How Landscaping Can Impact Pest Activity in Myrtle Beach

When it comes to keeping pests out of your home, what’s happening outside can have just as much impact as what’s happening inside. In Myrtle Beach, the warmer temperatures and coastal humidity make the perfect environment for a variety of pests, and your landscaping choices can either attract or repel them. In this post, we’ll explore how some landscaping practices can create opportunities for pests like ants, mosquitoes, and ticks to thrive—and what you can do to prevent it.

How landscaping attracts pests in Myrtle Beach

Landscaping does more than just beautify your yard—it plays a significant role in pest activity. Here’s how certain landscaping features can attract unwanted pests:

• Standing water: Water collects in birdbaths, clogged gutters, or low-lying areas. In Myrtle Beach, mosquitoes are active for a good part of the year and thrive in these stagnant water sources. Drain any standing water, pick up items that collect water, and fill holes to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.
• Overgrown trees and shrubs: Dense foliage around your home provides easy access for pests like ants, which can use the shrubs as a pathway to the structure. Overgrown vegetation also serves as cover for rodents and other pests.
• Excessive mulch: Mulch may look nice, but when it’s too thick, it can trap moisture, creating a welcoming environment for pests. In Myrtle Beach’s humid climate, keep mulch layers thin and ensure they’re not piled against the home’s foundation like in the picture above.
• Ground cover and vines: Ground cover and climbing vines, like ivy, can hide pests such as ticks and fleas close to your home. These pests tend to thrive in cool, moist environments, so trimming back these plants can help keep pests from settling near your property.
• Wood piles: Wood piles stacked close to the house can invite ants, rodents, and other pests looking for shelter. Store firewood away from the home and ensure it is off the ground.

Landscaping tips to deter pests around your home

Here are a few landscaping tips for discouraging pest activity on your Myrtle Beach property:

• Mow your lawn regularly: Keep your grass trimmed to prevent hiding spots for pests like ticks, ants, and fleas. Overgrown lawns provide ideal cover for insects to thrive and can even attract rodents. Regular mowing helps reduce these risks and keeps your yard looking tidy.
• Trim trees and shrubs: Regularly trim trees and shrubs, especially those near the house, to reduce shelter for pests and cut off easy access to your home’s exterior.
• Fix drainage issues: Ensure your yard has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating. Be sure to clean gutters regularly to avoid stagnant water.
• Use pest-repellent plants: Plant pest-repelling species like citronella, lavender, and marigolds around your yard to discourage mosquitoes and other insects naturally.
• Limit mulch around the foundation: Avoid piling mulch against the foundation, or opt for gravel or stone as alternatives for better drainage and fewer places for bugs to hide.
• Store wood away from the home: Keep wood piles at least 20 feet from your house and off the ground to prevent attracting termites.

Effective pest control solutions for Myrtle Beach property owners

Year-round protection for your home

Landscaping alone may not be enough to keep pests at bay. That’s where Harris Pest Control comes in. Our expert team offers comprehensive pest control services to protect your home from the inside out. Routine inspections and pest treatments ensure insects and rodents don’t have the opportunity to get comfortable.

Termite prevention in Myrtle Beach

While termites in Myrtle Beach are subterranean and primarily live in the soil, your landscaping choices can still make your home more vulnerable. Piles of mulch, wood debris, or heavy ground cover close to your foundation create moist, hidden pathways that allow termites to move from the soil to your home without detection. Controlling moisture and keeping organic materials away from your structure are critical steps. For proactive protection, Harris Pest Control offers professional termite control services, including the Sentricon® System to eliminate existing colonies and defend your home year-round. Regular inspections and monitoring are key to stopping termite damage before it starts.

Mosquito treatments in Myrtle Beach

Mosquitoes are a significant nuisance in Myrtle Beach, especially with the humidity. Harris Pest Control offers mosquito treatments to target breeding grounds and reduce populations around your home, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without constant mosquito bites.

Flea and tick control for your yard

Fleas and ticks can affect your family and pets. These pests are more than just annoying—they can transmit diseases and cause discomfort. Harris Pest Control provides comprehensive flea and tick control to keep your yard safe for both pets and people. We offer year-round protection to help you stay pest-free.

Contact Harris Pest Control to maintain a pest-free home & yard

Your landscaping can significantly impact pest activity around your Myrtle Beach home. By making a few strategic adjustments, you can discourage pests from making themselves at home in your yard, or worse, coming inside.

For lasting protection, Harris Pest Control offers expert services that target Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand region, and the Pee Dee area. Let us help you protect your home from pests all year long.