Garden Design Choices That Attract (or Repel) Pests

Garden choices that attract pests

• Timber sleepers and retaining walls — termite food. Use concrete, steel or treated alternatives where possible.
• Thick mulch against the house — retains moisture and harbours termites, ants and cockroaches. Keep mulch at least 30cm from the foundation.
• Fruit trees near the house — fallen fruit attracts flies, wasps, rodents and cockroaches.
• Dense ivy or climbing plants on exterior walls — provides pest highways and harbourage.
• Bird feeders — spilled seed attracts rodents and cockroaches.
• Unsealed compost bins — rodent and cockroach magnet.
• Standing water in pot plant saucers, birdbaths or blocked drains — mosquito breeding ground.
• Timber garden edging in contact with the house — termite bridge to the structure.

Garden choices that reduce pests

• Keep a 30cm clear zone around the foundation — no mulch, no plants, no timber. Use gravel or concrete instead.
• Choose plants that repel insects — rosemary, lavender, mint, basil and marigolds are natural insect deterrents.
• Install gravel or pebble paths rather than timber sleepers near the house.
• Use raised garden beds with steel or concrete edging rather than timber.
• Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed — long grass harbours rodents, spiders and ticks.
• Trim all branches at least 30cm from the roof and walls — ants and rodents use branches as bridges.
• Install drainage to prevent water pooling near the foundation.
• Use sealed compost bins or tumblers rather than open heaps.

Plants that help

While no plant will eliminate pests entirely, some can help reduce insect pressure around outdoor entertaining areas. Rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, citronella grass, mint, basil and marigolds all have insect-repellent properties. Plant them near outdoor seating areas, doorways and windows for the best effect. Remember that even pest-repellent plants need to be kept trimmed and away from the house structure.