plants, and you can get food-grade diatomaceous earth at Amazon to add to the soil this fall.

5. Plant Cover Crops

Cover crops, also known as green manures, are a great way to prepare garden soil for spring, as they can maintain or even improve soil health, and some can actively help against soil-borne pests and diseases.

Overall, cover crops offer many benefits. They are a great form of organic weed control, they prevent erosion, and keep the soil healthy. Planting a cover crop benefits all the life in the soil, including the relationship between plants, bacteria, and fungi underground.

Retaining healthy soil is fundamental, as it ensures a place for beneficial predators. Those pest-eating predators can also reside in the cover crop over the winter, plus other predators can be attracted to certain green manures when they start blooming in spring.

Some green manures are biofumigants, and release compounds into the soil as they break down that help combat soil-borne pests and pathogens. The most common of these is mustard, a fast-growing green manure that can be chopped and dug back into the soil within six weeks of germinating. The compounds are released as the plant breaks down, helping to reduce pest populations in the soil.

If you want to sow mustard green manure in the fall, it ideally wants to be done 4-6 weeks before your first hard frost. You can get mustard green manure seeds at True Leaf Market to sow.

It also pays to think ahead to combat pest and disease problems by planning out a crop rotation. Moving crops around a vegetable garden keeps the soil healthy and breaks any build-up of pests and diseases in the soil that come from growing the same crops in the same space year after year. I also recommend including green manures in your rotation, which goes even further to ensuring fantastic, healthy soil that your crops will thrive in.

Birch trees are adored for their light foliage and peeling bark. While most people think of the white bark varieties, there are birch trees with gorgeous bark in shades of orange, red, or yellow, too. They are hugely popular trees, but there is a nasty pest that threatens birches, in the shape of the bronze birch borer.

The bronze birch borer is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae cause huge damage under the surface. They feed on the tree's vascular system and essentially starve the tree from the inside, causing thinning foliage, bare branches, dieback, and ultimately death.

If you grow birch trees, it pays to understand the risks that bronze birch borer poses. So I spoke to pest experts to reveal the signs of bronze birch borer damage you need to know, plus their advice for the best ways to deal with infestations.

What is the Bronze Birch Borer?

The bronze birch borer is a wood-boring beetle that targets all species of birch, both native and non-native birch species. They are often attracted to stressed or weakened birch trees and burrow inside to start wreaking havoc.

Jeremy Logsdon, co-owner of Preventive Pest Control in Houston, claims that bronze birch borer is 'a major culprit for birch failure' as they start by causing dieback and can ultimately lead to a tree’s death.

'They are slender, metallic beetles whose larvae are the real troublemakers,' reveals the expert. 'Once the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel under the bark, feeding on the phloem and xylem - the tree's vascular system. This girdles the branches, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients.'

They are not easy to spot, as the adult bronze birch borer is 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and has a metallic sheen. The troublesome larvae, which are found inside the tree, are pale white, up to an inch in length and with a segmented body and a flat head.

The bronze birch borer life cycle starts in late spring, as adults lay their eggs after overwintering under the bark. Then follow the larvae, which hatch and eat voraciously, causing huge damage to the tree.

These larvae mature and then pupate in the spring, before, as Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus, explains: 'After pupating, birch borer adults drill holes in the outer bark and leave the tree to find mates and lay the next generation of wood-destroying beetle eggs.' It is typical to have one generation of bronze birch borers per year.

Signs of Bronze Birch Borer Damage

It can take a few months for the tree to show the first visible signs of bronze birch borer damage, but there are some classic symptoms to look out for.

'Early signs of infestation include leaf discoloration during the growing season, thinning foliage, and bare branches in the upper canopy,' says Whitt Tindol from Peachtree Pest Control. He adds that, as the larvae continue to feed on the tree's water and nutrient transport systems, it leads to 'leaf discoloration, branch dieback, and ultimately, the death of the tree'.

The damage tends to show itself first in the upper crown of the tree. Jeremy Logsdon advises examining your birch trees for 'yellowing and dieback' in the crown, and to keep a close lookout for 'distinctive D-shaped exit holes' that are caused by the adults when they emerge.

Any peeling bark from infested trees may reveal evidence of tunnels underneath, such as swollen ridges that are the scars caused by tunnels, or even burrows packed with sawdust and frass (larval droppings).

How to Control Bronze Birch Borer

There are different birch borer treatments you can consider, depending on the time of year and the scale of the infestations. But here are some recommendations from the experts to consider:

Prune Away Infected Branches

One key part of bronze birch borer control is to prune birch trees and remove infested branches when the adults have gone but the larvae are still tunnelling. If you identify the D-shaped hole in the bark, try to prune trees to remove the infested wood to reduce the population of larvae that can attack your tree.

'In the fall, when temperatures are cool, the best action to take is to prune back birch limbs, especially those showing signs of birch borer damage', advises Emma Grace Crumbley. 'Pruning the trees helps physically remove the pests during a time of year when they are least active.'

If you do have a heavily infested tree, it is beneficial to remove the tree to prevent the pests from spreading to other trees in the vicinity.

Keep Trees Healthy

As highlighted earlier, the bronze birch borer is often attracted to stressed or weakened birch trees. It makes maintaining healthy birch trees a priority, as the pests are unlikely to target healthy trees.

Whitt Tindol claims maintaining healthy, vigorous trees is 'one of the most effective long-term strategies for managing bronze birch borers', adding: 'A key part of this is ensuring consistent and adequate watering throughout the year to support strong growth.'

He adds that planting trees in unsuitable locations also leads to stress and makes them more vulnerable. This includes not planting birch trees where they can get heat stress, especially in warmer climates, and not planting them in lawns, which are not ideal for birch trees.

Birch trees benefit from regular deep watering in extended periods of dry weather and routine mulching. Do not fertilize trees unless they show signs of struggling, as birches don't require lots of feed and can suffer stress from overfertilizing.

Insecticides

Some products can be applied by professionals to combat the bronze birch borer. However, even chemicals may not be enough to save a highly infested tree.

'Late summer to early fall is a prime time for a systemic soil application of insecticides like Imidacloprid (if allowed in your area),' says Jeremy Logsdon. 'The product is absorbed by the roots and moves throughout the tree over the winter, providing preventative protection for the following spring when the adults emerge and lay eggs.'

He adds: 'This fall timing is effective because the larval stage is still active under the bark, and the tree is preparing for dormancy, making it an efficient time for chemical uptake.'

A pest management professional or licensed arborist can help devise a treatment plan for you, including offering options for different insecticides suitable for your tree, the level of infestation, the time of year, and local regulations.

Plant Resistant Species

To reduce the risk of the bronze birch borer, there are more resistant species of birch you can choose when planning your backyard ideas.

The white-barked birch species are most susceptible, with species such as River Birch, Monarch Birch, and Japanese Birch more resistant to the pests.

You can get a Heritage River Birch at Fast Growing Trees

If you want to showcase beautiful bark in your yard, there is a great range of trees to choose from. Whether you want patterned or peeling bark to provide interest in winter, this guide to trees with unusual bark highlights 10 fantastic trees that make bold statements with their bark and offer something unique to a space.

When it comes to repelling spiders, peppermint oil may not be the first solution that comes to mind. But, assure our pros, it's natural, non-toxic and surprisingly effective when spritzed and sprayed around your windows.

Here, they explain this clever DIY way to keep spiders away, including why it works, and how to try it in your own home.

Why does peppermint oil work to deter spiders?

Brett Anderson from Peach Tree Pest Control explains, 'Spiders have specialized sensory organs on their legs called sensilla – tiny, hair-like structures that detect stimuli such as sound, touch, heat, humidity, and chemical cues.

'Peppermint contains menthol and other strong-smelling compounds, which overwhelm these receptors, making the environment uncomfortable and uninviting for spiders,' working as a natural pest control method.

Tony King, founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, agrees, adding, 'It's particularly effective in October, since this is when spiders are actively looking for warm indoor spaces to weather winter.

'By disrupting their normal sensing and making spiders feel threatened, peppermint oil not only encourages spiders to want to vacate treated spaces, but to avoid them altogether.'

How to make your own DIY peppermint essential oil spray

To make your own homemade bug spray, Tony recommends using 10 to 15 drops of a top-quality, pure peppermint essential oil, such as the NOW Essential Oils Peppermint Oil available at Amazon, or the Plant Therapy Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, also available at Amazon.

'Mix this with about two cups, or 500 ml, of distilled or filtered water in a clean spray bottle,' he advises. 'One teaspoon of liquid dish soap adds to make the oil spread evenly and adhere to the surfaces, offering better coverage.

'Spray this mixture along window frames, door sills, baseboards, corners, and cracks or gaps in which spiders gain entry,' all of which are common spots for hidden pest harborage.

'Re-spray weekly, and particularly after dusting or cleaning the area, as the smell fades with time.'

You can also, as Daniel Baldwin, entomologist at Hawx Pest Control, suggests, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you've noticed spider activity.

'Common spots include under your bed, behind your headboard, under your couch, or in cupboards and wardrobes,' he advises. 'Wardrobes are especially appealing to spiders because they are dark and tend to be undisturbed during the day.'

Drawbacks to consider

In terms of drawbacks or limitations, Tony warns that there are a few to mention.

'Peppermint oil is extremely pungent, which may be overpowering to some individuals or pets,' he explains. 'It will not exterminate spiders and thus is not a solution to current infestations, either; it's more of a deterrent.

'Additionally, the essential oils may sometimes discolor certain surfaces such as unsealed wood or painted surfaces, so one would want to do a small test patch.' It's also, adds Daniel, only a temporary solution.

Therefore, all our experts agree that, to get the best results, this method to get rid of spiders in a basement, for example, should be used in conjunction with efficient practices, like sealing window gaps, keeping your space clutter-free, and vacuuming frequently.

Don't forget your baseboards, as they're a prime hiding spot for pests.

You should also, advises Daniel, regularly wipe down surfaces and eliminate dark hiding spots.

'You can even use night lights in places such as cupboards, drawers, and walk-in closets to reduce the darkness that spiders are attracted to,' he adds, such as the Great Value Plug-in LED Night Light available at Walmart.

'Eliminate any webs you find in or around your home by vacuuming or clearing them out. This may encourage spiders to leave, as many types stay close by their webs, rather than living directly on them.

'Additionally, turn off outdoor lighting, which may attract insects like moths, mosquitoes, and gnats, which can also attract spiders that prey on them.

As Tony explains, all of these steps 'will reduce the chances of the spiders making your home their seasonal sanctuary.'

And, importantly, if you do still spot any around your home, pest pros warn you should never squash spiders in your home.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Like squashing them, you should also never use WD-40 to get rid of spiders, as pest pros warn it's simply not effective.

I'm lucky to be able to walk a few yards from my house into a beautiful woodland area, and I love spotting wildlife there. But, it does mean my yard is often frequented by squirrels. While adorable to see, these creatures can become a nuisance when it comes to bulbs.

They have a taste for soft, starchy bulbs, like tulips and crocus, which is why you'll often find these dug up if you have a large squirrel population in your area. So, I'm being proactive with getting rid of squirrels from my yard by planting bulbs squirrels don't eat. This is an insurance policy for my spring garden, by choosing bulbs I know these garden visitors won't be tempted to help themselves to.

Choosing these flowers over others will minimize and stop squirrels from digging up bulbs in your yard, resulting in a dazzling, undisturbed display later down the line. Here, I list my top five choices, alongside some expert tips on how to grow them successfully.

5 bulbs squirrels won't eat

If you have a major problem with squirrels tearing your garden to bits, consider also growing squirrel-repellent plants. These are plants that will actually deter squirrels from your yard, often due to the scent they give off. Paired with the below bulbs squirrels don't eat, you can be sure to have a colorful and thriving garden next year.

1. Grape hyacinth

• Hardiness: US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9
• Flowering: March-May

Grape hyacinth (muscari) is a charming miniature bulb, ranging in colors from dark purple to pastel blue, pink, and white. It earns its name from its similar appearance to hyacinths, although they are not related.

You can grow muscari with the confidence squirrels won't help themselves to the bulbs before they have a chance to bloom. This is because these bulbs are highly unpalatable to them, even containing toxic compounds.

'One of the best things about grape hyacinth is its versatility,' says Homes & Gardens' Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull. 'It can be grown in pots, raised beds, and at the front of borders. It looks particularly impressive when planted en masse,' she adds.

Find muscari bulbs at Burpee.

Find muscari bulbs on Amazon.

2. Winter aconite

• Hardiness: US hardiness zone 4 to zone 9
• Flowering: January-March

If you're looking for an early spring flowering plant that will be protected from hungry squirrels, consider planting winter aconite bulbs in fall.

These yellow blooms emerge in late winter and alongside daffodils and snowdrops, are some of the earliest signs of spring. Just like muscari, these are bulbs squirrels don't eat thanks to their unpalatable nature.

Winter aconite bulbs contain cardiac glycosides which are toxic to both humans and animals. It can therefore be poisonous and is a bulb squirrels won't attempt to munch on.

'To grow winter aconites, it's important to get bulbs planted by November,' says Rachel. 'They perform best in a partial shade position, making them one of the best woodland plants,' she adds.

Find winter aconite bulbs on Amazon.

3. Camassia

• Hardiness: US hardiness zone 3 to zone 8
• Flowering: April-June

Camassia is a beautiful bulb that offers height during the late-spring and summer months. You plant camassia bulbs in fall where you can rest assured they won't be disturbed by squirrels.

Squirrels find camassia bulbs bitter and unappealing, which is why they make the list of bulbs squirrels don't eat. They also tend to be harder than the softer bulbs squirrels like to feed on (such as tulips).

'It's fairly straightforward to grow camassia for spring and summer,' says Rachel. 'The bulbs should be planted with the pointed edge facing upwards. This is also a bulb to never plant in pots because they have a spreading habit,' she advises.

Find camassia bulbs at Burpee.

Find camassia bulbs on Amazon.

4. Daffodils

• Hardiness: US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9
• Flowering: January-May

It's not surprising that daffodils are on this list of bulbs squirrels don't eat because they're also one of the most effective repellents for squirrels.

Squirrels don't eat daffodil bulbs because they contain lycorine and other alkaloids which are unpleasant and harmful to rodents. For this reason, planting daffodil bulbs is a reliable option for a squirrel damage-free yard.

'Every spring garden needs daffodils and there are actually lots of narcissi bulbs to choose from,' says Rachel. 'One of the key things to do is not cut back daffodils while the foliage is still green, even after the blooms have faded. This helps the bulbs store energy to put on another dazzling show next spring,' she explains.

Find daffodil bulbs at Burpee.

Find daffodil bulbs on Amazon.

5. Summer snowflake

• Hardiness: US hardiness zone 4 to zone 8
• Flowering: April-June

Summer snowflake is easily mistaken for snowdrops as the two have very similar appearances, but they bloom at different times. With snowdrop finishing their show around March, summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) starts to bloom from mid-spring until summer.

Summer snowflake bulbs are unpalatable to squirrels, thanks to the natural chemical deterrents they contain. More widely, leucojum is also safe from deer and other rodents.

'Leucojum is one of the best spring bulbs to plant in fall, rewarding you with stunning white snowdrop-shaped blooms in spring,' says Rachel. 'It's hugely popular with pollinators, providing a nectar-rich source. Choose a full-sun spot for these bulbs, planting in clusters for an impressive naturalizing look,' she adds.

Find summer snowflake bulbs on Amazon.

Shop squirrel-proofing essentials:

FAQs

What do squirrels eat in fall?

Squirrels tend to look for nuts, seeds, and plant roots for fall and winter food. They're also known to dig up soft plant bulbs, particularly favoring tulips and crocus. If you have a large squirrel population in your area, it can be a good idea to choose plants and bulbs they won't target to ensure your garden has plenty of life come spring.

There are lots of other things you can do to protect your garden from squirrel damage. This includes using peppermint to deter squirrels and using marigold flowers to deter squirrels.

Fall can be a bountiful time in a vegetable garden, full of rich pickings for hearty seasonal meals. But at the same time, pests regularly nibble on your fruits and vegetables as they look for food, and it is always disappointing to lose crops.

I have grown edibles for many years, and personally had hole-ridden kale courtesy of caterpillars, apples damaged by maggots, and pumpkins tarnished by unwanted visitors to the plot. If you are trying to avoid nibbled salad crops, munched vegetables, or fruits with an unwanted hidden surprise inside, fall pest control doesn't need to be difficult.

There are some easy ways you can combat fall pests in your vegetable garden and avoid having to throw away any of your potential harvests. This guide to fall pest control highlights five tried-and-tested methods to protect your seasonal harvests from harm.

Fall pest control in focus – here's what you can do to

There are some common pests to watch out for in the fall, including many of the usual culprits that trouble crops throughout the growing season.

The likes of slugs and snails are out in force, thriving in the cooler, moister conditions of fall, and caterpillars, beetles, aphids, cabbage loppers, spider mites, stink bugs, and thrips can all persist well into the fall.

You also get fruit pests like the codling moth, which don't start to hunker down and cocoon to overwinter till the temperatures drop.

With all those potential pests still active until the first frosts, here are five easy methods of fall pest control that will help preserve your harvests of vegetables and fruits.

1. Have physical barriers in place

The easiest form of fall pest control is to cover your crops to prevent unwanted critters from having easy access to your fruits or vegetables.

For vegetables in kitchen garden beds or raised garden beds, covering them with row covers keeps the pests away from the crops. This is not just the case for fall, as the truth is that many crops, such as brassicas, should be covered all season long to combat caterpillars in a vegetable garden.

The use of fine insect mesh can block aphids, flea beetles, whiteflies, spider mites, cabbage white butterflies, and many more. A cover like this fine bug netting at Amazon can cover rows of plants. It lets light and water through, but keeps pests away. It needs to be secured at the sides and ideally laid over hoops to avoid damaging the crops.

Individual plants can be protected from inquisitive pests with cloches, which, like the use of row covers, also help to protect vegetables from frost and extend your harvests further into winter or fall.

Fruits can be covered with maggot barriers or fruit protection bags, available at Amazon. Such reusable bags can be put over individual fruits to keep insects, birds, or small animals away and stop them from eating or damaging your fruit. There is also the option of fruit cages to protect soft fruit bushes.

2. Disturb the soil to bring pests to the surface

Soil-dwelling pests are prevalent in the fall, as they prosper in the warm, moist soils of the season. With a bit of disturbance, the likes of slugs, cutworms, and grubs can be brought to the surface, where they can be in for a nasty surprise.

This is because it leaves them more vulnerable to beneficial predators, predominantly many types of birds. Such a tactic is a simple form of fall pest control that will impact their population.

It will not eliminate all pests, but it can make a difference and reduce the number of pests that can eat your crops. As well as leaving them at the mercy of birds, exposing the pests to frosts will also eliminate them.

It is best to take it gently and avoid fully tilling the vegetable garden annually, as repeated tilling over time can damage soil health. Instead, just disturb the top surface of the soil with a garden fork or hoe, such as this Fiskars garden fork at Walmart.

3. Remove plant debris to eliminate hiding places

Older leaves and other debris make great hiding places for many pests. Slugs and snails spend their day hidden away under debris, only to come out at night to feast. While beetles, thrips, cutworms, and more can hide and breed in any debris left on your vegetable garden beds.

Many gardeners often slow down come the fall, and are more likely to let debris accumulate during the season. Any approach to meticulously clearing beds can become a bit more casual come fall, which plays right into the hands of the pests that enjoy their hiding spots.

It won't take long at all to head out with a rake and trug to collect any fallen leaves, stems, or debris that might be providing pests with cover. So, try to keep clearing near the top of your fall gardening checklist.

You won't just appreciate it over the coming weeks, but also into the next growing season. As many pests, including squash bugs, asparagus beetles, and Colorado potato beetle, can overwinter in leaf litter and plant debris, only to come out again in spring to terrorize your crops.

4. Attract predators to the garden

Birds benefit your backyard by eating many different pests, including caterpillars, beetles, aphids, snails, slugs, and more. Making your yard a wildlife garden to attract birds means more feathered friends to consume unwanted pests that may otherwise impact your fall harvests.

What can you do to attract birds this fall that may snack on pests? Hanging bird feeders, creating natural bird feeders, or placing a bird bath will provide food, water, and a space for birds to bathe. Also consider planting fall plants for birds that will provide berries, fruits, or seeds.

However, for all the good that birds can do, remember that some will feed on ripening fruits and edible crops that you want to keep safe for your harvest.

Keeping these plants covered with netting or putting a fruit cage around your bushes are the best ways to prevent this from happening. Don't put out bird scarers or noisemakers, as they'll scare away birds that can be eating unwanted pests.

5. Stay vigilant and hand-pick pests

Fall pest control isn't always glamorous, and that is exemplified by the fact that hand-picking pests can make a difference in protecting your harvests. Large pests like slugs and snails will be active under the coverage of darkness in the fall, ready to nibble on your vegetables.

Slugs and snails thrive in shade and damp, so they are in their element in the fall. They will come out in the earlier evenings to eat stems, leaves, and crops. There are many fall crops that slugs target, including brassicas, root vegetables, and leafy greens, so take the opportunity to stop slugs from destroying plants and preserve your precious harvests.

Vigilant gardeners can pick up a torch or don a head torch and fill a bucket with soapy water to head out at night and hand-pick snails to protect their plants. Check all over the plants and do so over a few consecutive nights to make a difference and help get rid of slugs and snails.

FAQs

Should you spray for pests in the fall?

You can spray as part of your fall pest control. Smaller pests can be combatted with insecticidal soap, available at Amazon, or a homemade bug spray made with soap and water.

This all-season spray oil, available from Amazon, can be used in the fall to control seasonal pests, including aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. It is approved for organic gardening and is safe for use on fruits and vegetables.

You can extend your homegrown harvests beyond fall by picking hardy vegetables to overwinter on your plot. Adding overwintering vegetables allows you to harvest the likes of kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks, and more into January or February.

Many are tough, like the brassicas and leeks, while winter lettuces or radishes will require covering with row covers, a cloche, or a portable cold frame (like this portable mini cloche at Amazon) to protect them from the elements.

Shop tools for fall vegetable gardens

Asparagus can be a long-lived and productive vegetable. The highly desirable crowns can provide harvests of delicious stems for over 20 years, provided they are healthy and well-maintained. Unfortunately, one pest that risks the future of your plants is the pesky asparagus beetle.

Asparagus beetles feed on spears and foliage, affecting your harvest and ultimately the long-term health of the crowns. If you grow asparagus and don't want your yield of tender spears to be affected, it pays to know how to spot and control the asparagus beetle.

This guide looks at how to spot asparagus beetles, along with the damage they cause. It also reveals the best methods of combating the asparagus beetle, including one core job you can do in the fall that will impact the population of this troublesome pest.

How to get rid of asparagus beetle – in focus

If you're growing asparagus, it's important to be aware of the damage asparagus beetles can cause. I have experienced asparagus beetle on plants before and know that monitoring and acting fast can make a difference. To help me discuss all things asparagus beetle, I also spoke to a gardening and pest expert.

What is the asparagus beetle?

Asparagus beetles are the primary nemesis of the perennial vegetable. There are two types to look out for: the common asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi) and the spotted asparagus beetle (Crioceris duodecimpunctata), and the former is the most common asparagus pest you are likely to encounter.

The common asparagus beetle has red-rimmed black wings that feature six white spots, and its larvae have green bodies with black heads. The spotted asparagus beetle has orange bodies with 12 black spots, and the larvae are similarly orange.

Susan Mulvihill, a seasoned grower and author of The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, explains that spotted asparagus beetles inflict less damage compared to their common relatives.

'The adult common asparagus beetles and their larvae damage young asparagus spears and ferns through their feeding habits,' says Susan. 'Because the adult beetles and larvae chew on the foliage, this affects the plant’s ability to conduct photosynthesis. When this happens, the plants will experience a decline or even die.'

She adds: 'Both the spotted beetle adults and larvae feed solely on the asparagus berries, so they don’t cause damage to the spears or foliage.'

Asparagus beetles emerge in May or June and will damage plants throughout the rest of the season as they feed on spears and ferns. It is common for the pests to have two life cycles, but this can rise to four or five in climates with long growing seasons.

How to get rid of asparagus beetle

There are five key ways to control asparagus beetle, and we break down each one here:

1. Remove debris in the fall

There is one key thing you can do in the fall to help control asparagus beetle, and it is a quick, super-simple task that you should be doing annually anyway for a healthy and productive asparagus patch.

It is important not to cut back asparagus until the foliage turns yellow in the fall, as leaving the fronds to develop allows the plant to store energy for next year's harvest. You should prune the resulting asparagus fern once the colour changes and it begins to fall naturally, and this will help destroy asparagus beetles.

This is because asparagus beetles overwinter in plant material, and removing this makes it hard for the pests to survive the colder months. Cut down the stems to around two inches from the ground and dispose of them, as Susan recommends: 'Always clean up any garden debris so beetles won't have a place to hide.'

Removing any other piles of stems or leaf litter from near your asparagus patch, as well as the asparagus itself, will impact the asparagus beetle population and prevent them from appearing in huge numbers in spring to wreak havoc again.

2. Hand-pick the pests

It may be a more squeamish form of asparagus beetle control, but hand-picking the pests as you see them is a reliable way to deal with them. Any larger pests can be controlled in this way, including hand-picking snails to protect plants, but it requires vigilance and dedication.

Once the beetles and larvae start appearing from late spring onwards, closely monitor plants and remove any you see. They can be picked from the plant and dropped into a container of soapy water. Regularly hand-picking asparagus beetles can control their numbers.

It is also advisable to look for eggs – these will appear as dark eggs near the ends of the ferns – and wipe them off.

3. Attract beneficial predators

There are many beneficial insects you can attract to your yard to help combat asparagus beetles. Creating a more wildlife-friendly garden can attract birds, frogs, and predatory insects that will eat the larvae and adults.

'The great news is that asparagus beetles have many natural predators,' says Susan. 'These include lacewing larvae, ladybug larvae, the larvae of parasitic wasps, praying mantids and spiders.'

Companion planting for asparagus can be both beautiful and beneficial. In terms of edibles, tomatoes and eggplant produce solanine, which repels asparagus beetles. There are also flowers such as nasturtiums, zinnias, and cosmos that will attract ladybugs to your yard to eat the pests.

4. Use beneficial nematodes

Beneficial nematodes can be used as a natural pest control method to destroy the larval stage of the asparagus beetle. The microscopic soil-borne organisms seek out their prey and release bacteria into them, killing target host insects within 48 hours.

Beneficial nematodes can be applied in the spring or fall and are mixed with water to apply to plants. There are many species of nematodes, but Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes are the ideal type to target asparagus beetle larvae.

You can get Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes at Amazon.

5. Spray plants

Large infestations of asparagus beetles can be targeted by spraying plants with neem oil, while Susan also recommends making a garlic spray to deal with the pests.

Some chemicals can be used as a last resort, but pesticides can be toxic to pollinators and beneficial predators. You can use pyrethrin, but Susan highlights spinosad as another potential option.

You can get spinosad insecticide at Amazon; however, Susan warns: 'Always follow the label directions for the best results and use the minimum amount suggested.'

FAQs

Does diatomaceous earth kill asparagus beetles?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance derived from the remains of hard-shelled microscopic aquatic organisms called diatoms. The microscopic shards of the material cut insects and cause them to dehydrate. It can be used to control the asparagus beetle.

Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is available from Amazon. Place a thin layer of the powder on stems, leaves, and soil where the asparagus beetles are active.

Can you eat asparagus beetle eggs?

If you harvest asparagus spears with asparagus beetle eggs on them, you can wipe the eggs off and eat the spears. The eggs themselves will not harm if consumed, but it is best to remove sections with eggs or clean the stems thoroughly before cooking the asparagus.

If your asparagus crowns start to disappoint and produce fewer, thinner stems, it could be because the plant has become overcrowded. You can rectify this by dividing asparagus in late fall, after you cut back the plant, or in early spring, before it starts to produce that season's spears.

Carefully dig up the crown and divide it into sections. You can plant the new asparagus pieces at least 18 inches apart in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil.

Rats are resilient, opportunistic pests, and once they take up residence in your yard, they can quickly become a major problem. The most effective approach is proactive deterrence: controlling your outdoor environment to remove the three essentials rats need to survive – food, water, and shelter.

Start by securing trash cans, cleaning up fallen fruit, and storing pet food indoors to cut off food sources. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaky hoses or birdbaths, and trim overgrown vegetation. Seal gaps in fences and clear clutter such as woodpiles or debris that could serve as hiding spots.

When it comes to how to get rid of rats, these preventive measures are crucial. They also apply to getting rid of mice, as the same principles work for both pests. Rat-proofing and mouse-proofing your yard now protects your property and avoids the stress and expense of dealing with established colonies later.

How to keep rats out of your garden

Following these expert-recommended steps is essential for keeping your outdoor space rodent-free, as they not only help prevent rats and mice from establishing a foothold but also reduce the risk of property damage, protect your garden and landscaping, and minimize the need for costly professional pest control interventions in the future.

1. Practice meticulous yard sanitation

Rats thrive in clutter that provides cover from predators, so keeping your yard tidy is essential.

Remove debris: Clear away log piles, stacks of unused patio furniture, and old equipment that could serve as hiding spots.

Manage foliage: Keep grass trimmed and regularly rake up fallen leaves and yard waste. Garden maintenance expert Steve Clark notes, ‘By mowing your lawn frequently and removing debris, you reduce potential hiding spots for rodents.’

Destroy runways: Rats prefer to travel along covered edges rather than open spaces. Pest control expert Blair Calder advises, ‘Remove any runways they have that lead to the yard, and eliminate any harborage near the property.’

By systematically removing clutter, collecting leaves, managing vegetation, and eliminating pathways, you make your yard far less inviting to these opportunistic pests.

2. Secure all food sources

Any edible item left outdoors – from garden produce to pet food – is essentially an open invitation for rats.

Harvest diligently: Don’t leave ripe fruits or vegetables to rot on the vine or the ground. Pest control expert Blair Calder emphasizes, ‘It’s crucial to harvest all ripe fruit and vegetables right away in your garden; don’t leave them out for rodents.’

Manage bird feeders: Spilled birdseed is a major attractant. Use trays to catch fallen seed, clean the ground underneath regularly, and consider baffles to prevent rats from climbing.

Secure pet food and trash: Store pet food in sturdy, airtight containers. Choose heavy-duty trash cans – metal or solid plastic – with secure locking lids to prevent rats from chewing or tipping them over.

By controlling access to all food sources, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rats taking up residence in your yard.

3. Eliminate all standing water

Rats need a consistent water source, so cutting off easy access makes your yard far less inviting.

Fix leaks: Repair dripping outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, or hoses.

Empty containers: Remove buckets, wheelbarrows, and any containers that can collect rainwater.

Maintain water features: Regularly clean or empty birdbaths and pet water bowls, particularly overnight, to deny rats a reliable source of water.

By removing standing water, you tackle one of the three essentials rats need to survive, making your yard a much less attractive place for them.

4. Rat-proof your compost bin

Compost heaps are a major draw for rats, offering warmth and easy access to food scraps.

Use secure bins: Avoid open piles. Opt for a tumbling composter or an elevated bin with solid sides and a tight-fitting lid to prevent burrowing.

Avoid attractants: Garden expert Steve Clark advises, ‘Compost bins are a prime attraction for rodents if left unsecured. Elevate the compost bin off the ground and use a tight, sealed lid.’ Steer clear of adding meat, dairy, or other high-value food scraps that are particularly tempting to rats.

By securing your compost and limiting attractants, you can enjoy the benefits of composting without inviting unwanted visitors to your yard.

5. Block entry points to your home

The most effective way to control rats is exclusion – stopping them from entering your house or shed in the first place. Remarkably, rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch.

Seal gaps: Thoroughly inspect your foundation, siding, and utility entry points, including pipes, vents, and cables. Close any cracks or holes by stuffing them with steel wool – like this one from Amazon – combined with caulk, or cover larger openings with hardware cloth to keep rodents out.

Check vents: Make sure all vents, particularly foundation vents, are fitted with durable metal mesh to prevent rodents from sneaking inside.

Systematically blocking entry points creates a barrier that keeps rats out and provides long-term peace of mind.

6. Use aromatic deterrents

Rats are sensitive to strong scents, making fragrant plants and oils a helpful layer of defense – though planting alone won’t solve an infestation.

Plant aromatic herbs: Mint, lavender, and rosemary are smells that rats and mice hate. Garden expert Steve Clark advises, ‘Planting them near entry points like fences, garden beds, or the perimeter of your house can help.’

Use essential oils: For a more concentrated effect, soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and place them in problem areas, refreshing them weekly. Pest control specialist Blair Calder cautions that ‘you will need large quantities of fragrant plants to keep rats out for good,’ so essential oils can serve as a stronger, temporary solution.

The Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray, available on Amazon, is a top-rated best-seller with more than 30,000 glowing reviews.

Combining aromatic plants with other preventative measures helps create a multi-layered approach that makes your yard far less appealing to rats.

7. Encourage natural predators

Harness the power of nature to help keep rats at bay in your yard.

Utilize pets: The presence and scent of cats or dogs can be enough to deter rodents from taking up residence.

Attract birds of prey: Maintain an open, clutter-free yard. Garden expert Steve Clark explains, ‘Keeping grass short also allows predators, like birds of prey, to spot and deter pests more easily.’ You can also place a decoy owl on a high fence post or another strategic location to simulate a natural threat and keep rats on edge.

Integrating natural predators with other preventive measures strengthens your yard’s defenses and makes it far less inviting to rodents.

Keeping your yard rat-free requires a multi-pronged, consistent effort. By eliminating their core needs and maintaining vigilance, you can successfully discourage rodents from settling near your home. If you have a larger rat issue, it's worth calling on the help of a professional, such as Orkin which provides rodent pest control services.

It can be rather unsettling to spot a slithering creature make its away across your lawn, which is why many of us will be keen to deter snakes from the yard. The good news is there's lots you can do to effectively keep them away and make your outdoor space reptile-free.

Although, you may be surprised to learn having snakes in your yard is actually a positive sign of thriving biodiversity. But, this doesn't take away from the fact their presence can be anxiety-inducing, especially if you have children and pets running around. Even if you have some of the best snake-repellent plants growing in your yard, you can strengthen your efforts by keeping your garden neat and tidy, and by removing any food and shelter snakes might seek.

Here, gardening expert Reese Robbins shares his top natural tricks for deterring snakes from the yard, plus some insights on how to know for sure these unwelcome creatures are lingering in your outdoor space.

How to know if you have snakes in your yard

Reese notes there are a few tell-tale signs to determine whether snakes are hanging around your yard:

'Snakes shed their skin several times a year. If you find a papery, crinkly skin caught in mulch, logs, rocks, or behind a planter, that’s a clear indicator one has been nearby recently,' he says.

'In dusty, sandy, or soft soil, snakes may leave behind winding, S-shaped tracks. These aren’t always easy to spot, but gardeners or anyone walking barefoot in soft areas might notice them,' Reese notes.

But, it isn't just the tracks snakes leave behind that tell you they've visited:

'Ironically, if you don’t see rats, mice, or even frogs as much as you used to, you might have a helpful predator in the area. Snakes are excellent pest control agents, and their presence often explains the sudden absence of small nuisances,' Reese explains.

For this reason, you might be more than happy to welcome snakes to help get rid of mice and keep rats away from your yard.

If, however, the idea of serpents roaming around isn't one you enjoy, Reese recommends these methods to deter snakes from your yard.

Natural ways to deter snakes from your yard

Where possible, it's always good to use natural pest control methods. Not only does it offer a kinder approach to remove unwanted visitors from the yard, but it also prevents the use of chemicals that can harm plant life in your garden.

1. Keep your grass short

To deter snakes from your yard, you need to make your outdoor space less appealing to them. This includes removing any possible shelter for them to take up residence in.

'Tall grass gives snakes cover from predators and heat. Short lawns make them feel exposed,' Reese explains.

Keep on top of lawn care to manage the height of your grass and if you live in an area with a high snake population, consider not using ornamental grasses in your yard.

Of course, take care to avoid lawn mower mistakes to maintain a healthy lawn. This includes not mowing too frequently, but just enough to keep your grass short.

You should also use a string trimmer (like this one on Amazon) to keep the edges of your grass neat and remove possible hiding spots for snakes.

2. Keep your yard clutter-free

Tall grass isn't the only thing that provides snakes with somewhere to hide. Debris, piled up tools, boxes, and other clutter also provide some shade and hiding spots for these stealthy creatures.

'Piles of wood, compost, rocks, and even unused flower pots offer cool hiding spots. Reduce debris to make your space less inviting,' Reese says.

Using some plant pot storage can make this a lot easier. For example, this potting shed shelf unit from Amazon allows you to keep everything organized and off the floor. Likewise, you can display your essential gardening tools with this tool organizer from Amazon.

3. Limit water sources

Shelter isn't the only thing bringing snakes to your yard, you can also successfully deter them by taking away essential resources like water.

'Standing water can attract frogs and rodents, both snake food,' explains Reese. 'Fix leaky hoses and avoid leaving out pet bowls,' he advises.

If you do have a garden pond, use methods to stop it standing stagnant. This includes using a submersible pond pump (from Amazon) and limiting the number of pond plants you have, which can often be the cause behind still water in a pond.

And if you do have a leaking garden hose, use our easy guide to fix a garden hose. It might just be that you need some repair connectors (from Amazon).

4. Use natural snake repellents in your yard

Alongside making some changes to your yard to make it less appealing, you can deter snakes from your yard with natural repellents.

'Use strong-smelling substances like clove oil (from Walmart), cinnamon oil, or sulfur-based repellents,' Reese recommends.

Be aware though, 'results can be mixed,' Reese notes. So, it's best to pair these natural repellents with other methods for a stronger approach.

You can also grow some of the best pest-repellent plants that deter snakes, including marigolds (plants from Walmart) and rosemary (plants from Walmart).

5. Seal possible entry points

This doesn't just refer to gaps in garden fences to stop snakes coming into the yard, but you should also be mindful to seal any gaps in sheds and garages where snakes may retreat to.

'Check for holes or cracks in sheds, garages, or under porches where snakes might take shelter,' Reese advises.

You can seal these gaps in a number of ways, depending on what kind of gap it is. For example, if you have a large gap beneath your shed door, try using this weather stripping for doors from Amazon.

It can be a wise idea to regularly check the perimeters of your property for this reason, ensuring no new gaps have emerged for snakes and other pests to sneak through.

FAQs

Do snakes eat plants?

No, snakes do not eat plants and it's very unlikely they will use your garden plants as a food source. Rather, they feed on rodents, insects, and even fish, as they are carnivores. By using methods to keep rodents away from your yard, you can deter snake presence, too.

It can be surprising what it means to have these disconcerting creatures in your yard. Just like snakes being a sign of a healthy ecosystem in your outdoor space, having bats in the yard tends to indicate thriving biodiversity.

Shop other natural snake repellent essentials:

Groundhogs have notoriously big appetites and a penchant for several of our favorite garden flowers.

Despite being very cute, they are one of those vexing garden pests that destroy plants. It's important not to harm them, but simply make your garden a place they won't want to stick around in.

Whilst they eat pretty much all plant material in their wake, there are plants that they cannot abide. Here are five plants that groundhogs will hate and steer well clear of.

1. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

Groundhogs despise catmint. They can't stand its intensely fragrant foliage.

Happily, catmint is very beautiful and looks great when planted in great swathes, so it's an easy plant to incorporate. In terms of where to grow catmint, for this purpose, it is best to plant around the perimeter of flower beds to prevent groundhogs from wandering in.

Catmint is low-maintenance and self-sufficient. While it will slightly depend on the species, most can be grown somewhere from zone 3 to zone 9.

2. Alliums

Groundhogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to detect their next meal. Allium plants, including onions, garlic, and chives, contain high volumes of sulfur compounds that give them a very pungent smell, and this is not to groundhogs' liking one bit.

Our advice is to plant as many allium varieties as you can, and come spring, you will be rewarded with showy, nectar-rich flowers.

Best grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, alliums are best planted from September through to late October.

3. Foxgloves (Digitalis)

Digitalis is probably best known as the original, number one cottage garden staple. Suitable in hardiness zones 3-9, these are easy, fuss-free plants that are a doddle to grow.

Foxgloves are toxic to groundhogs, and this toxicity can be detected by them, making them thoroughly unappealing and dangerous for these critters.

4. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)

A terrific spring-flowering perennial that serves as one of the very best and most beautiful best ground cover plants, Lily of the valley's looks belie her character, since the plants are highly toxic to mammals.

If you have dogs and cats, they just be cautious about planting this, though my dogs tend to leave it well alone as soon as they smell it. This very same behaviours is mimicked in rabbits, deer and groundhogs, for that matter.

Happy in hardiness zones 2-9, this is a super easy grower.

5. French marigolds (Tagetes patula)

If you are having a particular issue with groundhogs and squirrels totally decimating your veg patch, then you simply must grow marigolds in your vegetable garden.

In short, they are one of the best pest-repellent plants you can add to a vegetable garden, and you will only regret not having planted them sooner. They deter aphids, snails, rabbits, groundhogs, squirrels, and deer.

The key to success? Plant marigolds around the edge of your flower or veg beds. Their very intense peppery smell has a profound effect on the sensitive nostrils of a groundhog. They are so easy to grow it's almost miraculous, and they will tolerate pretty much any soil type in zones 2-10.

Shop groundhog deterrents

If groundhogs really are a menace, I would also use cayenne pepper, which you can buy for less when you buy it in bulk, and tap this around you vulnerable plants. You can buy a huge 5lb tub of cayenne pepper at Amazon.

I don't know about you, but recently I have been walking around my home on eggshells, scared an unwelcome critter will run across the floor at any moment. Spider season is in full swing and these disconcerting eight-legged insects are making their presence known in our homes. There's an easy way to deter them, though: growing plants that repel spiders indoors.

While these aren't necessarily the traditional, ornamental indoor plants you may think of, there are plenty of fragrant plants to grow indoors as a method to keep spiders away. These plants have strong fragrances and contain chemicals these pests can't stand, discouraging them from sticking around in your home.

From my experience of adding these plants to my indoor garden, they're effective at repelling a number of other pests, too. Here, I share the top five plants to grow indoors to repel spiders and some tips on how to grow them successfully.

5 plants to grow indoors to repel spiders

If you get the shivers at the sight of insects lingering around your home, you'll be pleased to know these plants to grow indoors to repel spiders also play a role in deterring mosquitoes and other bugs:

1. Rosemary

The best place to start when choosing plants to grow indoors to repel spiders is an indoor herb garden. Rosemary is a top plant to incorporate into your herb garden to keep spiders away.

Rosemary contains essential oils like eucalyptol and camphor, creating a strong scent spiders do not like.

Grow rosemary indoors on your sunniest windowsill (using rosemary seeds from Burpee) and at other entry points to discourage spiders entering your home. Or, you can place fresh sprigs of rosemary around your home – just make sure to harvest rosemary correctly when doing this.

You can find rosemary plants at Walmart. Alternatively, using rosemary essential oil (from Amazon) to do the same job.

2. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another plant to grow indoors to repel spiders. While growing eucalyptus can refer to a wide range of trees for the yard, indoor eucalyptus tends to be more compact varieties, such as 'Silver Dollar' (seedling from Amazon) or 'Baby Blue' (seedling from Amazon).

Eucalyptus is commonly used to keep insects out of the house, thanks to its strong-smelling essential oils. Spiders use sensory hairs on their legs to detect chemical signals, which these oils disrupt and block.

For this reason, many people choose to hang eucalyptus in the shower to keep the bathroom spider-free.

When growing eucalyptus indoors, choose a spot near a sunny window as these plants do best with six to eight hours of direct sun a day. A south-facing window would work well for this.

3. Scented pelargonium

This is another plant to consider growing indoors to keep spiders away. Scented pelargonium, specifically 'Citronella', is an effective bug repellent.

Its citrus smell is known to repel the insects spiders prey on, including mosquitoes. Having pelargonium 'Citronella' (from Amazon) in your home can therefore make it a less desirable location for spiders, as it helps to remove their food source.

The scent is on the foliage of these plants, which can be enhanced by crushing the leaves. You can then sprinkle this in spider-prone areas of your home, just as you would use citronella essential oil (from Amazon).

Scented pelargoniums are tender perennials and suit being grown as houseplants. To encourage blooms, grow citronella in a direct sun position and allow them to dry out between watering to avoid root rot.

4. Chrysanthemum

Alongside the houseplants for fall color, consider growing chrysanthemums indoors this season to deter spiders. Popular for containers in the yard, these fall blooms are known to repel a wide range of insects.

The reason being, chrysanthemums produce the chemical pyrethrin, which is one of the best natural pest control solutions.

Pyrethrins disrupt and attack the nervous systems of insects, including spiders. It can leave them paralyzed and even kill them. Meanwhile, the herbal and earthy scent of mums is pleasant to us humans, making it a perfect option for an indoor plant to make your living room smell nice.

Just like growing mums outdoors, indoor growing requires deadheading chrysanthemums. This will encourage continuous blooms through fall, offering longer spider protection. Use these pruning snips from Amazon to do this.

Find chrysanthemum plants at Walmart.

5. Basil

Another aromatic herb to include in your kitchen windowsill garden to keep spiders out is basil.

In high volumes, basil produces enough of a pungent scent that spiders will avoid. However, a singular basil plant will still make your home less desirable to spiders by deterring the insects they prey on.

This is because basil contains essential oils like linalool and eugenol which mosquitoes, fleas, and flies steer clear of.

When growing basil indoors, remember to keep moisture levels up. It would be a herb gardening mistake to let your basil plant's soil dry out entirely, likely to cause your basil to wilt.

I've had success with making my supermarket basil plant last longer by pruning basil regularly. This encourages bushier growth, improving its use as a pest repellent.

You can purchase basil plants from Walmart, or grow it with these basil seeds from Amazon.

FAQs

Are there any traditional houseplants that repel spiders?

Traditional houseplants (largely ornamental, evergreen tropical plants), are not typically known to repel houseplants. Rather, it is fragrant plants that be grown indoors that are used as spider repellents. Having said that, some traditional houseplants can help to make your home less desirable to spiders, like the best indoor air cleaning plants. However, using fragrant plants with pest-repelling essential oils is the most reliable way to use plants to deter spiders in the home.

Other ways to keep spiders out of the home is by keeping on top of cleaning and even using clove oil as a spider deterrent. Cleaning houseplants leaves regularly will also help ensure these creepy crawlies haven't wandered into your home.

Keeping on top of pest control can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. I've tried and tested a wide range of hacks and tools to keep nuisance critters out of my flower beds, but they don't always prove to provide long-term protection. However, online shoppers have caught my attention with their raving reviews of this Amazon solar ultrasonic animal repellent. They say it's 'simple, effective, and reliable.'

Just when I thought my recent find of a ultrasonic mole repellent was good, this ultrasonic repellent proves to be even better. Not only does it emit sound to deter animals wreaking havoc, it also flashes strobe lighting. The result? Effectively discouraging the presence of deer, racoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and more.

It's rated five stars for its durability, low-maintenance nature, and ability to keep away a wide range of pests that destroy plants. Plus, you get two repellents in the pack, so it's a no-brainer that it's going straight in my shopping basket.

Why Shoppers Are Choosing This Ultrasonic Repellent

This solar ultrasonic animal repellent with strobe lights has a 5-star rating with satisfied shoppers singing its praises:

'This isn’t one of those cheap plastic gadgets. It’s built well, and you can tell it’s meant to be outside long-term. I haven’t had any issues since using it,' one reviewer writes about the durability of the repellent.

Another customer adds: 'I’ve had this through wind, dust, and all kinds of weather - it’s holding up great.'

Not only this, but the combination of strobe lighting and ultrasonic sound is proving to be an effective natural pest control method for a wide range of destructive animals.

'It’s been great at keeping squirrels and deer out of my vegetable patch,' one reviewer notes. '[It] stays on, no matter the weather, and works quietly in the background,' they add.

If you do have a kitchen garden and you're nervous about potential pests helping themselves to your harvest, shoppers say this solar ultrasonic animal repellent is doing a good job at keeping crops safe.

'I placed this near my tomato plants, and no more chewed leaves or knocked-over pots. Works better than I expected, and the build feels solid,' one shopper writes.

Another bonus is that it isn't disruptive to humans, unlike some ultrasonic repellents which emit a constant, repetitive noise:

'It's not noisy, doesn't bother people, and only emits ultrasonic waves when animals come,' says a satisfied customer.

The installation is also easy, with spikes to insert in the ground.

I'm personally struggling to find a downside to this solar ultrasonic animal repellent, especially considering you get two in the pack.

Although, it may be a little bit pricey at $58.99, but undoubtedly an investment worth making if you're struggling to get rid of squirrels or keep deer away from plants.

Of course, you may also find these repellents a little unsightly, as they sit above surface level. However, I plan to hide mine among my planting so it isn't too visible, but will still have sunlight exposure for solar charging.

Pair Your Ultrasonic Animal Repellent with Other Non-Toxic Pest Control Tools

It's always best to combine pest control methods for a more effective approach. For example, if you have specific plants being attacked, try sprinkling spices that deter common garden pests around it.

I'm always amazed by the number of items in my kitchen cupboard that can be used invaluably in the garden. Take cornstarch, for example. Not only can it be used for homemade sauces, but it's also an essential ingredient in plant pest control, storing bulbs, and planting seeds. But, how exactly does this work?

You may already know about the things you clean around the house with cornstarch, but its use extends outdoors, too. It's a great addition to natural pest control methods and is useful when it comes to handling bulbs and seeds. There's no single way to use cornstarch in the garden, but each method is sure to make your gardening jobs a whole lot easier.

Here, I explore three of the best ways to use cornstarch in the garden, with tips on how to make the most of this kitchen ingredient in your yard.

3 ways to use cornstarch in the garden

These ways to use cornstarch in the garden will excite you if you already love to make homemade bug sprays or experiment with non-chemical DIYs, such as using coffee grounds for plants.

1. Use cornstarch to stop pests

If you have a problem with pests that destroy plants, turn to cornstarch to resolve the issue. More specifically, you can use cornstarch to get rid of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, including getting rid of ants.

'You can dust a light layer of cornstarch (from Walmart) on the leaves or soil where ants or beetles are active,' describes pest control expert Ed Dolshun. 'The fine powder clogs their breathing pores and dehydrates them, which is why it works.

'Of course, it is non-toxic, so it won’t harm pets or plants if used sparingly,' Ed adds.

There is a word of warning when doing this, though:

'Don’t overapply cornstarch. A heavy coating can clump when it gets wet, which could be bad for soil health or the plant’s leaves,' Ed warns. 'It can also disrupt beneficial insects if they come into contact with it, so only use it in targeted areas where you know the pest pressure is high.'

To help prevent a build-up of cornstarch, flush the leaves and soil every few days. Simply use a watering can (from Amazon) to do this

2. Use cornstarch to store tubers and bulbs

Another way to use cornstarch in the garden is for storing bulbs and tubers. This is because cornstarch can be used as a drying agent, just like these silica gel packets from Amazon, which can also be used when storing bulbs.

When it comes to overwintering tender bulbs and lifting and storing tubers, they need to be kept somewhere dry. Dusting them in cornstarch will keep moisture out.

It's also a natural fungicide, so it will prevent any mold or fungal diseases from developing, helping to keep bulbs viable while in storage.

Once dusted in cornstarch, it's a good idea to keep your bulbs and tubers in breathable jute bags (like these from Amazon), and in a sheltered, dry location.

3. Use cornstarch for DIY seed tape

This final item on my list of ways to use cornstarch in the garden is a fun project to take on: you can use it as an adhesive for DIY seed tape.

Seed tape (from Amazon) is a tool that helps space seeds evenly when planting. It helps avoid seed sowing mistakes, like planting too close together, later resulting in plant roots not having sufficient room to grow.

Making your own seed tape is a sustainable gardening idea. It consists of using biodegradable paper (from Amazon) and an adhesive to stick seeds to it. You can then plant the tape and it breaks down over time, while the seeds germinate and grow.

Of course, it's ideal to use a biodegradable, non-toxic adhesive to prevent chemicals being infused into your soil. This is where cornstarch comes in.

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a cup of water to make a paste. This gives you your adhesive for the seed tape.

Other ways to space your seeds include using a seed spacer dibber (from Amazon)

FAQs

Can you use cornstarch on houseplants?

Yes, cornstarch can be used on houseplants. It can be added into a mixture with water and soap to create a spray to treat powdery mildew, for example. Or, you can dust some cornstarch on plant leaves to get rid of aphids on houseplants. Just keep in mind not to overuse cornstarch on houseplants. A thick layer can hinder the health of houseplant soil and foliage. Clean houseplant leaves regularly to avoid a build-up.

When reaching for cornstarch in your kitchen cupboard, consider also using some other ingredients in the garden. For example, you can use cayenne pepper to deter squirrels, use eggshells to protect plants from slugs, and use vinegar to kill weeds.

Japanese beetles are one of those pests you might not notice, but you'll certainly spot the destruction they leave behind. Measuring just half an inch long, these shiny little beetles have metallic green bodies and feed on foliage and petals. Not only this, but their larvae feed on plant roots. Finding an effective way to keep them out of your yard is therefore key to protecting your planting.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of and kill Japanese beetles if you do find them in your yard. But, taking precautionary measures is often the most effective way to stop their damage. This includes avoiding the plants that attract Japanese beetles, making your yard less attractive to them.

Just like Japanese beetle-repellent plants, there are also plants they swarm towards. Pest control experts say avoiding growing them in your garden will help lessen the chances of their presence. Here, they share five plants that attract Japanese beetles to add to your banned planting list.

5 plants that attract Japanese beetles

Alongside avoiding these plants, strengthen your Japanese beetle control efforts by growing the best pest-repellent plants, like with these marigold seeds from Amazon.

1. Roses

Japanese beetles are one of the rose pests that can wipe out these romantic blooms. They skeletonize the foliage of roses, leaving behind a lace-like pattern. Not only this, but Japanese beetles can also completely consume the flowers.

'Roses are the most common target I have seen. When the flowers bloom, the scent draws beetles in,' says pest control expert Ed Dolshun.

If you are keen to grow roses as part of a fragrant garden, it's best to opt for some rose companion plants that can ward off Japanese beetles. This includes geraniums (from Nature Hills) and marigolds (seeds from Burpee).

2. Hollyhocks

Another cottage garden plant to avoid if you don't want to attract Japanese beetles is hollyhocks. These tall spikes of charming blooms won't just amaze your guests; they also capture the attention of pests that destroy plants.

'Just like roses, hollyhock flowers produce a sweet-smelling fragrance that is attractive to Japanese beetles,' says pest control expert Morgan Wilson.

'Additionally, the bright colors of the flowers provide a visual cue for the beetles, and the petals are soft and easy to chew,' she adds.

If, however, your hollyhocks have orange spots on their leaves, it is rather a sign of hollyhock rust over pest damage. Inspect foliage and flowers regularly to protect your hollyhocks from pest and disease damage.

3. Japanese maples

For a tree to avoid growing if you don't want to attract Japanese beetles, it's best not to add any of the best varieties of Japanese maples to your yard.

'Japanese maples have soft, veiny leaves that are nutritious to Japanese beetles,' Morgan explains.

It's therefore not uncommon to find your acer trees with skeletonized foliage if Japanese beetles have visited them. While it can strip your acer of healthy foliage, established trees are likely to recover in the long term.

Use tips to revive old Japanese maples to help get your acer to a healthier state. You'll likely need essential pruning tools for this, like these pruning shears from Amazon.

4. Peach trees

The best fruit trees are also at risk of Japanese beetle damage. Peach trees in particular are on the list of plants that attract Japanese beetles.

'Fruit trees such as peach trees provide soft leaves and fruit. It is the perfect set-up for Japanese beetles when you have large trees that can provide a long-term food supply,' Ed Dolshun explains.

So, if you have a kitchen garden, consider having fewer fruit trees; otherwise, you could attract these destructive beetles to take out all of your crops.

Though if you are keen to have a peach tree, or already have an established one in your yard, manage Japanese beetle damage by handpicking them off and using physical barriers, like this fruit tree netting from Amazon.

5. Grape vines

Another fruit crop to avoid growing when trying to keep Japanese beetles away is the grape vine.

The larvae of these beetles will consume grape vine plant roots, and the adults strip the leaves.

In turn, this will affect your plant's ability to grow grapes, as skeletonized leaves will not be able to carry out essential plant processes, like photosynthesis.

You can manage pest damage to grape vines by regularly checking leaves and pruning grape vines to keep them healthy.

FAQs

Which flowering plants are safe from Japanese beetle damage?

Flowering plants that Japanese beetles are less likely to attack include magnolias, chrysanthemums, and larkspur. Generally speaking, plants with tougher foliage are less attractive to Japanese beetles, who favor soft, easy-to-consume leaves and petals.

Other ways to manage Japanese beetles in your yard include encouraging beneficial insects. In particular, ground beetles and parasitic wasps will help manage Japanese beetle populations by feeding on them.

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