A common misconception is that insects are only a problem during the warm summer months. However, many pests become active during the colder months of the year. Many homeowners are vulnerable to insect infestation during the autumn as colder temperatures drive pests to look for warmer temperatures.
Knowing which pests to keep an eye out for and understanding which plants can help keep pests away from your home is important to limit harm before any significant damage is caused to your property. Autumn pests are gross and annoying, and they can put you and your family in danger because of the germs and bacteria that they carry. Hence, deterring these pests from your home is vital. Here are some pests to keep an eye out for:
1. Termites
Termites are mostly active during the summer. However, a wide variety of subterranean termites also thrive during the autumn and winter months. Termites love moisture, so cold and damp environments become their breeding spots. If your home and garden are surrounded by moss or damp areas, there are higher chances of termite infestation.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are versatile insects that can thrive in a number of environmental conditions. Autumn is no exception; you can expect cockroaches to come straight into your home. Hence, make sure to keep food items properly sealed and clean your home regularly.
3. Rodents
You’ll find mice and rats more prevalent during the winter months. Our homes are an attractive place for them to seek shelter from the cold and find a steady supply of food. Hence, look out for droppings and munched-on food packaging.
4. Moths
Moths adore wool jumpers, grains, sugars, and cereals. They are attracted to any place that holds these household items. They can also be attracted to certain trees and plants. Citrus Leafminer moths can affect your garden’s health, especially during their breathing months as the leaf-hungry larvae are prevalent during this time.
Autumn Plants to Keep Pests Away from Your Home
Is using a store-bought or homemade spray essential to rid your home of pests? The answer is no. Certain plants can repel pests and insects due to their strong scent.
All you need to do is plant them in your not only in your garden during the summer months but around your house in the autumn months to keep insects at bay. Here are some plants that could rid you of all your worries this autumn season:
· Marjoram and Oregano
Marjoram and oregano are plants that will keep pumpkin beetles at bay if planted near cucurbits. They help confuse white cabbage butterflies, keeping them away from your home.
However, this can only happen if they are planted near brassicas. If you grow a hedge around an onion patch, you can prevent onion maggots from destroying your garden.
· Marigolds
Marigolds are usually common flowers planted because of their beautiful color. However, did you know that randomly planted marigolds might keep pests are bay? The scent of marigolds is used to confuse flying insects.
All you have to do is grow them around crops, such as tomatoes, to keep whiteflies and soil nematodes at bay. By growing marigolds among carrots, you can repel carrot flies. If grown between rows of beans, marigolds can put off spider mites and beetles.
· Lavender
Strongly scented lavenders can help protect plants from pests and insects, such as the whitefly. If planted under or near fruit trees, the lavenders can deter codling moth. Planting a hedge around onions will also keep onion maggots away. If lavenders are planted near-native plants, they can repel moths that are known for producing borer larvae.
However, it is important to note that a weed species of lavender exists. This is not the one that must be planted in your garden.
· Garlic
Garlic has the unique ability to put off airborne and soilborne pests. It helps keep beetles, spider mites, and fruit flies away. Moreover, garlic’s smell is so strong that it confuses the carrot fly and white cabbage butterfly.
If you plant garlic amongst raspberry canes, it will help protect them from a number of grubs.
· Basil
Basil is known for its insect repellent properties. This makes it the perfect plant to grow in a vegetable garden.
Basil can repel insects and pests from cabbages, beans, and tomatoes. It also helps protect cucurbits from downy mildew. Growing basil in small pots near doorways can keep flies away from your home.
· Sage
While sage is responsible for attracting bees, it can also repel pests and insects commonly found in the garden. It can also protect onions from onion maggots.
Sage is known for keeping ants at bay, so if grown near doorways, you can prevent big and small ants from entering your home and raiding your kitchen. Laying sprigs of sage on different shelves and entry points can keep mice away from your home.
· Rosemary
Rosemary is great for masking the smell of plants like brassicas. Planting a rosemary hedge around a vegetable garden helps repel pests and insects, including whiteflies and carrot flies.
By adding sprigs of rosemary to your clothes wardrobes, you can also repel moths and silverfish.
· Bittercress
The Bittercress plant is known by different names. This includes Herb Barbara, Rocketcress, Yellow Rocketcress, Winter Rocket, and Wound Rocket. This plant attracts white cabbage butterflies. The butterflies lay their eggs on the cabbage, and when the larvae hatch out, they feed on the leaves. Since the leaves have a high saponin content, the larvae die instantly.
When Bittercress is planted in the garden near cabbages and kale, it prevents nasty caterpillars from feeding on the plants. Bittercress is also edible and can be chopped up for salads. However, the older and more mature the leaves, the more the bitterness of the plant.
Pest Control Services
If you are already dealing with a nasty infestation, do not worry. You can contact pest control services to help get rid of the pest problem in your home.
AntsPlus provides pest control and extermination services in a timely manner to prevent your home from further damage. Have a question or need service in the Central Maine area? Contact us today!