5 Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Out of Your Lawn (and Home) — No Chemicals Needed
Bug control is one of those topics that sparks a lot of opinions - and for good reason. Chemical treatments can be incredibly effective. They’re fast, convenient, and widely available, which is why many homeowners reach for them when the ants start marching or the mosquitoes take over the yard. On the other hand, a growing number of families are becoming more selective about what goes on their lawns and around their homes, especially when children, pets, pollinators, or health sensitivities are part of the picture.
At MIG Property Management, we understand both sides. We manage the lawncare needs (think mowing, trimming, edging, etc…) of residential and commercial properties all across Cleveland and Lorain County, and we’ve seen firsthand how different homeowners approach pest prevention. We're not here to take sides - we're here to offer guidance. Whether you're all-in on natural solutions or just looking to cut back on chemicals where you can, our goal is to help you protect your outdoor space in a way that fits your values and your lifestyle.
That’s why we’ve rounded up five of our favorite chemical-free methods for keeping bugs out of your lawn - and out of your home - this season. They're safe, effective, and surprisingly simple to put into action.
What Bugs Are in Your Lawn—And What Are They Up To?
Not all bugs are bad, but when you’re trying to enjoy your backyard or keep your lawn looking sharp, it helps to know who’s helping and who’s causing trouble.
In Northeast Ohio, the mix of humid summers, shaded yards, and fertile soil creates an ideal environment for a variety of insects. Some are beneficial to your lawn’s health, while others can do real damage if left unchecked.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual suspects:
🪳 The Troublemakers:
Grubs: These beetle larvae live underground and feed on grassroots, causing dead patches and spongy turf. Skunks and raccoons often dig them up, creating even more damage.
Chinch Bugs: Tiny but destructive, these insects suck the moisture from grass blades, leading to dry, yellowing areas that can look like drought damage.
Armyworms & Cutworms: Fast movers that feed in groups, these caterpillars can strip large sections of lawn almost overnight.
Ants: While not always harmful to grass, ants build mounds that disrupt smooth, even lawns and can make mowing a pain.
Mosquitoes & Fleas: These don’t hurt your lawn, but they definitely hurt your ability to enjoy it. They nest in tall grass and damp areas, making yard maintenance even more important.
🐞 The Good Guys:
Beetles (some types): Certain ground beetles feed on lawn pests like caterpillars and grubs.
Ladybugs: Known for controlling aphid populations, ladybugs are helpful if you’ve got a garden nearby.
Earthworms: Not insects, but worth mentioning. They improve soil health and drainage, which helps your lawn stay lush and green.
The goal isn’t to wipe out all insect life - it’s about creating balance. A healthy, well-maintained lawn can naturally resist infestations and support the right kind of bug activity. And when you manage mowing, edging, and cleanup on a regular schedule (like we do for our clients across Cleveland and Lorain County), you’re already doing a lot to keep pest problems under control. But if you’re looking for safe, natural ways to reduce the damage and annoyance these pests can cause -without reaching for chemicals - these next tips are a great place to start.
1. 🌿 Plant Natural Bug-Repelling Herbs & Flowers
Sometimes the best pest control is the kind that grows right in your garden. Certain plants naturally give off scents and oils that bugs can’t stand—making them an easy, chemical-free way to keep your lawn (and even your patio or entryways) a little more peaceful.
If you’re looking to keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests at bay (especially in the lakefront communities like Avon Lake, Bay Village, and Lakewood) consider adding these to your outdoor space:
Lavender: Not only does it smell great, but lavender repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Plant it along walkways or near seating areas.
Lemongrass: This tropical-looking grass contains citronella oil, a proven mosquito deterrent.
Basil: Acts as a natural fly and mosquito repellent—and gives you fresh herbs for summer cooking.
Marigolds: Known for their pest-repelling scent, marigolds can help keep aphids, whiteflies, and even rabbits away.
Mint: Strongly scented and effective against ants and spiders, though best planted in containers to avoid it taking over.
💡 Pro tip from MIG: Keeping your lawn trimmed, edged, and cleared of overgrowth makes these plants even more effective. Overgrown areas give bugs places to hide—regular maintenance helps them feel a lot less welcome.
2. 🧹 Keep It Clean: Bugs Love Cluttered Yards
It’s not just what’s growing in your yard that attracts bugs—it’s what’s lying around. Piles of leaves, untrimmed grass, leftover firewood, and even kids’ toys can create the perfect hiding spots for all kinds of pests.
Many insects thrive in dark, damp environments. When grass is overgrown or debris is left to sit, it traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, ants, and more. Worse, cluttered areas close to the home can act like a welcome mat for bugs trying to make their way inside. For more inland communities like Elyria, this can be a huge problem if not promptly addressed.
Here’s how to bug-proof your lawn through better upkeep:
Mow regularly: Tall grass is an open invitation for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Edge along fences and foundations: These tight spaces are often overlooked, but they’re prime real estate for insect activity.
Clear leaves and debris: Especially after storms or windy days.
Store woodpiles away from the house: Termites and ants love a good woodpile, but you don’t want it near your foundation.
Check for standing water: Even a forgotten flowerpot saucer can become a mosquito nursery in no time.
✨ Did you know? MIG’s lawn care services include routine mowing, edging, and debris cleanup, which helps prevent pest problems before they start. A clean lawn isn’t just about curb appeal - it’s a smart way to stay ahead of bugs all season long.
3. 💧 Water Wisely: Don’t Invite Mosquitoes to Move In
You may not see it, but some of the biggest pest problems start with water - and not just the obvious puddles. Overwatering, poor drainage, and even your sprinkler schedule can create perfect conditions for mosquitoes, gnats, and fungus-loving insects to thrive.
Insects are drawn to moisture, especially standing water. And in Northeast Ohio, where spring rains and summer humidity are common, it doesn’t take much for wet areas to linger longer than they should.
To keep your lawn hydrated and bug-resistant, follow these watering best practices:
Water early in the morning: This gives your lawn time to absorb moisture before the heat hits, and reduces overnight dampness that bugs love.
Avoid daily watering: Frequent, shallow watering encourages shallow root growth and soggy soil conditions that attract pests.
Fix low spots and drainage issues: Even small depressions in your lawn can collect water and invite mosquito larvae.
Check your sprinkler heads: Misaligned or broken heads can oversaturate certain areas and go unnoticed for weeks.
💡 MIG Tip: A healthy lawn can resist pests better - and knowing when and how to water is part of smart maintenance. Our clients rely on us to keep lawns in shape season after season, and we’re always happy to share tips that support both health and pest resistance.
4. 🐾 Create a Natural Bug Barrier Around Your Home
Keeping your lawn tidy helps, but if bugs are still finding their way inside, it might be time to set up a natural defense line around your home. The good news? You don’t need chemicals to do it, and you don’t have to worry about your pets or kids being exposed to anything harsh.
There are several safe, easy ways to build a pest-repelling perimeter using materials you probably already have or can pick up easily:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): This fine, powdery substance is made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle it in a thin line along your foundation or around entry points. It’s harmless to people and pets but deadly to insects with exoskeletons.
Cedar mulch: Naturally repels many insects like ants, fleas, and ticks. Use it in garden beds and along fence lines.
Vinegar spray: A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water can be sprayed around doorways and window sills to discourage ants and other crawling insects.
Essential oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils diluted in water make a great natural deterrent for spiders and ants.
🐶 Pro tip from MIG: When you're maintaining your lawn with regular mowing and edging, you're already reducing the number of insects nesting close to your home. Add a simple, natural barrier and you'll make it even harder for pests to cross over from lawn to living room.
5. 🚫 Skip the DIY Traps That Don’t Actually Work
The internet is full of “miracle” pest fixes - but not all of them are worth your time (or your pantry supplies). From soda bottle mosquito traps to coffee grounds on ant hills, it’s easy to waste hours on homemade solutions that simply don’t deliver.
Here’s the truth: some of those popular DIY hacks might work a little, some not at all, and a few can even make the problem worse by attracting more bugs than they repel.
Instead, focus your energy on proven, simple strategies like:
Keeping your lawn trimmed and dry
Using bug-repelling plants near outdoor spaces
Removing clutter and standing water
Building safe, natural barriers around your home
And if you’re ever unsure what’s helping or hurting your lawn’s health, give us a shout. At MIG, we specialize in lawn care management—not pest control—but the two go hand-in-hand more than most people realize. A well-maintained lawn is your first and best defense against many of the pests that try to call your yard (or house) home.
