7 Tips to Keep Bugs Away From Your Patio
Entertaining friends and family on your patio can be a great way to spend a summer evening until pests start to show up. Warm bodies and cold drinks can attract mosquitoes, ants, and other unwanted guests. But there are a few simple ways to keep bugs away from a patio and help you enjoy the outdoors without enduring any unpleasant interruptions.
SaveGet Patio Plants To Keep Bugs Away
Nature has provided plants with a variety of natural defenses to repel insects, but there’s no one perfect solution to using plants to keep bugs at bay. You would need to use fairly specific patio plants to keep bugs away, depending on the pests you’re most concerned about. For example, ants avoid chrysanthemums, flies steer clear of basil, and moths are not fond of lavender.
To keep mosquitos away from your patio or deck, you can use:
- Rosemary
- Marigold
- Lavender
- Lemon thyme
- Geranium
- Basil
- Citronella
Keep in mind, while a lemon scent can repel mosquitos, it might entice bees. That means a little planning is necessary. But with some thought, this can be a helpful, natural way to keep bugs away.
Use Essential Oils
To create a solution that keeps bugs away from your patio, combine one-part witch hazel and one-part water. For every cup of solution, add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and a few dozen drops of essential oils.
As for essential oils to use, look to lavender, rosemary, lemon thyme, or basil -- as well as others that may mimic the scent of plants and herbs we’d previously mentioned. These scents imitate the odors of the plants for which they are named and allow you to combine several kinds of protection into one solution.
You can use this mixture to keep bugs away from a patio by spraying the mixture evenly across the perimeter of your space.
Drain Any Standing Water
Of the numerous ways to get rid of flying bugs on a patio, few are as important as addressing the root of the problem. Standing water can be a breeding ground for generation after generation of pesky mosquitoes. Whenever possible, you want to keep gutters, downspouts, birdbaths, pools, buckets, and other areas clear of standing water.
Spray Mouthwash around your patio
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol or essential oils, an alcohol-based mouthwash can be another effective way to repel bugs from a patio. Just load some mouthwash into a spray bottle, then spray down the perimeter of the deck, or even your patio furniture. This can repel bugs and leave a pleasant scent, but the rapid evaporation of alcohol means that regular reapplication may be necessary.
Use Citronella Candles and Torches
Some homeowners often overlook citronella as an option to keep pests away from their patio. Citronella candles and torches have a reputation for being effective at warding off mosquitos, but they’re also effective at discouraging flies and similar critters. In addition to filling the air with scents that discourage pests from bothering you, burning citronella can add natural ambient lighting to help illuminate your patio.
Change Your Outdoor Lighting
Bugs have eyesight that helps them better see shorter wavelengths of light. That includes blues, purples, and even ultraviolet light which is invisible to humans. However, their visual range does not include warmer colors, like red or orange.
Daylight white bulbs contain higher concentrations of blue light. If you want to keep bugs away from a patio at night, try swapping out cooler bulbs for warmer ones, especially yellow or sodium vapor bulbs. Don’t use bulbs that are any brighter than you need because the intensity of the light can also be a pest magnet. Here are some outdoor lighting ideas to help get you inspired.
Keep Your Backyard And Patio Trimmed and Clean
Unkempt backyards provide a great home for bugs. Ticks enjoy hiding in tall grass, and bushes pressing against your home can make it easier for pests to enter. Keeping your yard looking neat isn’t just a matter of appearances; it can actually go a long way towards keeping bugs away from a patio. Do your best to pick up trash and clean up messes before they have a chance to attract insects.
Following or combining several of these simple tips can help you keep your backyard patio a bug-free place to enjoy time with friends and family outdoors.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
Parts of a Porch
Porches, just like decks, have a lot of different & important parts. Learn more about the anatomy of a standard porch with this article from Decks.com.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
Picture Frame Decking
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
10 Common Deck Building Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Building a deck can be a complicated process. Learn how to avoid falling into common deck building pitfalls with tips and advice from the experts at Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
9 Conservatory Design Ideas for Indoor/Outdoor Living
Conservatories are a great way to ensure that you (and your plants) can soak up the sun all year round. Get inspired with conservatory design ideas.
How to Build a Porch: Steps for Building a Front Porch Deck
Building a porch can be challenging, but allows you to enjoy your outdoor space year round.Learn the basics about building a porch roof over a deck at Decks.com.
Backyard Patio Ideas and Inspiration for 2024
Looking for ideas on how to decorate and design your patio? We’ve compiled ideas for all types of patio designs. Find your inspiration at Decks.com.
How to Demolish & Remove a Deck
At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
Introduction to Decking
Spacing between deck boards provides several critical functions, such as drainage & drying. Learn how to space and stagger deck boards at Decks.com.
Best Time to Build a Deck
People often wonder when the best time to build a deck is. Learn why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best bet.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights