Keeping your patio pest-free
Outdoor living areas are an amazing way to add significant value and entertaining space to your home using your existing backyard. With a few additions of outdoor furniture, rugs and throws, it’s surprising just how much an outdoor area with built shade can contribute to a very homey feel.
But when it comes to entertaining in outdoor spaces, whether it be winter, spring, summer, or autumn, it is always a good idea to be vigilant against insects and pests that may interfere with your merriment. Planning how to keep bugs away from the patio starts with arming yourself with the know-how and easy tips and tricks to make it a quicker process. Below are a few things that you can do to keep your outdoor area pest-free.
Regular cleaning
Making sure that the area is well-kept and maintained is a must! Really get into the nooks and crannies of your patio or pergola to remove cobwebs and dust. Cobwebs are magnets for pollen, dust particles, and other debris, and should be removed as soon as possible. You can invest in chemical sprays to keep spiders away or ask for help from an expert like like Outdoor Impressions, your patio installers in Melbourne, so that at the end of the day, it is both easier and cheaper to clean cobwebs off corners when you are able to.
Insect repellents
Looking into acquiring insect repellents such as bug zappers can be a great investment if you find that there are a number of flying insects around your outdoor area. These are excellent and effective, though you will need to install it in an elevated area next to a power outlet for maximum effect.
Screens
Consider installing insect repellent screens, if you are able to and it is within your budget. Not only does it prevent insects from flying or crawling into your entertaining space, but the added shade and barrier from the heat during the summer can also be beneficial for you and your guests. It’s a foolproof way on how to keep bugs away from the patio.
Citronella
You can also turn to natural options in order to keep away possible pests. Citronella is a well-known insect repellent that is not too invasive and can be placed around your garden and outdoor living area to ward off pests. And because it is a popular option, it’s easy to buy and restock Citronella candles or oils from your local hardware store or discount shops. This being said, be mindful of fire hazards, do not leave open flames unattended, and always remember to put out any candles or burners used if you are entertaining.
Repelling plants
Another natural option is to place insect-repelling plants around your outdoor living space. Some types of plants emit strong scents that can be overwhelming for insects, leading them to stay away. If you are the type who loves gardening, this might be a great option for you! Marigold, lavender, lemongrass (which contains citronella!), garlic, rosemary, and basil are some examples. Placing these types of plants around the perimeter of your space can really make a difference. What’s more, some of these are excellent to use for cooking, which means not only will you be keeping those pesky insects away from your guests, you’ll also be able to serve up some amazing food right from your backyard.
Essential oils
Essential oils are a staple in anyone’s cupboard. Not only is it a natural way to alleviate aches and pains, but did you know it can be one of the ways how to keep bugs away? Use tea tree, lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender oil on your property to limit those annoying pests. You can do this in two different ways: mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray yourself or surfaces to dissuade the nasty critters, or soak cotton balls in essential oil and leave these in spots to keep away bugs.
Refresh standing water
Standing water can actually serve as an invite to a range of pests such as mosquitos, termites, cockroaches, and other pests who are trying to find the perfect spot to call home. This is because a lot of these bugs lay eggs in water, so stagnant water not only becomes a breeding ground, it can also get smelly and dirty, too. To prevent these unwanted guests from causing havoc on your patio, make sure to overturn receptacles that can be places for water to accumulate. Running fountains are a great alternative and help to prevent mosquito reproduction. Make sure to check your downspouts and gutters and see that they’re not clogged, and trim any bushes or shrubs that can collect moisture near your home.
Change lighting to warmer bulbs
Insects use light to navigate, and the warmth lights provide make it so that pests such as flies are attracted to lights. Not all lighting is created equally in this regard; blue/cool toned lights attract more bug, and as a result if you’re wanting to dissuade these unwanted visitors, you’re better off choosing warmer toned light bulbs for your patio.
Spray some mouthwash
Some mouthwashes contain eucalyptol, a derivative of eucalyptus oil, which means that if you mist spots with mouthwash, and even your exposed skin, you can find a budget friendly way of how to keep bugs away from the patio.
Make sure bins are kept away
Summer bugs love waste, and are attracted to it for breeding and food. Rubbish attracts pesky bugs, so make sure your bins are kept well away from your deck, porch, or patio. Your family will thank you for it!
Invest in a fan
Wondering what else to do on how to keep bugs away from your patio? Fans can actually deter most small flying bugs such as flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and even spiders, so investing in a standing fan or, even better, a ceiling fan can not only introduce moving air into your patio space, but also help you enjoy your patio furniture unbothered by those nasty flies.
Keep lawn trimmed (if you have it)
Keep your lawn healthy and pest-free in your patios in Melbourne or pergolas in Melbourne! Insect pests thrive on grass roots and moisture, but regular lawn care can prevent them. For expert solutions, contact Outdoor Impressions at +61 3 9728 5377 or visit 1/158 Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North VIC 3153, Australia.
Anthony Davis
Professional Contractor, Director, Outdoor Impressions
Anthony Davis is a professional contractor and Director of Outdoor Impressions, the leading authorized Stratco dealer in Melbourne. With extensive knowledge in outdoor design and construction, Anthony and his team deliver design-focused, functional home solutions. With over 50 years of combined experience, Outdoor Impressions provides tailored, lifetime-engineered products for your outdoor living area.
