Instead of a solid privet hedge, for instance, consider smaller clusters of viburnums, chokeberries, barberries or similar shrubs hardy in your climate. And rather than using uniform plantings of yews along the foundation, intersperse spireas, weigelas and other flowering shrubs. These multiplant arrangements reduce pest problems and also look more interesting. Welcome the good guys. Keep the garden tidy.
Weeds provide good breeding grounds for insect pests.
Keep them mowed to prevent unwanted bugs from moving into your yard. Keep any eye on plants. Inspect suspicious areas, and destroy severely infested plants. It makes sense to sacrifice a single marigold crawling with spider mites before the pests engulf the entire planting. Taking weekly observational strolls through the garden will help you nip problems in the bud before they become epidemic.