If you’ve spent any time outside this summer, you probably noticed that bugs are a lot more visible now than they usually are. And while some of them might leave you itching and scratching, many of these flying, creeping and crawling creatures are worth keeping around. For example, certain types of bugs can actually keep smaller pests like mosquitoes from becoming a danger to humans. So if you love spending your evenings sipping on lemonade while watching the sunset, it’s time to rethink your negative opinion on all things creepy crawly. Even if they seem like enemies at first glance, keeping small bugs around can be beneficial in so many ways. Here are six tips to keep bugs away from your patio so that both you and they feel more comfortable when spending time outdoors this summer.
Keep your patio clean.
You’d be surprised by how much a dirty patio can actually attract pests. Keeping your patio clean, especially at the end of the season when things are slowing down, will help keep pests away. Clean your patio furniture on a regular basis, especially if you have small children or pets. Any food crumbs or spills can attract ants, roaches and other pests. If you have outdoor chairs, they should be cleaned and repainted every year. Your patio might be the perfect place to let your kids play, but it can also be a hotbed for germs and bacteria if it’s not cleaned often enough. Whether you have a wooden or concrete patio, cleaning it at least once a week will help prevent dust and dirt buildup. Dust, dirt and grime buildup is not only unattractive, but can also attract pests. Keeping your patio clean can help you enjoy the space more, as well as keep pests away.
Planting can help keep bugs away.
If you love spending time in your garden, you may want to consider planting a few extra herbs or flowers this season. Allowing certain types of plants to grow on your patio can help keep many pests away. Common herbs like rosemary, mint and sage are great for keeping flying bugs away. If you have an herb garden, be sure to leave some plants near your patio so that you can easily access them. Herbs like mint and rosemary can be used to make natural insect repellent. Simply crush them and rub them onto your skin to keep bugs away.
Add some storage space to your patio.
Whether you have a few patio chairs or a patio set, having a designated place to store them when they’re not in use can help keep pests away. Keep patio furniture covered when it’s not being used to prevent dust, dirt and grime buildup. If you have kids or pets, be sure to cover furniture when it’s not in use so that it doesn’t get ruined. Storage units can be placed above a patio or on the ground beside it. If you want to store patio furniture on the ground, be sure to get a cover so that pests don’t get inside of the items.
Install a screen or netting.
Bugs tend to fly towards light, so preventing them from being able to look inside is a great way to keep them away. If you have a porch or patio that faces the sun, screens or netting can be installed on the windows. This will keep bugs from flying inside and give you some privacy from the outside world as well. If you have a patio or deck that isn’t directly facing the sun, installing a shade or covering above it can help keep bugs away.
Turn on the lights!
Light attracts bugs and other pests, but it can also be used to keep them away. Installing outdoor lights and lighting up your patio will not only create an inviting atmosphere, but it can also help keep bugs away. If you have a porch or patio that faces the sun, installing lights on the outside can be a great way to deter bugs. Install lights above your patio or deck as well. Although they might not deter every single bug, they can help make your patio feel more comfortable, especially at night.
Conclusion
Keeping your patio clean and free of pests can be done in a number of ways. Keeping food off your patio furniture, covering it when it’s not in use, and using herbs to make natural insect repellent are just a few ways that you can keep pests away from your patio.