June is officially here, which means summer is in full swing. Whether it is barbecuing on the grill, enjoying a refreshing drink, or creating memories, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. The last thing you need this season is a swarm of insects interrupting your good time.
From bees and ants to wasps and mosquitoes, there’s no shortage of pests that may cause a hindrance to your warm-weather fun. Not only are they a major nuisance, but they can be a significant health risk if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, there are several methods to keep these insects at bay, so you can enjoy your backyard time worry-free this season.
Maintain Your Yard
Taking care of your yard is the easiest way to keep bugs out of sight. Long grass harbors parasites like ticks, so keep it cut short and dispose of grass clippings to avoid any potential issues.
Check for water that has gathered in puddles or crevices in the yard, as standing water is a common breeding ground for insects. Ponds and fountains must have a filter to keep the water clean so that buzzing pests will not gather. Look at trends to revamp your garden space while keeping the bugs away.
Grow Bug-repellent Plants
Other than elevating your patio’s aesthetics, several types of plants and herbs act as a natural bug repellent. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and lemongrass are perfect for repelling mosquitoes, while lavender and basil can repel both flies and mosquitoes.
Two common insect-repelling flowers are chrysanthemums and marigolds. These can deter ticks, ants, and other pests from invading your backyard. Besides, these flowers add an extra pop of color to your space and elevate its overall look.
Change Your Outdoor Lighting
Bugs are attracted to blue and purple lights because of their short wavelengths, but bulbs with warmer tones, such as orange or red, will actually work as a repellent to these flying pests. If you want to keep bugs away from your patio, try replacing cool-toned bulbs with warm ones like sodium vapor or yellow bulbs.
Try to avoid using bulbs that are brighter than necessary, as the intensity of light can become a pest magnet. Additionally, if you have dark chair covers on your patio, change them too, as lighter shades will better reflect the light and repel bugs.
Bring in Natural Predators
Sometimes the easiest way to get rid of bugs is to let nature take its course. Natural predators like birds and bats eat insects for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Swallows and warblers are excellent mosquito hunters, while bats love different pests like flies, wasps, spiders, scorpions, and mosquitoes.
If you want the help of your local bug-eaters, make your backyard an inviting space for them by planting bushes and trees. Birdfeeders and birdbaths are both necessary additions for attracting these outdoor friends, but make sure to change out the water every few days or they will do more harm than good.
Keep Bugs Away From Patio Furniture
Ideal for lounging and entertaining, patio furniture also becomes a haven for bugs, looking for a secluded area to hide, which is a problem when they decide to start a family. Wicker furniture can attract bugs due to its cracks and holes, so if possible, avoid using wicker in your outdoor decor.
Regularly cleaning your patio furniture helps keep bugs away. Use a surface cleaner to wipe your cushions and table covers and get rid of insects. Cleaning disturbs nests, bugs, and eggs, discouraging them from taking residency.
Use Electric Fans
A long-lasting solution for keeping flies and mosquitos away from your patio is adding an outdoor fan. The airflow change makes it challenging for insects to fly around the area and often blows them away.
Using fans to keep insects off your patio comes with the added bonus of keeping you cool during the summer months. Flying insects will not bite you while you sit under a refreshing breeze.
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