Keep Your Outdoor Space Bug-Free
We often enjoy our outdoor space during summer. Eating, socializing, and relaxing are a few favorite activities. However, pesky bugs often interrupt us. Here’s how you can Keep Your Outdoor Space Bug-Free.
Common Insect Repellents
There are plenty of sprays, scents, and gadgets on the market to choose from that repel insects.
Insect repellent is a popular go-to, but you must do some research to ensure you choose the one that’s right for you. Figure out what bugs you are targeting, how much space you need to cover, and whether you are willing to use chemicals.
Types of Insect Repellents
Ortho Home Defense can be sprayed on bushes, grassy areas, and the perimeter of your yard to create barriers. The spray’s active ingredient kills adult mosquitoes when they land on it.
Tiki torches have been used for years to deter insects. Adding a citronella and cedar formula to the torch fuel will repel even more mosquitoes.
If you have a small area to cover, try lighting up an Off Mosquito Lamp. Get it burning 10 minutes before you plan to head outside. This lamp repels mosquitoes in a 10 by 10-foot area. It’s perfect for decks and porches and works for up to six hours.
An outdoor fogger will fight off pests for hours. During calm weather, spray it around your outdoor living spaces. The fogger can be used once a day. It kills mosquitoes and other flying insects such as gnats, flies and wasps.
Natural Insect Repellents
If you prefer insect repellent with natural ingredients, here are some you can try out. Essential oils, such as eucalyptus or lemon eucalyptus can be effective pest deterrents. Dilute them with water before spraying. These oils can be toxic to pets, so be careful.
Lavender is safe for topical use on all ages and is lethal to ticks, mosquitoes and their eggs. Thyme oil and its leaves effectively prevent mosquitoes. Try adding thyme leaves to a campfire to ward off pests. Mix up a batch of minced garlic with mineral oil and let it soak overnight. The solution can be sprayed directly on skin, pets or plants to keep ticks away.
Insect-Repelling Gadgets
If gadgets are more your style, here are some worth looking into. The E55 rechargeable mosquito repeller, by Thermacell is one. It mimics the natural properties of chrysanthemum and creates an invisible force field that deters mosquitoes.
Mosquito Dunks are another option. Drop one into a bird bath or decorative pond and it will kill mosquito larvae for up to 30 days. The dunks look like small beige donuts. They float and then slowly dissolve into standing water, releasing a toxic bacterium.
The Flowtron BK-40D insect killer is easier on the environment than chemical insecticides. It eliminates pests within a one-acre area.
Outdoor ceiling fans provide a cool breeze and can keep annoying pests, like flies and mosquitoes, away. These insects have little tolerance for strong winds.
Keep Your Outdoor Space Bug-Free – Other Helpful Hints
Avoid using too much mulch. It could give cockroaches and ants the perfect spot to nest and find their way into your home. Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from the foundation. Too little mulch can also pose problems. Yellow jackets can tunnel into bare dirt and make their nests.
Bugs hate the scent of mint or citrus. Mix these scents in with the other plants you put near your patio or deck. Plants that help ward off mosquitoes include basil, lavender, citronella, lemon thyme, lemon-scented geranium, marigold and rosemary.
Choose lighter colors of paint for your home exterior. Bugs see dark and bright colors more easily. Light hues on your home’s siding, decking, fencing, doors and trim will make them less attractive to mosquitoes.
Let Us Spruce Up Your Space
Excel Fencing and Decking is your number one source in the Greater Baltimore Region for your fencing, decking and interior remodeling needs. We provide superior service to Cecil, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties. Call us directly at 410-803-9499 or fill out our contact form for more information.