Trees serve as deterrents for a wide variety of pests. After you cut them down, you create an opportunity for pests like carpenter ants, termites, and beetles to invade your property. Learn about the ways you can keep pests away after tree removal.
Remove the Stumps
Stumps left behind after tree removal act as magnets for pests. To prevent infestations, it’s important to have stumps professionally ground down or removed entirely. Immediate stump removal eliminates a major breeding ground for insects.
Excavate the Roots
Along with stump removal, remember to do something about the remaining tree roots. You need to excavate them if you want to keep pests away. Leaving them in place will entice insects like termites, root weevils, and fungus gnats.
Clear the Debris
The tree removal process is messy. Afterwards, your yard is typically full of debris like wood chips, sawdust, and branches, all of which appeal to insects and pests. Once the trees are down, get to work cleaning up your yard to keep out unwanted insects and critters.
Apply Borate-Based Treatments
Use borate-based treatments to deter pests from invading your property. They are a low-toxic way to protect your yard because they target some of the invasive and harmful wood-destroying insects.
Use Natural Oils
If the idea of applying borate-based treatments to your yard does not appeal to you, consider using natural oils. Insects do not like the smell of oils like neem and orange. These oils are safe and will not destroy your vegetation.
Install Termite Bait Stations
Termites are among the most resilient pests that will keep trying to invade your yard after you remove trees. You need to intercept them before they can take over the place and destroy other trees, shrubs, and fragile vegetation. Install termite bait stations to kill off colonies effectively.
Improve Drainage
Tree roots often help absorb water. Once they’re gone, your yard may develop areas of standing water, which attract mosquitoes and other moisture-loving pests. Proper grading or drainage solutions will help prevent this.
Attract Natural Predators
Plant vegetation that will attract natural predators that will keep pests away. Natural predators that help deter pest infestations include ladybugs, frogs, and birds. Some plants that attract this kind of wildlife include marigolds, fennel, sunflowers, ferns, and ground clover.
Avoid Stacking Firewood Near Your Home and Outbuildings
If you plan on using the trees you removed as firewood, avoid placing the logs near your home and outbuildings. Firewood is an ideal place for insects to take shelter, which will enable them to spread to your home and other nearby structures.
Tree removal can leave your yard vulnerable to pest infestations; however, with a few smart steps, you can maintain a healthy and pest-free environment. For professional tree removal and pest prevention strategies in Salem, OR, contact the experts at Altar Tree Service.