Don’t let mosquitoes crash your garden party this summer
Nobody likes being chased off their patio or deck by a descending swarm of biting insects like mosquitoes. These flying pests not only create a nuisance, but they can also leave you covered with itchy welts and transmit disease, making them persona non grata at your outdoor fetes.
Fortunately, building a mosquito-free deck, patio, or pool area isn’t that hard when you follow these tips.
1. Add an Electric Zapper
You’ve probably seen them used for flies and large bugs, but did you know you can use an electric zapper for mosquitoes as well? These pest control electronics come in several different versions—including hanging, freestanding, and handheld options that look like a small tennis racket—at various price points.
Just remember: you’ll need to keep any electric-powered zappers far away from pools and hot tubs.
2. Wear Bug Repellent
Bug spray isn’t the only way to repel stinging or biting insects like mosquitoes. There are creams, lotions, and even bracelets that people can wear to deter mosquitos from coming in for a landing. Sometimes wearing a bug spray is the most sure-fire way to keep your outdoor experience mosquito-free since it’s not always possible to completely eliminate bugs from the area—even with all these great tips.
3. Buy a Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield
If you’re looking for a stylish mosquito repellent solution, consider getting a patio shield like the one made by Thermocell. This device creates a 15-foot area of protection by emitting a bug repellent free from harsh chemicals, open flames, and strong smells. While it will keep mosquitoes from joining your patio party, neither you nor your guests will even notice it’s there.
4. Use a Mosquito Coil
Creating a mosquito-free deck is as easy as firing up your barbeque lighter and setting up a mosquito coil. The device, named for its spiral shape, emits a bug-repelling smoke that keeps all types of irritating invaders from crashing your outdoor celebrations.
5. Plant Mosquito Repelling Flowers and Herbs
Did you know certain plants, like citronella and marigolds, naturally repel mosquitoes? You can add some of these plants to your outdoor seating area by planting them around patios and pools or adding them to container gardens. As an added bonus, some of these plants will even deter other common garden pests as well.
Lavender
Marigolds
Citronella grass
Rosemary
Basil
Scented geraniums
Bee balm
Mint
Floss flower
Sage
Allium
6. Dump Stagnant Water
If you want to stop mosquitos from joining you while you lounge outside, stop them at the source. Empty any areas where stagnant water can pool (like outdoor tools and toys), and remember to change the water in your bird and bee baths regularly.
Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap worth of water to lay their eggs, so almost no amount of standing water is too small to become a mosquito breeding ground.
7. Use a Mosquito Repellent Lamp
Make your mosquito repellent pull double duty by opting for a mosquito repellent lamp. Using some of the same technology as the Thermacell shields, mosquito repellent lamps can add a soft glow of light, enhancing your outdoor decor while also keeping mosquitoes at bay. Since mosquitos frequently ring the dinner bell around dusk, it’s the perfect nighttime solution for bugs.
The light from yellow and red lamps deters mosquitoes, so placing a few of these around your outdoor area can also keep them away from your outdoor dinner party.
8. Get a Bat House
If you want to tackle your mosquito problem while also helping the environment, consider adding a bat house to your property. A bat can eat between 1,000 and 2,000 mosquitoes per hour.
A bat house in your yard may encourage them to control the mosquitoes around your home.
9. Elevate Your Deck
When your patio or deck is at ground level, you’re more likely to deal with creepy critters and bugs. When constructing your outdoor areas, think about raising them so they’re off the ground and building them in areas far from standing water.
If mosquitoes are taking over your outdoor living spaces despite your best efforts, call a local pest control expert who can help you get them under control.
