Creating a garden that’s a paradise for birds, bees, and butterflies while being the ultimate defence against unwanted pests can seem like an impossible balance to strike. Often, gardeners find themselves in a tug-of-war between attracting friendly wildlife and fighting off the rodents and insects that may threaten their homes, as well as their gardens. 

Fortunately, this does not have to be a battle! With the right gardening tips and strategies, you can create a garden that is a true natural oasis and, at the same time, keep unwanted visitors away from your living space. Let’s look at these strategies below. 

First Things First: Work With A Specialist 

Each garden is unique – just think about the climate in your area, the specifics of your soil, the wildlife that inhabits your region, and the pests that may be around at certain times of the year! You may not have the same problems as someone else cultivating their garden just a few miles away, which makes online tutorials and guides inefficient at best and misleading at worst!

So, how can you be sure that you are making the right decisions for your garden’s health? A great option is to work with a team of specialists. Be sure to reach out to a landscaping expert to understand how to attract wildlife, and work with a pest control specialist who can help you understand how to get rid of carpenter bees, rodents, and other invasive species. 

Pick Plants That Balance Your Garden

Your choice of plants can play a role in how well balanced your garden is. Some plants can help you naturally control pests and insects that may be invading your garden. Here are some examples:

• Marigolds: Repel nematodes and aphids
• Lavender: Deters moths, fleas, and flies
• Basil: Keeps mosquitoes and flies at bay
• Chrysanthemums: Repel roaches, ants, ticks, and silverfish
• Mint: Discourages ants and mice

If you are looking to protect your crops or vegetable garden, you may also try techniques such as sacrificial planting or companion planting, which involves choosing plants that attract pests and keeping them away from your crops. 

Attract Friendly Predators That Help Control Pests

If you are looking to control pests and plant diseases without chemicals, you have more than one path worth exploring. As seen above, you could try planting species that repel insects and pests. Alternatively, you may try to attract friendly predators, which will naturally get rid of unwanted visitors. Here are some examples:

• Ladybugs: Eat aphids, mites, and scale insects
• Praying mantises: Eat a wide range of insects
• Lacewings: Larvae eat aphids, caterpillars, and other pests
• Birds: Control populations of snails, slugs, and insects
• Bats: Consume thousands of mosquitoes and pests each night 

Use Smart Landscaping To Keep Pests Out

Did you know that 14 million homeowners reported seeing roaches and nearly 15 million had to deal with rodents in the last 12 months? These staggering figures show how important it is to do all in your power to keep pests out. Some strategies include:

• Carry out regular garden checks and look for signs of pest infestations, such as droppings, unusual smells and noises, signs of nestings, and tracks. 
• Use smart landscaping features like nets, enclosures, and fences to keep pests out
• Use wildlife cameras to monitor the life and movements in your garden

Remember: if you are unsure how to best manage your garden, be sure to reach out and seek the assistance of a specialist!