With the warming weather and longer days, many of us are spending more time in our yards and gardens. However, these outdoor spaces can quickly become a hotbed for pests if not properly maintained. Whether it’s mosquitoes, ants, or rodents, these unwanted visitors can ruin your outdoor enjoyment and even pose a risk to your health.
What’s worse, many common outdoor habits can inadvertently attract these pests. By identifying and rectifying these mistakes, you can enjoy your outdoor space pest-free. Here are six outdoor mistakes that are likely drawing pests to your property.
Overgrown Vegetation
Overgrown vegetation is a common sight in many backyards. Whether it’s due to a lack of time or an appreciation for a more natural look, many homeowners neglect to regularly trim their trees and shrubs. This dense vegetation provides an ideal habitat for pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, who thrive in shaded, moist environments.
As the weather gets warmer, these pests become more active and more likely to invade your outdoor spaces. By keeping your vegetation trimmed, you reduce the areas where these pests can hide and breed, making your yard less appealing to them.
Standing Water
Standing water, whether it’s in a birdbath, a forgotten children’s pool, or even a clogged gutter, is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Many people overlook these sources of standing water, either because they’re out of sight or because they add aesthetic value to their garden.
However, as mosquito season approaches, these sources of standing water become a major problem. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so by eliminating these sources, you’re effectively reducing the mosquito population in your yard.
Poorly Sealed Garbage Bins
Garbage bins are a necessity in every home, but many people fail to properly seal them. Whether it’s due to a broken lid, negligence, or a lack of awareness, an unsealed garbage bin is like a buffet for pests. It attracts a wide variety of pests, from flies and ants to larger pests like raccoons and rodents.
As the weather gets hotter, the smell of garbage becomes more potent, attracting more pests. By ensuring that your garbage bins are properly sealed, you can significantly reduce the number of pests in your yard.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property and provide safety during the night. However, many types of outdoor lighting, particularly those with bright white lights, attract insects. Insects are drawn to light, and by having outdoor lights on throughout the night, you’re providing a beacon for them to follow.
As we move into the warmer months, insects become more active. Switching to yellow or warm-colored lights, or installing motion sensor lights, can help reduce the number of insects drawn to your property.
Feeding Wildlife
Feeding wildlife, whether it’s birds, squirrels, or even deer, is a common habit for many homeowners. While it’s enjoyable to watch these creatures, the food left out for them can attract pests. Leftover seeds, nuts, and fruits can draw in insects, rodents, and other unwanted creatures.
As the weather warms, more wildlife becomes active, increasing the chances of attracting pests. By reducing the amount of food left out for wildlife, or by using wildlife feeders that minimize spillage, you can reduce the likelihood of attracting pests.
Unused Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Unused outdoor furniture and equipment are often left out in the yard, either because they’re too heavy to move or because they’re forgotten about. These items can collect water, provide shelter, and offer a breeding ground for a variety of pests.
As the outdoor season begins, these items become a haven for pests. By properly storing unused furniture and equipment, or at least regularly checking and cleaning them, you can prevent them from becoming a pest magnet.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
