Warm evenings are just made for outdoor living. Your patio is the perfect space to relax with friends. It's one of the most comfortable places in your home.
Until it's not.
Bugs can bring a screeching stop to your enjoyment of the outdoors. Mosquitoes, gnats, and flies don't just annoy – they bite. How do you keep bugs away outdoors?
HERE ARE 4 EASY, NATURAL WAYS TO BANISH BUGS – WITHOUT SMELLY CHEMICALS.
1. GET RID OF STANDING WATER
We're not talking about ponds. Those can be dealt with by introducing larvae-eating fish. You're looking to avoid objects that hold rainwater. Your wheelbarrow, buckets or planters, stopped up gutters, yard toys.
Regularly drain stagnant water. An ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of bug spray.
2. CUT THE GRASS
Along with standing water, bugs use tall grass as a place to hide. You can cut down on your yard's attractiveness to bugs by cutting the grass. Mosquitoes and ticks won't like it, but this isn't a popularity contest.
3. GROW REPELLANT PLANTS
Here's a quick primer for bug-repellant plants. Who knew your green thumb could keep bugs away?
Flowers
These flowers are good at keeping mosquitoes away. And they smell just as good – while bringing a splash of color to your patio.
- Marigolds
- Calendula
- Pitcher Plants (not a flower, but definitely a bug-eater)
Herbs
Plant these attractive – and repellent herbs in a small garden near your patio – or in planters on the patio itself. As a bonus, you can even put them in your salad!
- Lemongrass (which produces citronella)
- Lavender
- Mint
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Chives
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BURN CITRUS OR CITRONELLA
Either citrus candles or citronella torches can do a great job at keeping bugs away on your patio. But they work even better together.
Try this simple strategy: put citronella torches around the edge of your patio, and burn citrus candles on tables and benches within the patio itself.
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Biting bugs can ruin a nice summer evening. Don't stand for it!
Set up a few of these natural bug repellent practices, and you'll be able to enjoy the cool of the evening on your patio – all summer long.
If you're looking for more ways you can enhance your outdoor space, come on into The Great Backyard. We'd love to help!