Summer has arrived, and that means it’s time to enjoy the outdoors. We use our exterior spaces more often in the warmer months of the year, whether it’s to relax with a refreshing drink or grill our favorite meal. Kids and pets also love to play outside when the weather is good.
One of the excellent things about summer is that you get to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, though, there are one major drawback bugs. There is no shortage of pests or creepy crawlies that can put the damper on your warm weather fun, from wasps and bees to ants and mosquitos.
There are a few methods you can still enjoy your outdoor space this summer, even with the pesky insects. It’s very uncomfortable to share the space with insects flying around so we have put together some effective outdoor bug proofing tips.
10 Ways To Outdoor Bug Proofing
Add a Patio Fan
Homeowners are increasingly choosing outdoor ceiling fans to stay cool while relaxing on their patios and decks. And in addition to providing a cool breeze, these features can also keep pesky pests away. In addition to providing a cool breeze, fans are excellent at keeping pesky flies and mosquitoes away. These insects don’t fare well in strong gusts of wind.
Get Rid of Standing Water
According to Eric Bak, owner of Quality Pest Services, standing water allows mosquitoes to reproduce, and he urges homeowners to be vigilant about checking their yards for signs of these pests.
According to him, water in bird baths should be changed frequently, and if you have a rainwater barrel as a gardener, it’s crucial that it’s screened and that you’re cycling through the water often. Be sure to look for any old flowerpots, wheelbarrows, or buckets that may have been left behind in a garage or shed.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
A well-manicured and clean lawn goes a long way in warding off summer bugs. Tall grass can serve as a hiding place for ticks, who will then climb onto you or your pet. Furthermore, if you have bushes or tree limbs close to your home, it gives pests easy access to come inside.
Clean Your Gutters
Furthermore, regularly maintaining your gutters can do more than just keep them functioning properly. It not only improves your yard’s appearance but keeping a well-manicured lawn can also help deter pests. A full or dirty gutter is the perfect home for pests like mosquitoes, ants, and earwigs, as it provides them with a continuous source of food and water. If you maintain cleanliness, pests will have fewer places to hide and live, making it less likely for there to be a huge issue.
Avoid Using Mulch
Although mulch may freshen up your home’s appearance, its usefulness comes at the cost of inviting various bugs.
It’s best to keep mulch at least 12 inches away from your home’s foundation. Consider using gravel or other rocks in your landscaping design as an alternative to common pest-attracting materials.
Add Some Patio Plants
Not only can plants be a natural and efficient way to keep bugs at bay, but they can also make your outdoor space more beautiful. Depending on what pests you want to protect your plants from, you’ll have to choose different types of plants. For example, chrysanthemums are a natural repellent for roaches, ants, ticks, fleas, and bedbugs, while marigolds and rosemary can effectively keep mosquitoes at bay.
Try Natural Repellants
In addition to making your house smell nice, essential oils can also help keep insects away. Did you know that oils like citronella, lemongrass, sweet orange, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and cinnamon can act as natural bug repellents? Several recipes for DIY bug repellants, yard sprays, candles, and diffuser blends are available online.
Pre-made citronella candles and torches also have a reputation for being effective at warding off mosquitoes, flies, and similar pests.
Keep Your Patio Clean
A patio dining set is an excellent addition to any home, but it requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Immediately clean up any food Messes by sweeping and hosing to prevent pests from being attracted.
Cleaning up after yourself is important, too- like getting rid of empty wine glasses or beer cans. Insects are attracted to fermented foods and drinks, so wasps and hornets might come inside if you don’t discard them.'”
Change Out Your Lighting
Bugs can see shorter wavelengths of light, including blues and purples, better than other colors because of their eyesight. However, their visual range is unable to see longer wavelengths of colors, such as red, orange, and yellow. Try using warmer bulbs instead of cooler ones for a bug-free patio at night. Opt for yellow or sodium vapor bulbs.
Many people don’t know this, but bugs are more attracted to blue light. This is why many popular bug “zappers” use blue lighting. Although these devices can be effective, Bak says they aren’t the best option.
He said that since most insects are attracted to light, the zappers will kill anything–regardless of species–that enters. “The issue is that they’re getting rid of the bugs that are good for the environment and eat the bugs you don’t want around.”
If you’re worried about a potential infestation, it’s always best to consult with professionals. In the meantime, though, these tips may help keep pests away. A list of reputable area service providers can be found by visiting www.lansing-realestate.com, the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website.
Keep Your Grill Clean
Pests are attracted to areas where they can find a concentrated food source. If you want to pest-proof your property, ensure there is no easy access to food sources. Your grill is the perfect breeding ground for calories; with all the fatty, protein-rich juices and sticky, sweet barbecue sauces, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet for bugs. Good outdoor bug proofing is equivalent to good hygiene: Keep your grill clean, which includes (but is not limited to) drip trays, flame deflectors, and grease collectors.
FAQs
Does vinegar keep bugs away outside?
Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its different sour taste, but it also makes it an excellent tool for pest control. Vinegar can repel some of the most common backyard nuisances and kill weaker insects. This product is most effective against mosquitos, spiders, and ants. Did you know that spiders are repelled by vinegar? Simply spray some vinegar around the perimeter and entryways to keep these pests out of your home.
What smell will keep bugs away?
Some of the most common important oils used for repelling insects are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil. However, other options are also available, including clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium that is also good for bug proofing.
What keeps the bugs away the most?
Conventional bug sprays and creams are some of the most useful techniques for outdoor bug proofing. The most prevalent compound in insect repellents is DEET. The truth is, the higher the DEET content an Insect Repellent has, the more effective it tends to be.
What keeps bugs away overnight?
Citronella candles and oil burners are excellent for keeping pesky insects away. Citronella is an effective insect and animal repellent because it masks smells that are appealing to them.
Do dryer sheets keep bugs away?
The primary ingredient in dryer sheets, linalool, can be found in nature’s own pest repellents, like lavender, basil, and coriander plants. Additional research found that this ingredient can also deter bugs, such as mites, weevils, beetles, and German cockroaches.
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