Best Ways to Keep Bugs Away in the Summer

When the weather warms up, we want to go outside, but that’s where the bugs are. Here are some great ways to keep bugs away this summer.

Don’t let flies, bees, mosquitoes, and other bugs ruin your summer fun. Although they live outside, you can claim your living space and enjoy a bug-free patio and yard area by using a few simple pest control tips. Let your friends and family enjoy the summer barbecue when you put some of these tips to good use.

Here are several of the best ways to keep bugs away in the summer.

Put outdoor fans to use

Outdoor fans can be dual-purpose items that will keep the bugs out of your patio space. These fans can rotate and cool your area, bringing a cool breeze on an otherwise stagnant and still day. In addition to the cooling effects offered, outdoor fans can keep the bugs from bothering you. Smaller insects don’t withstand high winds during flight, and your fan might have just enough power to keep them from bothering you.

Get rid of standing water

Moving water is fine and doesn’t cause any problems, which means you can have that running fountain or waterfall as long as it’s working. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which is one of the worst pests you can have during the summer. When you want to keep bugs away and avoid having them ruin your summer fun, get rid of any standing water in your yard. This means cleaning out the bird bath and replacing the water with birdseed. Check old flower pots, wheelbarrows, and any other item that could hold water.

Keep your yard clean and neat

Tall grass and weeds attract many insects. If you don’t have a regular mowing schedule, you’ll want to create one and stick to it. In addition to mowing your lawn regularly, you should keep your yard clean and debris-free to ensure bogs don’t have other places to go. Tall grass is the perfect place for ticks to breed. You don’t want your summer backyard fun ruined because one of the kids got a tick and needs it pulled out.

How clean are your gutters?

If your gutters are filled with leaves, water can stay in them, especially if these leaves are blocking the downspouts and creating standing water. When your gutters are clean and free of debris, bugs are less likely to try and make a home in them. A great way to keep bugs away from your house and prevent roof damage from full gutters is to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Typically, spring and fall cleanings can do the trick.

Use mulch, but do it the right way

Mulch is a great landscaping item that makes your home look better, but it can be a place where bugs set up shop and begin to breed. If you keep mulch away from your home, you’ll reduce the number of bugs around your house. If you want to stop using mulch altogether, landscaping rocks and stones are a great alternative. Bugs aren’t likely to breed on rocks, which means you can have a great-looking landscape while still keeping the bugs at bay.

Use plants that naturally repel bugs

Large patio planters look great, and when you have the right plants in them, you’ll keep bugs away and enjoy a bug-free space throughout the summer. Some of the best plants to put in these planters are citronella, sweet orange, peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, lavender, and marigolds. This makes it much easier for you to enjoy a great space with some beautiful plants that work to help you keep the bugs where they belong. Which plants will you choose to put around your patio and home?

Change the lights and clean up

A clean patio has a much lower chance of attracting bugs than one with empty food containers, dishes, or wrappers. When you have your outdoor patio party, encourage your guests to use the garbage can and clean it up right away. Bugs are attracted to certain lights, such as blue and purple hues. If you want to keep the bugs away and not attract them, use some patio lights with orange, yellow, or red colors. Your patio will be festive, and the bugs won’t come by.

These are just a few of the best ways to keep bugs away so that you can enjoy a great summer without dealing with the bugs. Put these tips to work, and enjoy your backyard all year long.