02/05/2026
One simple landscape mistake that can create big pest problems
It might seem like landscaping and pest control are two separate parts of property management — but in reality, they go hand-in-hand.
On a recent commercial inspection, I saw a clear example:
An overgrown blackberry patch had not been trimmed for years and had grown through the roof line of the building. That pe*******on created a direct bridge for carpenter ants to get inside — and they established a large colony within the unit.
Landscape elements that make easy access bridges — like vines, bushes, and tree branches touching the building — essentially eliminate the physical barrier a structure is meant to provide. This isn’t just theory — pest prevention guidance recognizes vegetation touching structures as a risk factor for both insects and rodents. 
It’s not only ants, either. Rodents such as roof rats and squirrels commonly use overhanging branches and dense foliage to reach roofs and attic spaces, where they then find entry points into buildings. Preventative landscape maintenance is one of the most effective elements of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. 
Here are a few practical, low-effort recommendations that most property managers can implement:
• Trim vegetation away from buildings
Aim for 1–2 m (3–6 ft) of clearance between branches/shrubs and walls, windows, and rooflines. Trees and bushes touching structures act as bridges for pests. 
• Inspect landscaped areas for rodent burrows
Particularly around foundations and under dense planting — early identification allows targeted remediation. 
• Avoid dense ground cover directly against walls
Tall plants and mulch that retain moisture can provide harborage for insects and rodents. 
Landscape maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s active pest prevention. When integrated into property surveys and annual maintenance plans, this can significantly reduce the chances of pests entering buildings in the first place.
I’ll be sharing more soon on why a comprehensive annual property survey — including landscaping, structural, and seal inspections — is one of the most valuable risk-reduction exercises for managers.
⸻
Why this matters (and the government backs it)
Pest management programs like Integrated Pest Management weave landscape and structural conditions together — not just chemical treatments. Government guidance emphasizes that pest risks often come from conditions around buildings that provide pests with access, food, water, or shelter. 
For rodents specifically, provincial sources recommend leaving clear space around building exteriors and regularly trimming branches/shrubs to prevent easy access and harborage. 
⸻
Takeaway: Landscaping is not a separate issue from pest control. It’s preventive risk management — and ignoring it makes pest problems harder and more costly to resolve.