Trim vegetation and clear debris from the foundation

What to Do

Trim bushes, shrubs, and tree branches so they do not touch the home exterior. Keep grass cut short near the foundation. Remove leaf piles, rock piles, logs, and debris that provide shelter. Stack firewood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground.

Why It Works

Vegetation touching the home provides a direct bridge for spiders (and other pests) to access the structure. Ground cover, leaf litter, and debris near the foundation create harborage for spiders and the insects they prey on. Maintaining a clear, dry perimeter makes the area less hospitable.

Tips

• Maintain a 12-18 inch gap between plantings and the foundation wall
• Replace wood mulch within 6 inches of the foundation with gravel or stone
• Remove ground cover plants directly against the house
• This reduces habitat for spiders, ants, cockroaches, rodents, and other pests simultaneously
• Inspect the cleared perimeter during seasonal exclusion work