Just thinking about traditional Japanese houses and mansions (800-1300 AD (actually unsure about exact date range)): did they have any clever ways of dealing with pests? Such an open air design seems like it would invite critters in to look for stored food. The wood and paper walls don't seem like they'd be enough to deter larger creatures, like wolves or raccoons. I'd imagine bugs would be pervasive, especially in the humidity of summer.
I noticed many traditional houses sit on stilts/platform; does this design play a strategic role in pest control, or maybe natural air conditioning?
I've included some links to images of the type of houses I'm talking about:
The one of the old methods for bug repellent is to use rattan blinds around the Windows and doors, with powder incense made with mugworts and ciders. This is called "kayaribi" and the oldest known writing about this incense is found in The Tale of Sagoromo during the early 11th century. The similar method still exists today as "mosquito coils" or "katori senkou".
