If you've spotted winged insects in your backyard and want to know exactly what you're dealing with, finding out the differences between flying ants and winged termites will come in useful.

I've spoken with pest control experts to find out what sets these two creepy crawlies apart and how to remove them from your outdoor space. Termites can be especially detrimental, so it's a smart idea to figure out if that's what you're dealing with or not.

For those wanting to remove flying ants from a backyard and aren't sure if that's actually what you're dealing with, it's time to figure out the differences between these and termites.

The differences in appearance between flying ants and termites

It can be pretty difficult to distinguish these two bugs when they're zooming around your yard, since they're similar sizes and shapes. 

“However, on closer inspection, you'll find that flying ants really are just that — they're ants with wings and that's exactly what they look like,” explains Brett Bennett, pest control expert and director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions. “You'll notice that distinct ant pinched waist and general ant silhouette.”

Meanwhile, termites look completely different, with more of a slender and uniform body. “Termites have straight, beadlike antennae, no constricted waist, and the front and back wings are the same length,” explains Bob Gilbert, pest control expert and board-certified entomologist at Blue Sky Pest Control. 

The differences in damage that flying ants and termites can cause

Now you know how to spot the differences between them, you can then work out how worried you need to be depending on what you have in your yard.

“Termites can cause serious damage to your porch or outdoor wooden structures,” explains Brett.

“While they are critical in the environment to break down cellulose in trees and other plants and turn it into the soil, they can do the same thing to our homes, which is less desirable,” adds Bob. This is why it's a good idea to get rid of termites. 

Thankfully, flying ants are mostly just an annoyance especially if there's food around. “They don't tend to be aggressive and will mostly bite in self-defense,” Brett says.

Bob agrees, adding that while flying ants can get in food or be a nuisance due to high numbers, they won’t damage your home like termites.

How to get rid of flying ants and termites

If you are having problems with either of these in your yard, you can get rid of them quickly and easily with one of the most common household cleaning supplies.

“I recommend keeping a mixture of dish soap and water in a small spray bottle handy since a quick spray on their bodies will quickly dehydrate and kill them,” explains Brett.

I have a bottle of this in my small vegetable garden, which I’ve used while dealing with an aphid vegetable crop infestation. 

I just re-used an old spray bottle, but if you don’t have one, I recommend getting durable glass ones such as the Sally's Organics Store Glass Bottles from Amazon which have over 26,000 five-star reviews from shoppers who love how lightweight and chic they are.

Even though flying ants and termites look similar, they’re very different and can affect your backyard in various ways. 

“Knowing the differences between these will allow you to make smart choices for their control and elimination,” Bob finishes by saying.

If winged insects aren’t the only pests you’re dealing with outside, learning how to repel ticks and how to get rid of mosquitos will also come in useful.

If you've got lots of ants in your backyard, you don't have to resort to nasty chemicals in order to remove them. Instead, try planting greenery that will ward them off instead.

I've asked gardening pros for the ones they recommend adding to your yard, and they're all easy to bring in and maintain. From flowers like luscious lavender to herbs like beautiful basil, there are plenty of options to try.

If you're trying to get rid of ants in your backyard, I recommend getting your gardening gloves on and going for natural solutions such as these.

1. Basil

This herb is a great choice for your backyard, as it will also provide a delicious fragrance as well as repelling ants.

“Basil strongly smells of oils like eugenol, which is a real turn-off for ants and other pests,” explains Matthew Wilson, gardener at Handy Gardeners.

He recommends planting this in rich, well-drained soil with full sun, as well as pinching off flowers to promote leaf growth and retain the repellency of the plant.

2. Mint

Mint is such a brilliant all-rounder, with it not only tasting wonderful in cool drinks but also repelling ants effectively.

“Ants avoid mint due to the barrier of the menthol oils found in the mint herb,” Matthew says. “The fast growth and the spreading form of this herb makes it a relatively good ground cover.”

If you don’t want it to do this, Matthew suggests growing it in containers to keep its growth under check. 

“I also advise regularly harvesting the leaves for use in cooking, which will help the plant stay in good health and in a potent stage of its life cycle,” he adds.

3. Lavender

I have a lavender plant in my backyard where I’m also growing vegetables, so I’m thrilled that not only does it smell good, but it is also working to deter ants from my outdoor space.

Matthew explains, “Lavender, with its key ingredients or oils, such as linalool, produces a fragrance that repels ants while making your yard look good.

“Planting lavender around entry points like patios, decks, and foundations creates a barrier against ants,” adds Sal Musto, gardener and landscaping expert at SalCorp Landscaping & Construction.

Just make sure to prune it regularly even after it blooms, in order to allow it to maintain its form and strong scent.

4. Lemongrass

For those who are trying to repel mosquitos from their backyards as well as ants, lemongrass is worth trying.

“Lemongrass contains citronella, which is a compound with ant-repellent properties. The essential oils from these plants can also be used to make natural ant spray by mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle,” Sal explains.

“Apply the spray around doorways, windowsills, and any cracks or crevices where ants may enter,” he suggests.

If you’re keeping your spray bottle outside, it’s worth finding one made with a durable material such as glass, such as the LiBa Glass Spray Bottles from Walmart which are BPA-free.

5. Rosemary

This is another aromatic herb that can be used to freshen up your backyard and enhance your cooking.

Matthew explains, “Rosemary's aromatic oils — camphor and cineole — repel ants while beautifying the garden itself with a great fragrance.”

He says to plant it in sandy, fast-draining soil in full sun, and to stay on top of pruning in order to keep it bushy and to allow it to release more oils.

Ant repellent essentials

To maximize the effectiveness of these ant-repellant plants, Sal suggests grouping several of them together.

“Adding these natural repellents along with good yard maintenance like removing food sources and sealing any entry points is the best approach to controlling ants,” he finishes by saying.

Dealing with ants up high as well as down low? Learning how to keep ants off your hummingbird feeder may also come in useful.

Knowing ways to keep pests out of your backyard is essential for enjoying your outdoor space and protecting your plants.

From pest-repelling flowers to fencing, our industry experts reveal seven ingenious steps to a pest-free garden. Our seven brilliant methods, products and pro tips will help you avoid those all the creepy crawlies, flying insects and small critters that would otherwise give you the major ick whenever you step outside.

Just as with keeping pests out of your home, a few carefully-conducted steps could be all that stands between you and the enjoyable yard of your dreams. 

1. Yard maintenance

Preventing pest infestations begins with maintaining your yard.

Bryan Clayton, chief executive officer of GreenPal, says, "Keeping your yard clean and tidy is critical when it comes to deterring unwanted intruders. Regular mowing, removing standing water, and decluttering can drastically reduce pest populations. Tall grass and debris are breeding grounds for pests like ticks and mosquitoes."

Store firewood and compost piles away from your home and garden to reduce the risk of pests migrating into your yard. Clean up fallen leaves, branches, and other debris, as these can provide shelter for insects and rodents.

Bryan adds, "By maintaining a well-groomed yard, you eliminate many of the hiding spots and breeding sites for these critters."

2. Natural predators

Encouraging natural predators is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to control pest populations. Birds, frogs, lizards, and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help reduce pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and mosquitoes. 

Bryan Clayton says, "Introducing natural predators into your yard is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to manage pests. 

"For instance, installing a bat house helps control mosquito and moth populations since a single bat can eat thousands of insects each night. Similarly, attracting birds can help reduce the number of crawling insects like ants and ticks."

Create a welcoming environment for these predators by planting native vegetation, providing water sources like birdbaths, and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm them.

3. Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, natural substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It works by dehydrating pests such as ants, slugs, and fleas. 

Bryan says, "Sprinkle this fine powder around your yard, especially near foundations and garden beds. DE works mechanically, not chemically, causing insects like ants, roaches, and fleas to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from their cuticles. It's effective, natural, and safe for use around pets and children."

We recommend the PF Harris Diatomaceous Earth from Walmart has no fillers or additives, which means it meets organic-use standards.

While DE is safe for humans and pets, take care to avoid inhaling the fine dust during application. Be sure to reapply after rain or watering, as DE loses its effectiveness when wet.

4. Natural repellents

Natural repellents can be an effective way to deter pests without harming the environment. Garlic, neem oil, and essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella can repel a variety of pests. 

Bryan recommends Soil Sunrise Natural Cedar Mulch from Target. He says, "Not only does cedar mulch help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but its natural oils also repel many types of insects including ticks and fleas. It’s a great choice for garden paths and around the foundation of your home."

Neem oil — such as the Natria Neem Oil, also from Amazon — is another popular deterrent for pests. James Heartquist, homes expert at Modern Property Solutions, says, "This ready-to-use neem oil spray is organic disease control at its best — a convenient and effective way to tackle pests like aphids and mites without resorting to harsh chemicals. The fact that it's ready-to-use means there's no mixing required, which saves time and ensures the correct concentration is always applied."

Peppermint oil — such as the Essentially KateS Store Peppermint Oil from Amazon — is another popular natural backyard deterrent. James says, "This particular peppermint oil is 100% pure and comes with a detailed user's guide and glass dropper. Peppermint oil is highly effective against ants, spiders, and even rodents due to its strong scent that pests find overwhelming."

Citronella oil torches or candles — such as the Charlton Home Citronella Candles from Wayfair — are great for dealing with mosquitos. Bryan also recommends the Summit Store Mosquito Dunks from Amazon.

He says, "Throw these doughnut-shaped products into standing water and they release a bacterium toxic to mosquito larvae but harmless to other wildlife. It’s perfect for preventing mosquitoes from taking over rain barrels or birdbaths."

Additionally, planting pest-repellent herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary can help keep insects at bay while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Just be careful with mint as it is fast-growing and invasive. We recommend growing it in a pot so you can control the spread.

5. Synthetic repellents

When natural methods are not enough, synthetic repellents can provide an additional layer of protection against pests. 

Products containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin can be effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Apply these repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions, focusing on areas where pests are most active. 

Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, says that three products stand out from the crowd when it comes to backyard pest-repelling.

He says, "Firstly, the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is particularly effective against ants, spiders, fleas, and ticks. To apply, use a lawn spreader to evenly distribute the granules over your yard, then water the area lightly to activate the ingredients. The granules create a protective barrier that kills insects on contact and continues to repel them for up to three months."

Tommy also recommends Critter Ridder Motion-Activated Repellent and Sprinkler as highly effective against raccoons, squirrels, skunks and deer.

He says, "The granules contain a blend of ingredients that irritate animals' sense of smell and taste, deterring them from treated areas. For best results, create a continuous barrier with the granules, reapply after heavy rain to maintain effectiveness, and use alongside other deterrents like fencing or netting."

Finally, Tommy loves the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller, which comes in a range of appealing colors and at an affordable price. He adds, "This clever device creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes, releasing a synthetic version of a natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers."

Be cautious when using synthetic repellents around children, pets, and edible plants, and always opt for the least toxic option available.

6. Flowers

Certain flowers can naturally deter pests while enhancing the beauty of your yard. A double win! Nasturtiums can deter aphids who may well invade your carefully grown vegetable garden (our content editor Eve Smallman tackled aphids successfully with dish soap), beetles, and whiteflies, while chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that repels a wide range of insects.

Marigolds, meanwhile, release a scent that repels mosquitoes, aphids, and nematodes.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, explains, "When it comes to pest-repelling flowers, my favorite are marigolds. They're a great, all-natural solution that adds color to your garden. Their particular scent helps repel anything from wasps, to aphids, to moles! And, at the same time, they are attractive to good pollinators like bees and butterflies, so they can help your garden thrive."

Planting these flowers around the perimeter of your garden or interspersed with other plants can create a colorful, pest-resistant natural barrier.

7. Physical barriers

Fencing or netting can be an effective physical barrier to keep larger pests like deer, rabbits, and raccoons out of your yard. 

Choose a fence or net that is appropriate for the type of pest you are dealing with. For instance, a tall, sturdy fence can deter deer, while a buried mesh fence can prevent burrowing animals like rabbits. 

Tommy says, "These barriers create a physical obstruction that pests cannot easily bypass. For instance, a fence with a buried bottom edge will prevent animals like raccoons and squirrels from digging underneath. The fence should be at least four feet high and buried at least six inches underground to ensure effectiveness. 

"Netting is another excellent option for protecting specific areas like vegetable gardens. It should be secured tightly around garden beds and checked regularly for holes or gaps. 

"By physically blocking access, these barriers are highly effective against raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Regularly inspect the barriers for any damage or gaps that pests could exploit, ensuring that gates and other entry points are securely closed."

The YARDGARD Black Deer Netting from Wayfair is seven feet tall and blocks larger animal intruders getting into your garden. Tommy adds, "Combining physical barriers with other deterrents, such as repellents, can provide comprehensive protection."

Meet our experts

So there you have it — seven ingenious ways to keep pests out of your backyard. Combining natural and synthetic repellents with proper yard maintenance and physical barriers will help create a multi-layered defense against unwanted pests.

Next, check out these nine backyard privacy mistakes to avoid. 

When I spotted little black dots on top of my spring onions, my heart sank. What if they'd grown something awful? But then, I peered closely at them and quickly realized I had aphids on my vegetable crops.

Instead of panicking, I researched effective methods for removing aphids from my backyard and quickly found that it was a low-effort task for my small infestation. I shelved my squeamishness, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work spritzing dish soap, wiping them away with kitchen towel, and re-potting my springy plants.

If you've learned how to identify pests and have found you too have aphids, I've got you covered with everything I learned, as well as tips from gardening pros.

5 ways to get rid of a vegetable crop aphid infestation

When growing vegetables in my small backyard, I was surprised to find aphids making themselves at home. I hadn't heard of them before and went about doing my homework.

“Aphids (Aphidoidea) are small parasitic insects of different colors that may be wingless or winged,” explains Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum.

“These pests feed on the juice of young shoots and secrete a sugary liquid known as honeydew,” she adds.

Anastasia explains they can spread plant viruses, cause galls, and attract ants thanks to the honeydew.

“They are likely the culprits responsible for your plants getting stunted and shriveled, turning yellow, and curling their leaves,” she says.

If this all sounds familiar to you, this advice will come in useful. Where the pros and I have suggested and used particular products, I have rounded up highly-rated picks from trusted retailers to help you start tackling your problem.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

1. Spritz on a mix of dish soap and water

Mixing together dish soap and water was the method that I used to wave goodbye to aphids in my backyard, which I could do as my infestation was thankfully small.

“Deal with aphids by washing them off the plant with a massive flow of water, before treating the plant with aphids with a soapy water spray,” Anastasia suggests. “Take a soft cloth dipped in a detergent, shampoo, or soap solution, then gently pinch the aphids off."

I did this with just plain kitchen towel, but you could use a microfiber cloth, such as the Great Value Microfiber Cleaning Towels from Walmart which are bestsellers and are washable.

From here, simply repeat the procedure several times until all pests disappear. I did this over the course of a couple of days and eventually got rid of aphids on my vegetable crops.

2. Replace the soil and replant

I used the first method to initially remove aphids, but after speaking with the pros, I’ve now switched up the soil in my spring onion plants.

“Aphid larvae live both on the surface of the plant and in the soil, so replanting and soil replacement is key,” says Anastasia.  “Wash the roots with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then wash the flower pot with soap and treat it with copper sulfate."

I don’t have any potassium permanganate, but I’ve now ordered Potassium Permanganate Crystal Reagent Grade from Amazon, after reading shopper reviews saying it’s great quality and is ultra-versatile.

3. Invite in ladybugs

When fighting off pest infestations, you can also consider natural options that are safe for the environment, rather than just getting rid of aphids quickly as I did.

Anastasia explains, “You could also purchase ladybugs or construct shelters like a ladybug house to fight off aphids.”

She says the seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata L.) is commonly used for pest control, but there are other predatory species you can use as well. 

“An average ladybug larva eats 70 aphids a day, consuming about a thousand before it becomes an adult insect,” Anastasia adds. You can order ladybugs online.

I also love the idea of bringing an insect hotel into the backyard to facilitate this. You can either build this yourself with twigs, bricks, and logs or grab one pre-built such as the Lulu Home Wooden Insect House from Amazon that’s made of premium materials and is waterproof. 

4. Maintain your backyard properly

Whether you’ve added vegetable gardens as small backyard ideas like I have or are dealing with a bigger space, good outdoor maintenance is important for getting rid of aphids.

“Ensure you have good garden hygiene like clearing weeds and debris where aphids can hide,” explains Sal Musto, gardening and landscaping expert at SalCorp.

He also suggests fertilizing your plants to keep them healthy, as stressed plants are more susceptible to infestation.

One of my favorite gardening brands is Miracle-Gro, and the Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food from Amazon will help your crops grow bigger and healthier.

5. Remove and treat the leaves

“If your leaves get deformed and sticky or covered with a white coating, it’s a sign of a severe aphid infestation,” Anastasia says. 

In this case, make sure to remove the affected leaves and destroy them by burning them. Anastasia also recommends in this case spraying the plant with insecticides, like the Natria Insecticidal Soap Insect Killer from Amazon that can be used on fruit and vegetables.

I’m grateful that my aphid vegetable garden infestation hasn’t got to this point, but if it does, I’ll update this article and let you know.

To prevent the aphids from coming back, Sal says to continue to monitor your plants and treat any flare-ups quickly. 

“The key is to break the reproduction cycle of the aphids before populations explode. With diligent management, you can get rid of aphids and enjoy an aphid-free backyard,” he finishes by saying.

If aphids aren’t the only pests bugging you in your backyard, learning how to repel ticks will help you lounge outside worry-free.

Getting your hands on plants that repel pests outdoors will allow you to maintain a beautiful backyard space that's bug-free with less chemicals and effort.

I'm gardening in my backyard at the moment and in need of pest tips myself, I asked the pros about the plants they recommend using to scare away any unwanted visitors. Aromatic herbs and flowers such as mint, rosemary, lavender and marigolds are their top picks.

If you've got creepy crawlies in your yard and already learned how to identify pests, I've got you covered with plenty of useful plants to help you repel these bugs.

Pretty and practical plants that repel pests outdoors

Whether you're trying to remove ants from your backyard or are dealing with bigger bugs, these plants are all sure bets for warding them away.

As well as asking gardening and pest control experts for advice, I've also rounded up useful highly-rated picks from trusted retailers throughout including putting together a pest repellent essentials kit.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

1. Marigolds

These have to be the most cheerful plants out there, with their sunshine colors and bountiful blooms. As a bonus, they’re great plants for repelling pests.

“Marigolds produce a scent that repels mosquitoes, aphids, and even nematodes in the soil,” explains Tony O’Neill, gardening expert and founder of Simplify Gardening. “Their vibrant flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which prey on garden pests."

Tony says to plant them in full sun and using well-draining soil, such as the Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix from Amazon which provides feed for up to six months whilst protecting against over and under-watering.

2. Lavender

I absolutely love lavender and I have it in my garden anyway, so I’m pleased that it’s one of the best plants to repel bugs. Bye, bye, nasties!

Tony explains, “Lavender's strong fragrance is effective at deterring mosquitoes, flies, and moths. It's also known for its calming properties and can add a pleasant aroma to your garden.”

You can get pots of it pre-grown, boosting your chances of gardening success. The Premier Plant Solutions Store Lavender from Amazon is the site’s overall pick (it's clever algorithm looks at similar items, assesses reviews, star ratings and popularity before giving it this label) and grows in hardiness zones 5-7.

Make sure to water it sparingly, as it’s drought-tolerant once established. “Then, make sure to prune back in the spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape,” Tony says.

3. Basil

I’ve just started growing basil on my kitchen windowsill, but I’m now convinced that I need to move it outside as it's a good plant for repelling pests, it turns out.

“Basil not only enhances your culinary dishes but also repels flies and mosquitoes,” explains Dalya Harel, pest control expert and founder of Lice Busters. “I think it's best to plant basil in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight."

I have adopted a basil plant from the store and started to grow it. You can do this too, with the Fresh Produce Shenandoah Basil Plant from Walmart which is organic and GMO-free.

She advises pinching off the flowers as they appear to keep the leaves flavorful and aromatic. You can do this while grabbing leaves for your pasta or pizza dishes — Bellissimo!

4. Mint

This fresh herb isn’t just great for putting in cool drinks — it also works brilliantly as a pest-repellent plant, too.

“Mint is a great pest deterrent, especially for ants and mosquitoes,” Dalya says. “I recommend regularly harvesting it, as this prevents the plant from becoming leggy and promotes a bushier growth.”

He notes that it can be invasive, so he advises planting it in pots to control its spread. I have the Better Homes & Gardens Pottery Amy Ceramic Planter from Walmart in my basket, thanks to its fun pattern and handy drainage plug.

5. Chrysanthemums

Also known as ‘mom’ flowers, these pretty flowers will add color to your backyard ideas.

"Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insect repellent that can deter cockroaches, ants, ticks, fleas, and more," Tony explains. Many commercial repellents use a synthetic version of this chemical in their insecticides as pyrethrum is so effective.

Simply place your chrysanthemums in full sun to partial shade, water regularly, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

6. Lemongrass

Zingy and zesty, lemongrass is not just a super home fragrance scent, but is also a super aromatic plant that repels pests.

Tony explains, “Lemongrass contains citronella, which is well-known for repelling mosquitoes. This makes it a great plant to place near an outdoor seating area, so you can dine al fresco without swatting away pests."

If you like this idea but don’t want to plant anything, you could always choose one of the best candles with a citronella scent, as this has lemongrass in it.

For example, I love the look of the Diptyque Citronnelle Lemongrass & Orange Blossom Scented Candle from Nordstrom. Celebs like Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian love this brand and this candle has a vibrant pattern that will add to your outdoor decor.

7. Rosemary

Just like basil, rosemary is a herb worth having in your backyard for many different purposes. 

Tony says, “Rosemary's strong scent can deter mosquitoes, flies, and cabbage moths. It’s also a hardy herb that can be used in cooking.”

Start with a small plant like the American Plant Exchange Live Tuscan Blue Rosemary Plant from Amazon, and nurture it so it becomes a larger plant.

Just be sure not to water it too often and make sure you prune it regularly to help it maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Pest repellent essentials kit

By using these plants that repel pests outdoors, you can keep your backyard looking gorgeous and free from gross, unhelpful bugs.

“In my own gardening area, I've had great success with using marigolds and basil to deter pests naturally, making it a more enjoyable space to work and relax,” Tony finishes by saying.

Dealing with a specific bug? Learning how to repel ticks from your backyard may also be helpful for you.

You'll want to learn how to get rid of ants in your backyard so you can kick back with a cool drink and a snack without an army of ants finding their way into your sandwiches.

Our pest control and lawn experts reveal the five best ways to eradicate ants from your backyard, and the step-by-step process to follow to apply their solutions well.

Get rid of ants trailing around your outdoor space easily and quickly with these simple methods.

The 5 ways to get rid of ants in your backyard

As the weather hots up, you'll want to keep pests out of your home and nixing them from your backyard is a great way to put distance between you and the bugs, which often head indoors during hot or wet weather, looking for food, water, and shelter.

Where our experts have recommended products, we've matched their suggestions with highly-rated products from trusted retailers.

All prices were correct at time of publication.

1. Boiling water and dish soap

A water and soap mix is a non-toxic, cheap, and easy way to get rid of ants in your backyard and prevent them from becoming an ant problem in your kitchen. 

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, says, "If you've ever run over an ants' nest with your lawnmower, you know destroying the mound doesn't result in much beyond very angry ants. Doing this is a great way to get swarmed, especially when dealing with fire ants. Unfortunately, to get rid of an ant nest in your backyard you'll need to resort to some dirtier tactics.

"The easiest of these is to mix three parts boiling water to one part dish soap. Rake the top of the mound away to expose the primary tunnel system, then use a funnel to pour the boiling water mixture right into the heart of the nest."

Classic Dawn EZ Squeeze Dish Soap, available at Walmart, will do the job (and the upside-down bottle makes it that much quicker to use).

2. Borax acid powder

If the soap and boiling water method doesn't quite work for you, Jeremy recommends pouring borax powder (such as Walmarts Duda Energy borp5 Fine Powder Boric Acid, which comes in a resealable bag and works well to get rid of roaches too) into the nest. 

Jeremy adds, "Within 48 hours you should see no more ants."

You can also make boric acid bait traps. Dr Daisy May, veterinarian, says, "Though the powder can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, placing boric acid bait traps in strategic locations is an effective way for the ants to transport the bait back to their colony. Check them frequently and replace them as needed."

Dr Daisy warns that consistency is key. 

"Ants are incredibly persistent," she adds, "so you'll likely need to repeat treatments for a couple of weeks to fully eliminate them. I also advise treating in the evening when ants are most active."

You can make a bait mix by mixing one part borax with three parts powdered sugar and placing it near ant trails where workers will carry it back to colonies. Just make sure to keep children or pets away.

As for the time of the year, it is most effective to get rid of ants in early spring or late winter since this is the time before their reproductive cycle, explains Andy Kolodgie, co-founder of Property Leads. 

Andy says, "The treatments may require application after every two weeks until the issue is resolved. Remember, it is important to keep your yard clean to avoid any possibility of the pests finding food and other things that they can use to build their nests."

We have a rundown of great patio cleaning products from The Home Depot.

3. Baking soda and sugar bait

If you don't have any boric acid, swap it for baking soda instead, which is a common cleaning and cooking ingredient often forgotten in the back of our pantries.

Brett Bennett, director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions says, "Combine baking soda and powdered sugar to create ant bait. Place it inside a small container and place it near their ant trail, and that will kill them pretty effectively."

All you need is a 1:1 ratio of the two ingredients.

4. Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock powder that is non-toxic to pets and children when used properly. Dr Daisy says it works by disrupting the waxy outer layer of ants' exoskeletons with its microscopic particles, which leads to dehydration and ultimately eliminates them.

She says, "Simply sprinkle a light coating along ant trails and nests. I've seen good results reapplying diatomaceous earth every few days until the ants are gone. I've found the most effective approach is using this substance as an initial broad treatment. 

"Then, once that starts to make an impact, follow up by hitting any remaining ant trails directly with a vinegar spray solution and strategic boric acid bait traps. This one-two-three punch has helped me reclaim ant-free spaces time and again.“

I've personally tried this method with ants in my small backyard in the UK and it works brilliantly. You can also use it to get rid of roaches in the kitchen. Try the Garden Safe Insect Killer Diatomaceous Earth available on Amazon, for eliminating ants, mealy bugs on plants, fleas, German cockroaches, beetles, and aphids. Please note this will not work on carpenter ants.

5. Vinegar

Besides using vinegar to clean, you can make a pungent solution to ward off ants. 

Dr Daisy says, "Ants really dislike the smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Saturate areas where you see ants entering your yard. Reapply after it rains. As a veterinarian, I appreciate this is a very pet-friendly way to create an ant barrier."

We recommend having a stash of white cleaning vinegar at home as it's such a useful item to have. Ants also hate the smell of citrus so you can throw some peels in your mix (just one way to clean with citrus peels) to double up the potency.

If you need something more powerful, gardening pros also love the Cutter backyard bug spray.

Meet the experts

Now you've sorted the creeping ants on the ground, learn about getting rid of flying ants, which are known to exit their nests and swarm around homes and backyards on hot and humid days.

Pouring boiling water over weeds — does it actually work? You've probably read about this weed-killing hack or heard from someone that it's a good way to tackle weeds when you don't want to resort to store-bought weed killers. 

But is this an effective way to get rid of weeds in your garden? We've asked gardening experts to explain whether this is the case, as well as finding out other solutions.

While the best weed killer is guaranteed to eradicate weeds in your yard, it can be a bit too effective, harming the ecosystem in the process. This is why you may be searching for a natural solution, such as boiling water.

Pouring boiling water over weeds

If you're looking for ways to kill weeds in your lawn, this will be useful to know. 

The idea is that pouring boiling water over weeds will instantly kill them, eliminating the need for time-consuming weed pulling. 

It is true that the effect of boiling water on a plant is dramatic, as you will see it wilt instantly. But spoiler alert: this won't kill the plant.

Our gardeners have suggested useful products that will work better throughout, which we have shopped wherever possible.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

Can boiling water kill weeds?

While pouring water on weeds can kill the pesky, unaesthetic tops of weeds initially, this isn’t a great long-term solution. 

“The main reason boiling water fails as a weed killer is that it cannot get to the entire root system of most weeds,” explains Robert Silver, gardening expert and CEO of Pro Gardening.

He says this is because weed roots can extend far sideways and deep into the soil —  much farther than surface water can reach. Many common weeds, like dandelions and plantain, have thick, fleshy roots, which go down six inches or more. 

Robert continues, “Boiling water can kill the tops, but because soil insulates the roots, this allows them to regrow.”

Because of this, he recommends not bothering carrying your best electric kettle or pots of boiling water into your backyard.

Why is pouring boiling water over weeds bad?

As well as this being an inefficient method, it can also harm all the beautiful plants and flowers you want to preserve.

“Since weeds tend to be near other plants, this method ends up often not being worth it, because it’s difficult to accomplish without damaging the plants you want to keep,” explains Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of LawnLove.

This is why you should steer clear of pouring boiling water over weeds, and instead go for more targeted methods.

What to do instead of pouring boiling water over weeds

Instead of wasting your time with hot water, there are plenty of natural weed killing methods you can use to get rid of them. These are Robert’s top tips:

• Hand pulling: Get as much of the root system as possible, especially after rain when the soil is looser.
• Hoeing and tilling: Slice off weeds below the soil on a hot, dry day. This can discourage many from re-growing.
• Mulching: A thick mulch layer blocks all light and air from germinating weed seeds.
• Horticultural vinegar products: A great natural method is killing weeds with vinegar. These should be 20% acetic acid or higher to kill existing weeds. For example, the Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed on Amazon has over 8,000 five-star reviews.

What to buy to kill weeds

If you want to make your life super easy and grab everything you need to remove weeds in one fell-swoop, we've got you covered with a range of helpful products.

Making sure not to pour boiling water over weeds and instead use manual labor and natural products will ensure you can get rid of them without using any nasty chemicals.

Once you’ve removed weeds, you can then move on to learning how to properly mow a lawn, so your backyard looks truly green and gorgeous.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, squirrels are some of the cutest wild visitors to our backyards. However, if you're wondering how to stop squirrels from digging up bulbs then it might be that they are crossing a bit of a line and are now very much getting on your nerves.

From eating homegrown fruit crops to stealing food from bird feeders, they can be a real pest. And as well as finding local squirrels eating pumpkins, digging up our lovingly-planted flower bulbs, undoing all our hard work and ruining our spring displays, is the next biggest crime they tend to commit. 

Why do they do it? It is usually either because they think freshly dug soil means another squirrel has left a stash of nuts or food there; or because they’re looking for somewhere to hide their own supplies (and soft soil or compost where bulbs have recently been planted makes the job much easier). It’s understandable, and actually quite clever, but it doesn’t make us gardeners any happier about it!

So, how do you protect your bulbs and stop them from becoming squirrel food? We asked botanist, gardener and allotment expert Dr Chris Wood.

1. Use chicken wire and soft prickle strips

The best way to deter squirrels? Wood firstly recommends using chicken wire. 

‘Squirrels hate the feeling of metal on their teeth, and while they can’t get past it, bulb shoots can grow through it, making it the ideal barrier,’ he explains. ‘Once you’ve planted your bulbs in the ground and covered them up, lay a piece of chicken wire over the area. You can cover this in a thin layer of soil, or mulch such as wood chippings and leave it there until after your bulbs have flowered in the spring; or you can simply lay it on top of the soil, holding it in place at the sides with something like tent pegs or rocks, removing it once your bulbs start to poke through. If you’re planting in pots, the method is much the same – just make a ‘lid’ for your pots with chicken wire, and shape it or tie it with wire around the outside to hold it.’

Wood also says that prickle strips with rubber spikes are good options. Plus, they will double up if you're getting rid of pigeons in your outdoor space or stopping cats from doing their business where you don't want them to! This prickle strip on Amazon comes with metal pegs to hold it in place.

2. Plant bulbs further down

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make when planting bulbs? Not placing them deep enough in the soil. Most squirrels will only dig down an inch or two before giving up, says gardening expert Sam Marlow, from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk. ‘So, make sure to plant the bulbs at an appropriate depth, of around six to eight inches, as this will help stop squirrels from digging for them.’

To make the job easier, you could try using a bulb planter. The ProPlugger 5-in-1 is Amazon's top choice and lets you plant bulbs deep while standing.

3. Feed the squirrels

Believe it or not, it’s possible to discourage squirrels from eating your bulbs by encouraging them to eat something else entirely. ‘During the autumn, squirrels will be looking for more food sources to help them fatten up for the cold months ahead and to stock up on food reserves for the winter,’ explains Eric Michels, from CJ Wildlife. ‘So, one of the best ways to deter them from pilfering your spring bulbs is to provide a plentiful supply of alternative food so that they aren’t tempted to go digging in your beds and borders. If they have their own food in an easily accessible squirrel feeder, they are much less likely to steal from elsewhere in your garden!’ 

Squirrels prefer to sit while they feed, so Eric recommends opting for a feeder with a platform for perching, and an easy-access lid, such as the Vivara squirrel feeder or the National Trust Green Metal squirrel feeder. ‘Simply fill the feeder with special squirrel food like CJ Wildlife’s Squirrel Blend to ensure they have a balanced and nutritional diet. All the squirrel has to do is learn to lift the lid and take food as required. Just be patient and give them a chance – it will keep both squirrels and humans entertained as they work it out!’ says Eric.

4. Make digging hard work 

Squirrels are surprisingly lazy when it comes to digging. Make the job harder for them, and they’re more likely to give up long before they reach your prized bulbs. ‘Try disguising the area where you’ve planted bulbs with leaves or wood chippings, so the freshly dug soil is less visible,’ suggests Dr Wood. ‘You can also scatter crushed oyster shells or whelk shells, gravel or crushed stones on the soil to deter them.’ 

Some experts recommend using strong-smelling substances such as coffee grounds, garlic powder, black pepper and cinnamon (or spray containing some of these ingredients) around the bulb-planting site to put squirrels off, however heavy rainfall will often wash this away, so you’ll need to reapply it regularly. Cayenne pepper is also often suggested, however it can irritate squirrels’ eyes if they get it on their paws and rub their faces, so is probably best avoided.

5. Mix up your floral display 

Like humans, squirrels have their favorite foods, and when it comes to bulbs, tulips and crocuses are top of their wishlist. Squirrels actually avoid others such as daffodils bulbs and alliums because they dislike the strong smell; and hyacinths, muscari (grape hyacinths) and snowdrops because they are toxic to them if eaten. ‘So, to discourage squirrels from digging up your tulips and crocuses, try planting these less favorable bulbs in amongst them to deter them,’ suggests Dr Wood. 

A similar idea is to use ‘companion planting,’ whereby you plant garlic, leeks, onions, nasturtiums, mint or marigolds around the area where you’ve planted your bulbs. These also have strong smells that squirrels can’t stand, and should hopefully mean the furry critters stay well away.

If you need to know how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders, we hear you. As much as we love bees and understand their crucial importance to our world, seeing them swarm around your hummingbird feeder can be a bit annoying, if not quite dangerous. After all, your reason for installing a hummingbird feeder in the first place was to watch hummingbirds not bees. What's to be done?

The best news is that getting bees out of your yard and away from hummingbird feeders doesn't have to interfere with your plans to create a bee-friendly garden. All of the expert-led tips in this article are kind to bees and don't involve harming them in any way. In fact, some of the tips are designed to make your yard or garden even more bee-friendly than before. 

How to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders

Who is better positioned to give tips for keeping bees away from hummingbird feeders than a natural pest control expert? Zack DeAngelis is the creator of Pest Pointers and has many years of experience dealing with bees in hummingbird feeders. Here are his top tips for keeping them away. 

1. Use a feeder that has built-in bee guards

De Angelis names this as his 'favorite tip to keep bees out of hummingbird feeders' because it's so simple and effective. Bee guard hummingbird feeders can be bought on Amazon for $15-20 and really work. De Angelis explains how: 'The guards protrude outwards so that only the hummingbird can easily access the nectar. The trick to actually making these types of feeders successful at keeping bees away is by constantly cleaning feeders for any nectar that may spill out while hummingbirds are feeding. 

'I really like the Perky Pet feeder and it's what we have my grandmother use. The only downside is that it has yellow feeding tips but that can be mitigated by keeping the feeder clean.' 

2. Try putting an onion bag over the feeder

Mesh onion bags are accidentally one of the best solutions for keeping bees away from hummingbird feeders. Firstly, they happen to be exactly the right shape to cover a feeder. Secondly, their color will help keep bees away. De Angelis advises that 'bees are attracted to the color yellow, where most hummingbird feeders are red with yellow feeding tips that resemble flowers (we wonder why bees are attracted to these!) 

'A quick solution to this is to place part of an old meshed onion bag over the top of the feeder. This will help deter bees, and still make sure that hummingbirds can get their beak on the inside. Try to aim for a dark-colored onion bag to avoid resembling bright, floral colors that bees like.'

3. Dilute the nectar

'Look to dilute your hummingbird nectar by 25%-50% of its current concentration. Make sure to monitor that hummingbirds are still enjoying the feeder, but this will help make the mixture a bit less attractive to bees. I don't like moving the feeder as it won't be in your preferred spot. Rather, keep the feeder clean, use a bee-proof designed feeder, and dilute the concentration by up to 50%. Simple as that!'

4. Add a bee moat

You can also try the bee moat metod instead of buying a bee-guard hummingbird feeder. Charles van Rees, Conservation Scientist and blogger at Gulo in Nature, explains that 'adding a bee-moat, a tray of water that adds some distance between the nectar source and any airborne suitors may also prove effective since bees can't swim. I use one of these for my feeder; I have to fill it up again every couple of days but it seems to work well.'

5. Keep feeders clean

This is an essential step toward keeping bees away from your hummingbird feeder. 'Not only does this protect the health of your hummingbirds, but it will prevent sugar from building up on the surfaces of the feeder, which will attract bees in the first place.' 

Avoid excess sugar collecting on the outside of the feeder during filling, 'and check carefully for leaks', van Rees says. 'Using too much sugar in your hummingbird food can also cause extra sugar to collect outside of the feeder.'

6. Provide alternative food sources for bees

Adding bee-friendly garden plants to your yard will go a long way toward deterring them from your hummingbird feeders. Van Rees recommends planting 'bee-magnet flowers like various mints, lavender, coneflower, sunflowers, and catnip', as well as providing water sources for the bees such as 'muddy puddles or birdbaths and placing those features strategically in your garden.'

Plus, the likes of mint, lavender and catnip are natural mosquito deterrent plants also.

7. Try moving your hummingbird feeder around

Van Rees only recommends this method 'as a last resort' since it's a lot of work, but you can try moving your hummingbird feeder around your yard frequently. The reason this works is that 'bees take time to re-orient to new nectar sources, and they have to show their hive-mates where they are. This makes them slower at taking advantage when the feeder moves, while the hummingbirds should find it quickly.'

This method is more effective in larger yards, as ideally, you should move the hummingbird at least 10 feet away from its previous location each time. 

What is the most effective way to deter bees from hummingbird feeders?

It's the bee-guard hummingbird feeder. Van Rees explains that this method essentially mimics what flowers do in nature in order to attract the right kind of pollinator: 'In Central, South, and North America, where you can find hummingbirds,
there are flowers that feed hummingbird pollinators and have to exclude
bees. They typically do this by making the openings to access the nectar
too slender for fatter bees.' This is exactly what bee guards on feeders do. Simple, cheap, and effective.

Will bees leave my yard if I deter them from hummingbird feeders?

They won't if you provide plenty of other sources of food for them. This is best done by enhancing your planting scheme. You can start with wildflower seeds or perennials like lavender to make your yard more attractive to bees without them needing to go for the hummingbird feeder. 

Wondering how to get rid of earwigs? You've probably spotted them crawl out of a crevice, or seen the damage they've done to your backyard blooms.

Either way, these reddish-brown bugs make our skin (and ears) feel all itchy, so here's how to serve them their eviction notice with our advice on how to get rid of earwigs in your house.

When identifying these pests, you'll immediately notice their hard, long body with their trademark claw-like pincers. Typically, earwigs don't 'bite', so to speak, but may pinch at your finger as a defensive action to protect themselves from predators (and you). And, while you've probably not been so close to spot this detail, earwigs have skin wings. But we'll stop going into graphic detail before you barf.

Because of their nocturnal nature, you're likely to spot them in the evening and at night. But if you're partial to sitting outside in the morning to enjoy a cup of java, you may have seen the damage they can do to your flowers. They do have a particular fondness for Dahlias, chrysanthemums and clemantis, so it's common to see chomped petals, frayed foliage and other signs of foul play.

For cost's sake (and so you don't accidentally kill any helpful insects), we've put together a plethora of pest-control techniques, plus why you should consider letting them be. We've taken the nature-friendly middle ground which looks at the benefits of having a biodiverse backyard, while getting rid of these long-bodied invertibrae.

1. Cover plants in petroleum jelly

What's vaseline got to do with earwigs, you might think? Well, while it doesn't kill the critters, it does deter them from eating your plants. This mineral-based wax is a super affordable and versatile product for not only healing wounds and dry lips but also creating a slippery surface to stop earwigs in their tracks.

Similarly, if you want to know how to stop squirrels from eating pumpkins this soft paraffin, petrolatum product will put an end to it all.

2. Sprinkle borax, with caution

Chances are if you've tried your hand at some sort of stain removal or laundry hack, you've got borax in the house. If you're trying to get rid of earwigs, you'll need to use sodium tetraborate sparingly, and make sure the kids or your furry friends don't ingest the stuff.

This substance is good for any awkward areas like baseboards and any closed-off or hard-to-monitor areas like under the fridge / sofa or the top of kitchen cupboards. You can use your handheld vacuum for a hands-free way to retrieve any dead bodies.

3. Create a DIY soy sauce / oil pit trap

Hands up who enjoys dunking gyoza into soy sauce? Maybe an stir-fry is more your thing. But it turns out earwigs enjoy the umami ingredient too. So, exploit this piece of info, and set up a bait-based trap they can't resist.

'If you're using this trap in your garden, place it in an area where you've noticed damage to the plants caused by earwigs.' advises Nick Greenwood, owner of Trap Anything blog.

'By burring it level with the ground it makes it easy for the earwigs to find it. They will be drawn in by the smell of the soy sauce and the oil will prevent them from being able to crawl out of the trap and they will drown. Since earwigs are nocturnal, make sure you leave the trap out overnight for best results. You can let the trap sit for a few days, then just dump out the earwigs and add some fresh oil and soy sauce.'

How to:

1. Combine a 50:50 ratio of vegetable oil and soy sauce in a small vessel with a lid.
2. Punch holes around the top of the container and replace the lid, then bury it so the holes are level with the ground.
3. The pests will be attracted to the salty condiment and the oil will stop them from escaping.

4. Create a DIY newspaper trap

Not keen on killing the critters? Well, this method is a little more vegan-friendly and works by keeping earwigs contained, then transporting them away from your home.

Put simply, you'll need to lightly wet a newspaper (so it's damp, not soggy). Then roll it into a tube. The key thing here is not to make the shape too tight, otherwise the earwigs won't be able to enter your tabloid-based trap.

Naturally, earwigs love damp spots, so they'll be attracted to this moist confine. After a day or so, dispose of the rolled paper. You might want to schedule this with trash day so they aren't laying eggs in your trash can.

6. Kill them with rubbing alcohol

While we're all for using the best cleaning products and insecticides, they can be expensive (and not great if you have a young family or own a pet).

If you want to target the critters cheaply, try making a DIY insect killer. All you need to do is combine one part rubbing alcohol with 10 parts water, in a spray bottle. Then squirt the suckers with the solution.

7. Ditch them with diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth might sound like something you'd meddle with in a science class, but fear not, it's a natural crumbly fossilized algae that has earwig-eroding properties (to put it nicely).

Apply the white powder around plants that earwigs like to eat, or brush a fine layer directly on stems and leaves. Inside the house, you can use a small sieve to dust it around areas you've spotted the bugs surface.

8. Leave them alone

If you're trying to get rid of aphids, you might want to leave earwigs be. Naturally, these green pests form part of an earwig's diet so let it might be best to let nature take its course if aphids are attacking your roses or fruit trees.

Both pests can cause chaos in the garden, so you'll need to weigh up your plant priorities and work out any necessary evils. In the meantime, you can monitor earwig numbers and manually displace them (in a similar fashion to the newspaper hack), with this planter-based ploy that comes courtesy of the Royal Horticultural Society.

They say: 'Trap earwigs by placing upturned flower pots loosely stuffed with hay or straw on canes among plants being attacked (This can also provide useful shelter when encouraging earwigs in fruit trees).'

'Every morning shake out the pots and remove the earwigs (Do not do this if encouraging earwigs in fruit trees). This may not protect plants when earwigs are abundant, but it is a useful means of monitoring their numbers.'

If you've spotted silvery slime trails, you'll want to know how to get rid of slugs ASAP. Unfortunately, these gross gastropods are a permanent fixture of temperate climates that get lots of rain and they can do some serious damage to your plants. Their favorite thing to eat is tender leaves, shoots, and seedlings, and they are very fond of lettuce and other green crops you're sure to be growing in your vegetable garden.

How to get rid of slugs effectively

Fear not, for those into non-toxic pest control, there are plenty of ways to get rid of slugs in your yard naturally and, if you're unfortunately seeing them creep into your home, you can tackle that too.

For those of you with furry friends, the good news is that you won't have to lay down anything that's poisonous to animals. These non-toxic deterrents will make away with mollusks for good.

1. Firstly, stay away from slug pellets

If you're a fan of Gardener's World, you know that Monty Don warns against using slug pellets or anything chemical when getting rid of slugs. Not only are these more expensive than many of our other deterrents – you could fatally harm other wildlife too.

2. DIY a beer trap

This probably won't get rid of all the slugs in your garden, but it will certainly trap a lot of them, and a bath of beer surely isn't the worst way to go, right? Choose a bowl that's shallow enough for a slug to easily crawl up, but deep enough for it to drown in. Fill it up with beer. Slugs are attracted to the smell of beer, so at least some of them will drown in it.

Don't go using your best craft brew as a bug-busting deterrent! Land slugs aren't fussy when it comes to this grain-derived booze, so something cheap and cheerful like Corona Extra on Amazon will do (no need for lime). 

3. Plant slug-repelling plants

There are some plants slugs absolutely loathe and won't go near. Try growing lavender and lots of other herbaceous perennials, including rosemary in your herb garden. If you haven't got a garden center or nursery nearby, or lack green fingers, you'll be pleased to know that you can buy small potted shrubs online.

What's more, lavender and rosemary are two plants that repel mosquitoes, so you'll be killing two birds (or should that be pests) with one stone.

4. Water plants in the morning

Plants that are soaking wet overnight are a slug's favorite meal. Always water your plants from below, and in the morning, so that they're dry by nighttime. Generally speaking, it's one of our rules when it comes to watering plants, whether you're trying to get rid of slugs or not.

5. Make your home more unappealing 

Slugs do occasionally find their way into homes. If slugs are appearing in your kitchen, they're probably attracted by the smell of food, especially any pet food that's been left out.

There are two simple steps to getting rid of slugs that are finding their way inside: seal off entry points with silicone sealant or foam, and by keeping your kitchen clean, and remembering to remove pet food overnight.

If your furry friend does like a midnight snack, you can get an automatic pet feeder on Amazon which does mitigate large quantities of food being left out at night time.

6. Create a fruity trap

Enjoy this tart citrus fruit? Then you're in for a treat. Once you've enjoyed your yellow or pink grapefruit, then place a couple of hollowed halves upside down on the ground, making sure there is enough clearance for a slug to enter. The peel provides slugs with food, and a damp environment to hide. Leave overnight and dispose of any slugs caught in the morning.

Allow the circle of life to take place by popping it on your garden table, and letting the garden birds feast.

Don't like grapefruit? Try using orange or melon peel instead.

7. Encourage natural predators to prey on slugs

Letting nature do its thing is often the best way with pests. Hedgehogs, birds beetles, frogs, and toads all love a slug or two, so find ways to make your backyard feel more inviting to them.

There are a ton of creative ways to make it a hospitable environment for your carnivorous helpers. You can build a garden pond, DIY a hedgehog house, or buy a bird feeder for cheap on Amazon.

8. Grab some seaweed (or salt)

No, not the fried cabbage you grab from your Chinese takeout – real seaweed. Thankfully if you don't live by the coast you can find it on Amazon in powder form. If you've ever tasted kelp you'll know how salty it is. And, most of us have seen a slug shrivel up on contact with regular table or sea salt...

9. Nuke them with nematodes

Possibly the grossest idea we've got... But hear us out, because it's super effective. Nematodes are a type of parasite that eat slugs, they can also be a problem when growing zucchini. But they have their pros. Also known as eelworms, roundworms, or Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, nematode organisms can eradicate the slimy suckers.

Thankfully you can simply buy a box of beneficial nematodes from NaturesGoodGuys on Amazon. And, the greatest news is that this particular product will help you to get rid of gnats and 200 other species of soil-dwelling and wood-boring insects.

10. Create barriers and protect planters 

When deterring flies, we might guard our food with a mesh cover, so it makes sense to invest in an outdoor equivalent for your plants, like a cloche. These domes essentially act as a barricade between slugs and precious plants.

'Cloches and copper rings provide a barrier against slugs for young plants.' explains Andrew Salisbury, senior entomologist, RHS Garden Wisley

'Mulches such as fresh soot, sharp sand, gravel, and products made from mineral granules, crushed shells, or wool all deter gastropod movement across the soil. The barriers are made of substances that slugs are less likely to cross.'

'Barriers need to surround susceptible plants completely and mulches must be replenished regularly, such as after heavy rain. Reports that coffee grounds in gardening are a suitable barrier are unsubstantiated and based on a misinterpretation of research that investigated the chemical caffeine as a control and not coffee grounds.'

If container gardening is more your thing, copper tape, pot feet and gravel trays are Salisbury's go-to's. Here's what he has to say about the various types of methods on the market.

Copper tape: 'Copper-based barriers will give the best results; copper has an irritating and repellent effect on slugs. It does not kill them, however, and will not reduce their numbers. Keep the barriers free of debris and ensure they completely encircle the container.'

Pot feet: 'Lift containers off the ground to reduce points of access for slugs. Copper pot feet act as an extra deterrent.'

Gravel trays: 'Sit pots on drainage trays filled with a good layer of sharp gravel to act like a barrier mulch.'

What kills slugs naturally?

'A pathogenic nematode specific to molluscs, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (sold as Nemaslug) can help control slugs biologically. These microscopic wormlike creatures enter a slug’s body (below) and release bacteria that kill it,' explains Salisbury.

When soil temperatures are 5–20°C (41–68°F), you water the nematodes into the soil. They require damp conditions and you should keep the soil moist for a week after application.' You can find similar products available at Amazon and Nemaslug is available by mail order and from some garden centres.

'Since it is a living animal, it should be applied directly after purchase. The slug population can be reduced for at least six weeks. Nematodes work best in light soils and may give disappointing results in heavy clay.'

Need to know how to keep rabbits out of the garden? Rabbits undoubtedly are cute, but they become a bit less cute when they've destroyed your kitchen garden and pooped all over the lawn. If you are being visited by large numbers of these fluffy creatures – that aren't your pets – you may want to start thinking about appropriate and humane deterrent methods.

Aside from getting out your best lawn mower to keep your turf trimmed (so that rabbits don't get so tempted) and leaving less for these furballs to graze on, there are thankfully a couple of other humane methods to deter these lovely creatures. No need to compromise on your backyard ideas, just be clever with how you tackle the problem, with help from backyard maintenance and gardening experts. 

How to kindly keep rabbits out of a garden

Before you go on a campaign to keep rabbits out of your garden space, you may pause to think about how much their presence really bothers you. As Kyle Tobin, the owner of LawnSavers, points out, 'rabbits are wonderful creatures who are gentle, cute, and don’t do a ton of damage, so there’s no immediate need to keep rabbits off your yard. Now, if you have a garden, they could potentially steal some of the food, so that might be an issue', but other than that, rabbits won't do much damage to your property. 

If you dislike finding their poop on your lawn or simply aren't keen to have them in your garden, you can limit their presence, humanely, by following a few simple steps.

1. Fence off your garden or yard

Melody Estes, a Landscape Design Gardening Supervisor from Maine and a consultant at The Project Girl recommends building a fence: 'First, you'll need to fence your garden or yard off from the rest of your property. You can use chicken wire or galvanized metal fencing (this will keep rabbits out), but make sure that it's at least three feet high so that they can't jump over it.' Chicken wire can be bought on Amazon.

2. Sprinkle cayenne pepper along the perimeter 

This is a cheap and effective way to keep rabbits out of your yard - you probably already have it in your pantry. According to Estes, 'rabbits hate cayenne pepper! The scent of cayenne pepper will repel them from coming back into the area again once they've tasted it once and found it unpleasant.'

3. Install motion-activated sprinklers 

Investing in motion sensor sprinklers is well worth it, especially if your yard is frequented by more than one type of inquisitive animal. Sprinklers are an effective repellent for skunks and raccoons - and they can work for rabbits too. Estes points out that there is a caveat: ' This method is not as effective as using cayenne pepper or fencing because it will only work if the rabbit happens to be near one of these sprinklers when they go off - and they may not come near them at all.'

4. Get a cat or a dog

If you have a pet, you may be in luck - they will help keep rabbits out of your yard. Douglas Dedrick is a landscaper with over a decade of experience and the founder of Natural Landscape Designs. He says: 'Most animals smell dogs and run in fear and won't come into a dog's territory.' With that said, we've not seen this method to be 100 percent effective. Rabbits can still get into your yard when your pets are in for the night.

5. Plant rabbit-repelling plants

Rabbits like having a nibble at your vegetables, but they don't like all plants, disliking the taste and even smell of some of them. Jason White, the CEO of All About Gardening, recommends planting 'items that have strong scents which rabbits have a natural distaste for. Plant basil, garlic, onion, geranium, and rhubarb in your garden to act as your rabbit repellents. Rabbits tend to favor young and tender plants like lettuce, petunias, beans, and broccolis, so be strategic about planting those too.'

6. Ringfence your vegetable crops

If you are primarily concerned about your vegetables, protecting your crops by ringfencing them with plastic or chicken wire may be a more effective solution than trying to keep them out.  Kyle Tobin, the owner of LawnSavers, says that 'basic wire or plastic put up around your garden and/or plants should do the trick to keep most rabbits out of the food in your garden.'

7. Keep your lawn trimmed

Tobin advises that 'rabbits like the cover of long grass, plants, and weeds. If your grass is consistently short, it should help keep rabbits away.' So, get your lawn mower out and trim that lawn – and do it regularly. 

Keeping rabbits away: what not to do

If your efforts are failing, it can be tempting to start using harsher methods like traps or frightening the animals away. Tobin urges homeowners not to do this: 'do not use traps and refrain from scaring the rabbits yourself. Remember: we are infiltrating their habitat and we all must coincide, so use natural methods to direct them somewhere else, but be kind.'

What smells do rabbits dislike?

Tobin advises that 'rabbits have a strong sense of smell and will stay away from smells like: chives, garlic, vinegar, chili powder, predator urine, sulfur, lavender.' Obviously, you will be able to smell whatever you use to deter rabbits, so think twice about the urine option.

Will coffee grounds keep rabbis away?

Another option is spreading coffee grounds in areas rabbits frequent. Jason White, the CEO of All About Gardening, confirms that 'coffee has a strong scent that acts as a repellent for many insects and other mammals, making it an effective and cheap pest-repellent for the garden.' Just make sure you're not putting coffee grounds over young plants as the coffee could smother them. 

It's not easy to control garden pests and if you find yourself in an ongoing battle with slugs, aphids and other critters intent on eating your plants, it can be tempting to reach for bottles of pesticides. After all, if you have spent months raising plants from seed, and nurturing them through their sapling days only to see them obliterated overnight, the frustration can encourage drastic means.

However, the idea of dousing your plants – especially anything you intend to eat – in toxic chemicals doesn't sit well with those looking for more earth-friendly, organic gardening methods. And rightly so. Pesticides rarely only kill the thing you wanted them to and slug pellets were in fact banned in the UK earlier this year, due to posing an unnecessary risk to birds and mammals like hedgehogs. Other pesticides also harm valuable pollinators like bees whose absence would mean many plants wouldn't grow at all.

So what can those looking for non-toxic pest control solutions do to get the most from their plot, without causing more harm than good?

We asked Jonathan Race, head gardener at The Tawny Hotel, how he manages the gardens in this luxury setting without resorting to toxic chemicals. Race, who has worked on The Highline in New York, Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania and a number of hotel gardens shares his top tips for living harmoniously with every creature in your garden. And if the 70-acre grounds under his care are anything to go by, it is a method that certainly works, with beautiful results.

'I've not used insecticide, or even slug pellets, in a garden for years – there really is no need. We certainly won't be using any at The Tawny,' says Race. 

Here, Race shares five ways to foster a more harmonious relationship with your garden visitors. Find out how his more laid-back approach to pest control results in cleaner, and perhaps even lower maintenance gardening.

1. Encourage wildlife and natural predators

'This is the best way to control pests,' says Race. In fact, taking advantage of the food chain not only means some exciting garden visitors get dinner, but also could keep your favorite plants free from anything that wants to obliterate them.

So how do you attract wildlife to your outdoor space? Race explains that it is all about creating the right habitat and providing a source of food and water. 

Food should be covered if you are being blighted by pests, in fact, Race explains that actively feeding things like birds too much shouldn't be necessary – especially in the warmer months. 

'This one might ruffle a few feathers I know, but if you have created a garden where there is a diversity in wildlife, then most of the year birds shouldn't need too much help.' He continues, 'By all means in winter put out some bird feeders to help them out when food is scarcer. But in spring and summer, you want the birdlife to pick off the caterpillars and the aphids and the slugs'.

Also think about flowers and herbaceous perennials that will bring seed-feeding birds and foraging insects into your borders – there are certain flowers that are particularly good at attracting wildlife. Leave the seedheads over winter to continue bringing in hungry predators. Race recommends planting echinacea: 'the seedheads are a magnet for goldfinches.'

He also suggests building a pond to provide water for birds and a home for slug-munching amphibians. If you have a small garden, just a bucket or old sink filled with water will quickly take on residents.

Finally, consider adding a log pile to your wildlife-friendly garden. They are aesthetically beautiful and a great place for solitary bees, frogs and even small birds.

2. Figure out what is encouraging the pests

As Race says, one of the biggest mistakes people make is by giving pests what they want. After all, they are just striving to survive, so if you can work out what is encouraging a particular pest, you can eliminate that to make them less incentivized to visit.

'If you don't want pigeons eating your lettuce, then don't give them that peanut bird feeder. If you don't want those tiny slugs (the big ones are okay) wiping out your seedlings, don't give them a pile of undisturbed plastic pots behind the shed to hide in!' explains Race.

Just as we want to create habitats that our welcome visitors can flourish in, avoid what might be a haven for pests and you will halve your battles.

3. Pick plants with the best chances of survival

This is not what some gardeners will want to hear, but if you have recurrent problems with pests, it might be time to rethink what you are growing. 'Strong healthy plants will do a lot of the work for you, so choose plants that will do well in your garden and their own defenses will kick in.' suggests Race.

'Some cultivars within edibles have been bred to have stronger resistance to pest and diseases, so choose these,' he continues.

'Get to know what lives in your garden and plant accordingly; if you have a healthy population of slugs and snails, rather than trying to get rid of them, just don't grow hostas!'

Race also uses an example from The Tawny of their own rabbit 'problem', saying how with trial and error they have learned what they like and where they feel undisturbed, dictating what they grow and where they grow it. So, it is all about giving your plants the best chances of survival from the off, rather than trying to get them to flourish in conditions they are destined to fail in. Learn a little bit about what plants are suited to your locale and let nature do the rest.

4. Buy 'biological controls'

While we don't want to imbalance the eco-system, if you are greenhouse gardening, or growing under cover, you may want to introduce some predators to help protect your plants. Unlike out in the open, birds and insects won't have easy access to do their part in picking off pests, so if you have a slug issue in your greenhouse, buy some nematodes from Amazon to easily and naturally kill them off. Or if aphids are chomping on your saplings, source some native ladybirds to chomp them in turn. 

Hiring in some predators is much safer for you, the planet and your pets than resorting to nasty chemicals.

5. Learn more about integrated pest management

This rather technical-sounding practice can actually lead to lower maintenance and less stressful gardening. It is basically all about harnessing the power of the local eco-system to grow plants and crops that suit the environment, and encouraging healthy pest control in the most natural ways possible – as outlined above.

As Race says, 'More generally, we need to rethink our gardens as a place we share wildlife with, rather than an outdoor room we have complete control over. But remember, most wildlife will actually help us out.'

Those wanting to find out all about non-toxic pest management and other sustainable gardening methods can join Jonathan for tours of the gardens at The Tawny.

Learn about pest control mistakes to avoid bug bloopers. 

Woken up to upturned pots? You might be wondering how to keep squirrels out of potted plants. After all, what other cute, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed rodent is capable of such tomfoolery?

There's no need to resort to violence to get rid of these pests when they're caught inside your containers. In most cases, these animals are harmless, so you just need to be clever with your garden ideas to outsmart them.

Lethal poisons are an environmental no-no as 1) they're unnecessary and 2) present a risk to other animals (including out pets). So if you want to know how to keep squirrels out of your potted plants, you've got to think outside the (toxin) box.

We'll show you how to play fair by using household materials, specialist equipment and natural ingredients that squirrels don't like. In some instances, you can even add to your botanical portfolio by planting flowers and herbs that they hate so that they can make a quick exit out of your external space.

How to keep squirrels out of potted plants

1. Use a shop-bought deterrent (or DIY your own)

Ever got chili pepper in your eye or scratched your nose after touching one? Yep... it's enough to make us cry. So you can imagine the sting that this hot food brings to squirrels and is one way to keep squirrels out of potted plants.

Squirrels hate spicy foods and scents, so capsaicin (the chemical compound responsible for the heat factor in chilies), can be used to discourage the little rascals. You can either scatter fresh rounds or dried flakes in your potted plants, sprinkle hot cayenne pepper powder around the area, or buy a spray or granules with red pepper extract in it.

Products like Nature's Mace Squirrel Repellent are available on Amazon, and are a non-toxic way of getting the rodents to go away. If you're wondering how to keep raccoons away from your backyard or porch – this may work too.

Garlic can also banish these bushy-tailed animals, so you can either crush a fresh clove nearby or go for a granulated product, instead, for easy application without a crusher. 

Just be sure not to use garlic salt as the sodium content could kill your plants. As a suggestion, these Whole Foods roasted garlic granules from Amazon may seem gourmet, but you can bet that the squirrels will be grossed out by them.

2. Get a cat

Does your furry friend love playing cat and mouse? Then consider this a variant of the chasing game. In all seriousness, owning a feline may ward away squirrels and other garden pests. Their predatory presence alone is a deterrent for the rodents that like to ruin your garden plant ideas.

If your mog isn't up to the extra-curricular activity, their urine might be enough to dissuade your pesky fiend. Rather than trying to collect your cat's pee, use a little used kitty litter to surround your special plants – just don't apply it to flower beds or edible plants.

More team dog? Man's best friend can also chase squirrels away.

3. Pick up some essential oils

As well as being one of the best essential oils that are good for headaches, mint extract is perfect for shooing off squirrels if another pot mess is doing your head in. 

Rather than adding the drops directly to the soil itself, grab yourself some peppermint essential oil on Amazon and soak some cotton balls with a few drops. The menthol scent will be sufficient enough to signal squirrels to scoot off.

Alternatively, a rag soaked in cinnamon or rosemary oil might also do the trick.

4. Catch them out with coffee grounds

While the smell of java from the best coffee machine is enough to entice us in the morning, squirrels can't be by it for too long. So after you're done using a coffee maker, don't throw the waste in your kitchen trash can. You can use your espresso coffee grounds in gardening to quickly escort these sneaky so-and-sos off your large potted plants.

Don't be tempted to dump your coffee waste directly on the potted plants or on small potted plants, as it can suffocate the plant and can cause fungus to grow. Instead, what you want to do is use a thin ½ inch layer before covering it with a four-inch layer of mulch.

5. Ward them off with water

Getting squirted by water can be fun and refreshing when the weather is hot, but for squirrels, H2O is something they hate. Though it's a little mean, keep the kids entertained and pests at bay with a cheap water pistol.

While there's no need to go gung-ho with a Nerf gun or Super Soaker, these HITOP water guns, available from Amazon can shoot up to 27 feet and are therefore perfect for deterring at a distance.

Alternatively, if you want to take a more grown-up approach, a motion sensor sprinkler will stop them in their tracks (and water your lawn). This Gardena 38124 ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler we've seen on Amazon is easy to install, and comes with a metal spike to insert into the ground.

6. Make them come to their senses (literally)

High-pitched noises and flashing lights are enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable. So if you're looking at how to keep squirrels out of potted plants use sound and visuals to fend them off.

Though it's hard for us to hear, this Broox Solar Animal Repeller on Amazon emits ultrasonic sound that makes squirrels think twice before scrounging for bits and bulbs in your plant pots. What's more, this particular model, is waterproof and has flashing LED lights which act as 'plant police' to catch your backyard vandals whatever the weather.

7. Arrange large pebbles around your pots

As well as being a pretty way to decorate your plant babies, stones and pebbles provide ample blockage to keep squirrels out of potted plants. 

Large river stones like these from Voulosimi on Amazon will be too heavy for squirrels to move and will still allow rainwater to fall through or, for you to water your foliage as needed.

8. Cover your pots in fabric or metal mesh

If squirrels are being mischievous and using your pots to bury nuts or dig out your plant seeds, it's time to get physical. But before you retaliate with violence, we just mean finding a physical barrier to cover your potted greenery.

While some recommend chicken wire, others say that the rodents are smart enough to squeeze through the hexagonal poultry mesh. So if you really want to discourage them, a finer mesh-like garden netting from POYEE's Amazon store may perform better as a barricade. This durable material can be cut and is UV-stable so won't break down in the sun.

9. Distract them with food

Like many animals, squirrels are food-motivated, so if you're finding them in your potted plants, create a more appetizing space for them to use. As well as a way to keep squirrels out of potted plants, adding a feeder can also attract much nicer wildlife like birds into your backyard, so you can enjoy a beverage while birdwatching.

This piano squirrel feeder by B&M is a novel decoration that will make for an entertaining watch as they snack while sitting on the stool.

10. Give them a sharp warning with forks or sticks

There's no need for lethal weaponry when you want to know how to keep squirrels out of your potted plants. You just need to look in your cutlery drawer for cheap household deterrents.

If you've got some bamboo kebab skewers spare from your backyard bbq, or if you kept the plastic forks from your recent takeout, stick these in your soil to top your crop criminals coming close. Though they won't harm squirrels, it may be enough to stop them from sifting through the earth.

11. Scare them off with shiny objects

While magpies love a reflective object – squirrels, on the other hand, despise them. So for a cheap way to get a grey or red squirrel to bugger off, try using reflective tape we found on Amazon. 

Be warned however, that you might also scare off birds using this holographic material, but it is a 2-in-1 method for frightening off fluffy rodents and can be used to get rid of pigeons on your balcony or patio.

For a kitsch alternative that kids will love, try mylar pinwheels which spin when the weather is breezy. Visit the Hausse Store on Amazon where you can buy a pack of ten to distribute in and around your most precious pots.

12. Grow plants that squirrels hate

And our last tip on how to keep squirrels out of potted plants? Grow more plants! OK, this might sound counterproductive, but by choosing varieties that squirrels hate, you can add to a beautiful backyard collection while keeping Sciurus carolinensis at a safe distance from the plants you want to protect.

With help from RHS, you can learn how to grow alliums (part of the onion, shallot and scallion family). But unlike the eye-watering veggies, these purple flowers will add color to your backyard.

Other flowers that squirrels aren't fond of include our springtime fave, daffodils, fragrant hyacinth and geranium. Scented geranium aka citronella should also be on your gardening list if you're wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes in and outside of the home.

What is the best way to repel squirrels?

'Unlike some other yard wildlife, squirrels are not that skittish and it can be tough to scare them off once they are used to people,' says Lisa, aka The Practical Planter.

'Short of standing guard and chasing them, there aren’t that many things that will drive out squirrels. Hanging a few foil pie plates is a classic one, letting them clatter around unpredictably in the breeze. Another choice is to mount a plastic owl or hawk model on a nearby perch.'

Ready to tell squirrels to hoot off? This owl decoy by DALEN store on Amazon will do just that. 

However, one garden experts says we should 'live and let live. Marcus Eyles, horticultural director, Dobbies Garden Centres says: ''Squirrels don't really do any damage, people get annoyed when they put bird food out and everybody gets annoyed that squirrels go after it.'

'But yeah, they bury things in the garden, they can dig up bowls and things, but it's not really our place to be dictating to wildlife where they can and can't go, and they're not doing any particular harm.'

How to keep squirrels out of potted plants cheaply

Next time you wash your hair – don't throw your flyaways that clog the drain away. Instead, collect them to use as part of your squirrel repellent strategy.

'Collect human hair or dog hair (if you have one) and put them in places where the squirrel mostly visit,' says Laurel Thoreson, digital content specialist, Summit Environmental Solutions.

'This will scare them, as they would think a human is close by, and make them leave your place. Put your strands at the base of plants to prevent the damage caused by them.'

If you need to find out how to deter foxes from your yard or garden, you have our sympathies. Foxes are beautiful and fascinating animals – they're also notorious for causing mischief in residential backyards... If you've discovered that, once again, a fox has chewed on your outdoor shoes/garden hose, has pooped in one of your plant pots or spread your trash everywhere... Or if you're simply fed up with your entire backyard smelling of fox, it's time to act. 

Fortunately, it's not actually that difficult to deter foxes from your outdoor space – they are quite shy and like routine, so once you've disrupted it, they will leave. Then, you can get on with exploring your favorite backyard ideas. 

1. Tidy your yard

This should always be your first step no matter which animal you're trying to deter from frequenting your backyard. Ethan Howell, Co-Owner of Florida Environmental,  advises to 'remove any trash that may be drifting around, and keep it tidy in general.' Basically, 'foxes will not return if they have no reason to' – remove all potential sources of food and it's highly likely that that's all it will take. The same goes with trash cans, ensure they are closed securely to stop 'attractive' smells to foxes.

2. Clean up their faeces 

Howell further explains that 'If you have a fox problem, they will, sadly, leave faeces. Make sure you pick these up on a regular basis, which we understand isn't the most pleasurable task - you'll also need to thoroughly hose clean the area.' You will want to get rid of the smell anyway, so this step is essential. You will need the best garden hose you can find for this task, preferably one with a high-pressure setting on its nozzle. 

3. Move things around

Foxes are creatures of habit. As Howell puts it, they 'prefer familiarity, so make sure you relocate your gnomes, hose, or whatever you're using to disrupt the environment.' 

Pol Bishop, a gardening expert working for Fantastic Gardeners, adds that 'it’s a good idea to change the appearance of the garden as frequently as possible', so try reshuffling your plant pots and patio furniture several times. 

4. Mow the lawn and keep hedges trimmed

Trust us when we say: the foxes who come to your yard don't want you to see them. So, given a choice between a neat backyard with a manicured lawn and tidy borders and one that's overgrown, they'll always choose the overgrown one where they can hide. So, invest in the best lawn mower and hedge trimmer to keep on top of your backyard maintenance. 

5. Obstruct their resting spaces

Sometimes a fox may like your backyard because they've found a secluded resting place there. Howell advises that foxes 'prefer shaded locations' and recommends placing 'a large object that they can't move on an area where they usually bed down and find comfortable.' A large plant pot or water butt, or compost bin will do the job. 

6. Try the urine trick

A last-resort method, this one, but if you're desperate, Bishop recommends '- pouring 'male urine in the places where the fox regularly spends time.' Foxes are territorial and don't like their scent disrupted by human smells. Maybe not the best long-term solution, but worth a try if nothing else has worked yet. 

7. Add lights

Bishop tells us: 'Foxes hate light. They will often get spooked and run away if any sudden lighting appears. I strongly recommend investing in a sensitive motion sensor light and attach it close to where the fox often goes. It’s a very effective way to deter them from your garden.' The best outdoor security lights will come in handy here. 

8. Or try a motion spinkler

'A water repellent system will startle a fox and make it uncomfortable', Bishop says. 'These sprinklers are easy to install and use. Foxes that go by them will get an unpleasant surprise and hopefully run away.' The Sea pioneer Garden Sprinkler, Automatic Lawn Water Sprinkler available on Amazon has a 4.5-star rating and is super basic to get up and running.

9. Attach a fence roller to your fence

'Place a fence roller (from Amazon) on top of your fence, so when they jump up, they won’t be able to grip onto anything and will fall off. However, despite their effectiveness, fence rollers are a bit on the expensive side and are also difficult to install.'

10. Try pickle strips

If foxes keep digging in your yard, you can try embedding pickle strips in the soil or grass – they 'will make foxes uncomfortable to walk on. Make sure you wear shoes if you decide to install those in your garden.' Pickle strips, or scat mats, are plastic mats with spikes on them – don't worry, they're not sharp enough to cause injury, but unpleasant enough to prevent unwanted digging. 

What smell do foxes dislike?

Although smells are not all that effective at keeping foxes out of your yard, you can try spraying your lawn with garlic and cayenne pepper. Just be aware that you'll also be able to smell the garlic! You can find granules online which are handy for intruder cats too...

Do foxes harm people? 

No. There are many myths about urban foxes and some people are afraid of them, but foxes are wild animals even when they live in built-up areas and are much more afraid of you than you are of them. Occasionally, a fox that has grown up around people will be less wary and may approach if you offer them food (which you shouldn't do), but that's about it. Foxes are not aggressive animals by nature, so it is extremely unlikely that they would harm you.   

If you are in the US, you should be aware that some foxes carry rabies, but far less frequently than raccoons or skunks. In the UK, urban foxes do not pose any risk of rabies, with the last case of canine rabies reported in 1902. 

Will foxes harm my pets?

It depends on what animals you keep as pets. Foxes are predators and won't say no to a chicken, rabbit, or hamster – if you keep these animals are pets (or you have an urban farm), you have to keep them in a secured enclosure at night.

As for your cats or dogs, it is very rare for a fox to attack these domestic pets. Occasionally, a fox may go for a kitten or puppy, or a very old cat, but when it comes to healthy adult pets, they are unlikely to even approach them. This author's cat has successfully chased many (terrified) foxes out of the garden.

Want to know how to keep raccoons away from your backyard? Raccoons are not known as 'night bandits' for nothing: they are known to patrol suburban and even urban areas at night in search of tasty morsels, often in groups. Some people are not too bothered by them and will even feed raccoons that come to their backyard or porch, but if you're not a fan of them, there are ways to keep them away.

So, if raccoons are cramping your backyard ideas, don't despair. With a bit of perseverance and the right tactic, you can keep raccoons away, without harming them and without having to call pest control. 

1. Remove food sources

If you only do one thing to try and tackle your raccoon problem, then remove all possible food sources from your back and front yard. Conversely, keep food accessible to them and all your other efforts to keep them away will fail. As Jeremy Yamaguchi of Lawn Love points out, 'raccoons are smart and resourceful. If they can access food, they'll do everything in their power to get to it.' 

This means keeping all lids on tour trashcans firmly shut and chaining the trashcans or keeping them in your garage. Yamaguchi also advises against leaving 'og or cat food on the porch' and taking care to only buy raccoon-proof bird feeders. 'If you're really concerned about raccoons, stop buying bird feed until they leave.' You can also buy a raccoon stopper from Amazon for your birdfeeder – it makes it difficult for raccoons to climb up to access the feeder.

2. Make your home and backyard less accessible

While food is the main reason why you're seeing raccoons about your property, they can also be enticed by nesting opportunities in your attic, basement or garage. Therefore, it's important to keep these areas as secure as possible. Adam Higdon, Region Service Manager and Wildlife Biologist at Critter Control, says placing 'guards on top of chimney openings and sealing any gaps along the exterior of attic walls also helps to keep raccoons from gaining entry to homes.' 

Securing your backyard against raccoon intrusion will be more difficult as they are clever and expert climbers. Still, you may wish to explore fence ideas that are extra-tall and preferably outward-facing, to make it more difficult for them to gain access. 

3. Use live cage traps 

If you're finding all the raccoons frequenting your backyard a bit alarming, it may be time to start trapping them. Animal expert and dog trainer at Stayyy.com Aaron Rice recommends raccoon live traps (available from Amazon) that 'can be baited with food and the raccoon will enter the trap without being injured. Once inside, it will trigger the door and close behind them, trapping them safely.'

However, Adam Higdon urges caution when trapping raccoons because raccoons 'can become aggressive and territorial in an instant. They will attack people and pets if threatened. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding trapped raccoons. Because of the danger and regulations, it usually is best to rely on a professional to get rid of a raccoon from your home.' Ultimately, if you're not confident transporting an angry raccoon for release, leave it to the pros.

4. Install motion detector sprinklers

No one likes being unexpectedly sprayed with water – raccoons are no exception. The combination of noise and water is often enough to frighten the raccoons. Once they get sprayed a few times they'll get the idea and likely will learn to avoid your backyard. This is not a guaranteed remedy as some raccoons eventually seem not to mind the sprinklers so much. The Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated sprinkler is a good option available from Amazon .

5. Try motion detector lights

There are all kinds of reasons to install the best outdoor security lights around your property. They're a good investment all around as they will keep human as well as animal intruders away from your home. Raccoons are nocturnal and will be startled by the bright lights at night. Again, they may or may not get used to the lights, but because of the many benefits of security lights it's well worth installing them anyway.

6. Install mesh barriers around your vegetable beds

If a thriving kitchen garden is your ambition, then be aware that it will very tempting to those hungry night bandits. Raccoons are omnivores and won't say no to your ripe tomatoes and strawberries. If you still want your own organically grown harvest but don't want the raccoons (and squirrels, and other hungry animals) then your best bet is to protect your vegetable beds with wire mesh. Or get into greenhouse gardening. 

7. Keep your bbq area clean

One of the loveliest things about grilling meat and veg on the best bbq in the summer is the bewitching smell. Well, it's as bewitching to raccoons as it is to you, so make sure you clean your bbq and the area around it right after you've finished your backyard bbq party. It's not fun to clean straight away, but dirty grills and bbq sauce stains on your deck will attract raccoons. 

8. Watch your compost heap

If you're just learning how to make compost it may be tempting to just throw everything onto your compost heap and hope for the best. However, many people learn the hard way that if you're not careful, you will end up with all sorts of critters in your backyard, including rats (yikes) – and, yes, potentially raccoons. Food waste should always go into a designated and secured food bin, and it's also best to buy a compost bin. 

Is there a scent that repels raccoons?

In one word, no. While you may read advice online that recommends various essential oils to repel raccoons, Adam Higdon confirms that 'there are no scents that effectively repel a raccoon. Raccoons are intelligent and are more likely to remove offending odor than leave your house.' 

Some people advocate the use of mothballs to repel raccoons, and it's true that raccoons dislike the smell. However, in practice, they more often than not learn to avoid and ignore the mothballs. Mothballs are also toxic and you don't want any wildlife ingesting them, so it's best not to use them. 

Want to know how to get rid of moles in your lawn and yard? There's nothing like a molehill to ruin your perfectly trimmed lawn or garden bed. Moles are persistent animals, too, so it can be a real challenge to discourage them from your outdoor space. 

Fortunately, you don't have to just give up on your backyard idea dreams– there are several tried and trusted ways to keep the creatures from burrowing right in the middle of your favorite summer bbq spot. 

The best thing about these expert-led methods is that they are all humane and won't harm the moles. They just might convince them to burrow elsewhere.

How to get rid of moles

1. Remove food sources

Quite simply, moles want whatever food they can find in your yard. According to Jeremy Yamaguchi, the CEO of Lawn Love, 'moles are mainly looking for a source of food, and they love grubs, so if you remove grubs, they may be forced to take themselves elsewhere.'

The most common grubs in your lawn are the larvae of June bugs or Japanese beetles. They're bad news for your lawn, as much as moles are, so it's a good idea to try and reduce their numbers. You can try using neem oil from Amazon, or a specialist product – just be careful not to harm other wildlife and your plants with harsh chemical use.

2. Plant marigolds

Yamaguchi recommends 'planting marigolds around the border of your garden or throughout your yard' – 'marigolds are non-toxic flowers for moles so they won’t cause harm, but moles certainly don’t like them.' Marigolds are generally great plants in your yard, they're great to plant near roses and carrots as a pest-repellent option. 

Marigolds are some of the best low-maintenance plants for your backyard and are great for beginner gardening. 

3. Use castor oil as a repellent

If marigolds aren't doing much to protect your lawn and yard, you may try a stronger repellent. Ben Stark, who is the founder of Happy DIY Home, recommends the following DIY repellent recipe:

1. Mix three parts castor oil (availablefrom Amazon), to one part dish soap
2. Take four tablespoons of this mixture and put it into a gallon of water
3. Soak the tunnel entrances and tunnels around your yard

This mixture will not seriously harm the moles, 'but it'll cause mild digestive upset that can encourage them to leave.' It's perhaps not the kindest way to banish moles from your yard, but if you have a serious and persistent problem with them it may become necessary. 

4. Keep the area under your bird feeder clean

As with so many pest problems, prevention is better than cure, so avoiding anything that could attract moles to your yard is always the best strategy. Tammy Poppy, from OnTheFeeder.com, points out that keeping the area under any bird feeders you may have is one the ways to keep moles away – 'birds commonly toss bird seeds off the feeders while they’re choosing which seeds to eat. While at the feeder birds commonly leave droppings as well. These activities attract moles, indirectly.'

According to Metro Mole Control, experts in mole control, moles do not eat the birdseed but the seed and bird droppings will foster other sources of underground food.

Because of this, if you have bird feeders in your yard, you have 'two choices' – 'Either take down the bird feeders or commit to keeping the area under the feeders free of seeds and droppings. The easiest way to accomplish this is to regularly vacuum it up. A small shop vac works great!'

5. Keep the lawn and yard tidy

Proper yard maintenance and lawn maintenance are essential for keeping moles away. Learning how to mow a lawn regularly will go a long way to creating a mole-free environment, according to Noah James, owner of landscaping company Liberty Lawn Maintenance. 'By keeping your yard neat and tidy you will inevitably eliminate places for them to hide', he says. Try not to let your garden borders get overgrown, either. Most animals prefer overgrown, undisturbed backyards, so just by regularly maintaining yours you'll make it less attractive to them. 

It's also important to 'keep an eye on watering. Too much water in the lawn and garden creates the perfect soil conditions to attract moles.'

6. Build a barrier

James recommends building a barrier, which will 'make it difficult for a mole to enter your yard. The way to do this is by digging a trench 'around any area of your yard that you'd like to protect. The trench should be at least 1–2 ft deep and about 6–8 inches wide. Then fill the trench with materials such as rocks or mesh.'

Obviously, you have to balance the effectiveness of this method with the fact that it will disrupt your garden design scheme, but it may be worth it at least temporarily, until moles have learned to avoid your yard. 

7. Use sonic spikes

Working in much the same way as sonic mouse repellants, sonic spikes will 'send out pulses that are bothersome to the moles but not to people.' It's very easy to install them by simply inserting in the ground; sonic spikes can be bought on Amazon. This method is a bit hit-and-miss as some moles seem to simply ignore the unpleasant sound after a while, but it's worth a try, especially if you only have a mild mole issue. It could prevent new moles moving in in the first place.

What is the fastest way to get rid of moles in your yard?

In the first instance, the fastest way to get rid of moles in your yard is by either building a physical barrier or using a strong repellent such as the sonic spikes method. 

However, these methods may prove to be inefficient over the longer term. The best way to get rid of moles isn't necessarily the fastest and may involve you combining different methods, including removing sources of food and planting plants moles dislike. This will take time but ultimately will give you better results.

Why are there moles in my yard?

One word: food. Moles primarily dig in yards that have plenty of insects they like to eat, which include grubs, worms, and ants. While you don't want to get rid of earthworms (they're beneficial to soil and your plants), it's a very good idea to tackle beetle grubs and ant heaps in your yard. You should also try to make your backyard more wildlife-friendly. This may sound paradoxical, but the more birds are attracted to your yard, so the greater the competition for food and the fewer insects there will be for the moles to eat. 

We’re all for fostering bee-friendly gardens, especially given that the vital pollinators are considered endangered, but, as selfless as it might seem, co-existing in close quarters with a colony of bees in your backyard or patio, on the other hand, is not necessary.

“Most people are aware that bees play a vital role in nature, pollinating crops and helping to ensure food supplies,” says Jordan Foster, pest expert. “However, having bees around your home can cause trouble as they sting and it can be dangerous to people with severe allergies.”

Thankfully, if you do find yourself with a bee problem on your hands, there are simple procedures you can follow to encourage the colony to move out of your backyard or patio without causing unnecessary harm or stress.

Below, we spoke to a handful of professional entomologists, pest experts, and amateur beekeepers to get their insights on exactly what to do if you need to remove a bees nest from your home—and the preventative measures you need to take in order to keep stinging insects from moving into your yard.

• Keep reading: How to get rid of flying insects in your home

I just found a beehive near my house. What should I do next? 

Discovering a beehive in a high-traffic area can be a jarring experience. Of course, you don’t want to harm or disturb the hive—but you also don’t exactly want to share your space with a colony of stinging insects.

“Humanely removing bees from your backyard does take a bit of time, but it can easily be accomplished with minimal use of tools and little to no danger to you,” says Dan Bailey, President of WikiLawn Austin Lawn Care.

Determine the location of the bees.

If you find a swarm of bees in your home, stay calm and keep your distance while you examine the situation—is there a hive nearby or is it a visiting colony?. “Bees tend to be most active during the daytime and will leave once it becomes dark,” explains Foster. “Do not attempt to move the hive if there is one! Bees will swarm out to protect it and everybody around is getting stung.”

Smoke them out

“It’s very wise of any homeowner to relocate bees humanely as they are beneficial insects and amongst the most important pollinators. If too many bees are bothering you, you can apply the following secure repellents to give them a smooth and clear signal to go away,” says Nicolas Martin, entomologist and pest control consultant.

When bees smell smoke, they think that it comes from a forest fire and decide to go away to a safer location. The chances they go back are very low. “You can start a small smoky fire with dead firewood, but don’t stand near until they go away,” explains Martin. “Scared bees are aggressive and can bite you.”

According to Bailey, it's best to do this at night when bees will be the least active. “Wait at least an hour, then check the hive for any lingering bees. You may want to carry some incense for a quick burst of smoke if there are stragglers. Once all are gone, you can remove the hive.”

• Keep reading: How to make a bee hotel

Consider vinegar 

Vinegar spray is a great natural way to get the bees out of your yard. “In addition to being a simple, and easy-to-make product, vinegar is also environmentally friendly because it does not rely on insecticides or toxic chemicals,” explains Foster. Spray the vinegar on the area surrounding the hive. 

• Keep reading: How to use vinegar to clean your home

Sprinkle some cinnamon 

“If you find a hive of honey bees and want them to find a new home without harming them, sprinkle cinnamon around their hive for about a week,” suggests Foster. “The smell will convince them to find a new place to live.”

If all else fails, call a professional 

Calling a professional to move the beehive is really the best option—especially if the other options haven’t worked out in your favor.

“Bees can make nests in tight spaces like under siding and other hard-to-reach areas and if you call an expert to help, they can advise you on how to treat even the most difficult hives on your property,” says Foster.

What can I do to help prevent bees from nesting on my property?

Whether you’ve successfully moved a bees nest or you just want to be proactive in ensuring you don’t have to deal with a family of bees moving into your property, there are a handful of smart preventative measures that all homeowners should take if they’re concerned about unwanted bees.

Plug up any holes

The best thing homeowners can do to prevent stinging insects from nesting on their property? According to Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist and Hobby Beekeeper, your best betis to fill in old rodent burrows. “These are a great place for ground nesters,” he explains.

Keep your yard tidy

Potzler also suggests making sure you clean up debris and overgrown vegetation in your yard—especially in the high traffic areas that are close to your house. “Keep your yard as neat and tidy as possible to prevent any surprises as these stinging insects look for places to nest,” he says.

Keep your outdoor space free of food sources

Another key way to ensure bees and other stinging insects don’t get too friendly with your  backyard or patio space? Make sure you are also keeping an eye on food sources—even small sources that might not necessarily seem like they would attract bees.

“Anywhere there is sugar or protein will attract these stinging insects, such as hummingbird feeders and the grease from your grill,” explains Potzler.

Find a new way to use mothballs 

Aside from getting rid of spots to nest and food sources, another way to prevent bees from building a hive in your yard is to make it smell bad—to them, anyways.

“There are some scents that bees don't like and one of them is that of mothballs,” says Foster. “To use mothballs, hang them all around your property and keep the entire yard/deck area bee free.”

Consider bee-repelling plants  

While having a bee-friendly garden away from your home is a great idea, you can still discourage them form setting up camp too close to your home. “A great way to keep bees away from your property without having to kill or remove them is to plant bee repelling plants around your home,” adds Foster.

Neem, Mint, Citronella, Eucalyptus, and Cloves are some of the most common and effective ways to repel bees. “These plants are easy to grow in pots and don't require a lot of maintenance,” he says. “Bee repellents such as marigold and germanium can be a very effective way to keep them at bay.”

Slugs and snails are the last things any gardener wants in their garden or vegetable patch. However, gardening expert and Gardener’s World host Monty Don says that using slug pellets is the one thing we should avoid doing as a way to fight them off.

• See also: How to identify bugs in your home – bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, ants and more with pictures

Writing on his blog, he says we should ‘avoid slug pellets or any chemicals that can harm other wildlife’ when warding off slugs.

As frustrating as it may be to have tulips, lettuce or delphiniums attacked by the slimy pests, he argues that we simply shouldn’t be resorting to anything poisonous. Although they’re seen as a threat, Monty explains that slugs are actually brilliant at recycling waste vegetative matter. 

As we all know, the unfortunate thing is that they ‘do not discriminate between a fallen leaf and a delicious young seedling.’ Instead of using pellets, the gardening expert suggests using a small cold frame or table for raising tender young plants. 

An obvious point, but one worth mentioning is to check carefully for slugs every day to minimize the risk of them wreaking havoc. He also recommends we create an eco-friendly garden to encourage a wild range of predators. 

This will scare off slugs without the need for any human intervention. Building a pond and having a variety of lengths of grass and plenty of slugs will help to encourage hedgehogs and frogs.

Liam Lapping from Flowercard points out that pellets look appetizing to cats and dogs as they look like pet food. 'Similarly, birds, hedgehogs, and other garden wildlife are also attracted to pellets even though they can be fatal to these smaller animals,' he says.

On a recent episode of Gardener’s World, Monty Don explained how he grows lettuce to keep them safe from slugs. ‘I always grow them in the same way nowadays which is to sow them in a seed tray and then trick them out into plugs,’ he says. 

This gives lettuce a better chance of getting off to a good start, as slugs can often get to them just as they start to come out above the ground. ‘This all started because I found when I directly sowed the slugs and snails could devastate them just as they appeared above the ground,’ he says.

• See also: 90 garden design ideas – best outdoor looks for SS21

If you love picking fresh ingredients from your garden, take a look at our piece on how to create a kitchen garden piece for what to grow next. Plus, our gardening for beginners guide is brimming with simple ideas.

If slugs are posing a real problem, raised beds and using broken up egg shells can also help fend them off. There also plenty of plants that slugs don't like, such as fern, so consider adding them into your garden.

Every gardener has at some point wanted to know how to get rid of aphids – the tiny pests that cluster on top of and destroy young shoots and flower buds. Succulents and roses are particularly prone to aphid infestations, but these insects can be found on other flowering plants indoor or outdoor, too.

Don't think this is the plant invader you're struggling with? Double check our how to identify houseplant pests to find the blighter in question.

Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturalist at the Royal Horticultural Society explains, 'Aphids suck sap weakening plants, cause foliage to curl, form unsightly colonies and may also spread virus diseases.  Soap or oil base  insecticides that leave no residues are highly effective if the plant is well covered with spray. Predators can be bought and are very effective in greenhouses and conservatories.'

Find out more about how to get rid of these pests quickly and naturally, without the use of pesticides that can harm your plants, pollinators, and wildlife. 

• Plant pest or plant disease? Take a quick look at these 6 common plant diseases to confirm or deny your suspicions.

How to get rid of aphids

Homemade insect spray with castille soap

You will need:

• A spray bottle
• Castille soap
• Water

Method:

1. Mix Castille soap and water in your spray bottle, using approximately one part soap to two parts water. You want it strong enough to form a sticky liquid that will coat the aphids, but don't use undiluted soap. 

2. Shake well and let rest for about half an hour. Spray the mixture thickly all over the affected buds and shoots, taking care to cover all the aphids. Do this on a dry day: if it's raining, the treatment won't work. 

3. Reapply every few days until the aphids are gone. 

Top tip: You can also use washing up liquid, but we've found that nothing works as well as genuine Castille (try Dr Bronner's). Always use the unscented version to avoid damaging your plants.

Wash them away from affected leaves

Ideal if the infestation is mild, simply set the plant in the sink and use a strong blast of water to drown and wash the aphids down the plug hole. You can also use your hand (or gloved hand) to knock them off.

Use insecticidal soap on the plant's leaves

There's a ton of different insecticidal soaps to choose from that are sure to help get rid of these little blighters. We recommend a soap free of perfumes and additives which could harm plants, especially those who are having a hard time of it. 

Make a weak mixture with water and use a spray bottle to spritz your plant, making sure not to forget to cover the undersides of the leaves.

Apply neem oil on the houseplant 

Neem oil is a secret weapon in the fight against most plant pests and it works as an insecticide as well as a fungicide. Its systemic benefits make it extra special because the plant's roots absorbs the oil so when a new insect tries to invade your plant they'll be ingesting deadly neem. It'll also protect against a lot of other pests, such as mealybugs.

It can be used on veggies, food plants as well as ornamental plants and is non toxic to pets and humans.

Warning: Neem oil might kill some plants if they are young or weak. The oil shouldn't be applied too heavily but to be sure your plant can take it, test a small area of the plant and wait 24 hours before spraying it all over.

Yellow sticky traps around the infested plant 

Yellow sticky paper is great to get rid of a lot of flying insects because the yellow color is particularly attractive to them. 

Hang the paper around the infested plant to trap the insects when they pay a visit to their favorite hideaway. Check every few days and replace when required.

How to prevent an aphid infestation

As with all other houseplant pests, prevention is better than cure. The best way to prevent them is by keeping your plants healthy – don't under or overwater, and make sure the roots of your plants are never allowed to dry out as this weakens the plant.

Martha Stewart adds, 'Because aphids are attracted to moist soil and high nitrogen levels, it's a good idea to avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing your houseplants in order to prevent another aphid infestation once you've alleviated your problem.'

Japanese knotweed is now feared and loathed by UK gardeners, so it might surprise you that is was originally brought into Britain for its beauty. It’s not illegal to grow in your garden, but you have to prevent the plant from spreading or face hefty fines. Should Japanese Knotweed encroach onto neighbouring gardens, the local council can also order you to spend thousands of pounds to remove it.

With UK winters getting warmer and wetter, this plant has been thriving and springing up across the country. The Environment Agency has labelled Japanese Knotweed as ‘the UK’s most aggressive and destructive invasive plant,’ so if you find it in your garden, you’ll need to take urgent action.

Find more garden ideas at our dedicated page.

Why does Japanese knotweed need to be removed?

While there is no record of a home ever falling down due to Japanese knotweed, it could have an impact on the saleability of your property. In fact, some lenders will even refuse mortgage applications on the home if it’s found on the mortgage valuation inspection. There have also been cases of homebuyers suing because the weed wasn’t declared on the conveyancing forms.

At its worst, Japanese knotweed can grow up to twenty centimetres each day. The plant can break through tarmac and concrete, and has no natural UK predators to halt its progress. Reaching heights of over two meters, the weed can smother the growth of all other plants and, having evolved to grow on the sides of volcanoes, the knotweed can even resist fires and some herbicides. 

Those who do find knotweed on their property will thus find themselves in an ongoing battle trying to keep it at bay, hindering their garden design plans.

Japanese Knotweed identification

Japanese Knotweed spreads through rhizomes – specially adapted underground stems. In early spring, you’ll see fleshy, red-tinged shoots sprouting all over the garden. Once it starts rising up, the Knotweed shouldn’t be hard to spot. The plant has lime green bamboo-like cane stems with purple flecks and spade-shaped leaves arranged in a zigzag pattern. In July, these leaves will host clusters of cream flowers.

How to remove Japanese Knotweed from your garden

If you have the time and determination, it is possible to remove Japanese Knotweed yourself. Generally, the best time to do this is in July, when the plant will draw in chemicals. To get rid of the weed, you will need to decapitate it to leave a hollow, foot-high stem above ground. Then you’ll need to pour a strong, glyphosate-based weed killer into the hollow stem. However, be mindful of the potential harmful effects of this herbicide while using it. 

Be careful about disposal

As Japanese Knotweed is classified as ‘controlled waste’ under the Environmental Protection Act, you will have to dispose of it in a licensed landfill site because the weed can still spread through the soil. The whole process may need to be repeated for one or two years to ensure the plant has been successfully eradicated.

Professional knotweed removal

If removing knotweed yourself seems too difficult or you don’t have the time, you can hire professionals to remove the weed. While this can cost between £3,000 and £5,000 for a severe Knotweed problem, a professional service will provide you with a long-term guarantee that the plant will not return. This professional removal may involve using specialist machines to remove the plant and surrounding soil, ensuring the weed is gone for good.

Some removal depends on the plant being in leaf so that they can be sprayed with herbicide. However, this is not always ideal if you are looking to sell your home and want immediate eradication. Environet, Japanese knotweed removal specialists, recommend a system whereby all parts of the plant are given a fatal dose of herbicide, killing the rhizome and preventing regrowth.

How to avoid Japanese knotweed in the first place

If you’re buying a house, it’s a good idea to get a RICS HomeBuyer Report to check there is no Japanese Knotweed on the property. If it’s discovered before you buy, you can negotiate the cost of professional removal from the asking price, avoiding an expensive problem in the future.

As it can be removed and more mortgage lenders are less fearful of it, it can be used as a negotiating tool for the buyer. In fact, research conducted by Environet found that 32% of Brits would still buy a home with Japanese knotweed if the price were reduced. As a buyer, just check that you mortgage lender is aware beforehand – they might have caveats for lending on an affected home.

Read more:

• How to choose plants for your garden
• The best drought tolerant plants
• How to create an eco-friendly garden