Where Garden Pests Get Into Queensbury Homes
An extension, a raised deck and a shed are all good for the house. Each also creates a sheltered, dry space at ground level, close to the back door, that nobody looks under from one year to the next.
Under the decking
The void beneath raised decking is perfect for rats: covered, dry, close to food dropped from the barbecue and bird feeders. Burrows often appear at the edges or under the step. If you see a hole the size of a fist near the deck, or droppings along the house wall, it is time to call.
Where the extension meets the house
The joint between an older house and a newer extension is a common weak point. Gaps around drain pipes, a settled patio or a cracked threshold let ants march straight into the kitchen, and occasionally give mice a way in too.
Ants through the patio doors
Black garden ants nest under patio slabs and along the base of walls. In summer, trails come in along the door runner and across the kitchen floor to the nearest sweet food. Sprays kill the workers you see, not the colony under the paving.
Keeping the garden side clear
- Close off the gap under decking with mesh or boards
- Keep compost in a sealed bin on a solid base
- Store bird food and pet food in lidded containers
- Fill cracks where patios meet the house wall
