When the warm weather returns, flowers begin to grow, which means that you will most likely be getting some new mulch spread somewhere within your landscaping at your home. Mulch not only helps the aesthetics of your yard, but it is also great for controlling weeds and water retention for your plants; however, mulch also provides a home for some bugs that you are going to want to be made aware of. Here, we’ll give you some tips to help ensure that these bugs do not enter your home through your mulch beds.
Commonly-found bugs in mulch
Centipedes
These guys are about 6 inches in length, flat and have a ton of legs.
Millipedes
These bugs have about 100 legs and have hardbacks.
Spiders
Spiders have eight legs and love moist environments such as under a layer of mulch.
Tips to prevent bugs from entering your home through mulch
Distance
Try not to lay mulch against the foundation of your home as this may provide an entry point into your home. Instead, it should be at least 2 feet from the foundation of your home.
Thickness
Another good tip to prevent bugs from entering your home through mulch is to pay attention to the thickness of the mulch. When laying mulch, make sure not to layer it more than 3 inches deep. You do not want it too thick as the mulch may never dry out and be too moist for your plants to thrive, and will be even more attractive to pests. Conversely, you do not want it too thin as it will not be able to do what it is designed to do.
Schedule a free inspection
If you are worried about these bugs mentioned above finding their way into your new mulch this spring and summer, contact Ehrlich Pest Control to request a free inspection and estimate. We have specialists that are more than qualified to handle the types of bugs that will be found in your mulch beds, and can help ensure that they do not enter your home.
