Summer means outdoor entertaining and, while you might like large gatherings, you don’t want uninvited guests – like mosquitoes. From the itchy annoyance of bug bites to concerns about mosquito-borne diseases, pests are a big concern for any outdoor gathering. Luckily, there are ways to have a bug-free backyard picnic.
How Do I Keep Mosquitoes Away From My Outdoor Party?
For an insect-free backyard party, follow these seven steps:
- Mow the lawn beforehand. Mowing your lawn the day before the party takes away places for them to hang around.
- Skip watering your lawn. Either don’t water your lawn on the day of the party or do it very early in the day so the grass is completely dry before the party. This ties into the next tip.
- Eliminate standing water. Still water attracts mosquitoes, which use it for a breeding ground. They can even use limited water such as what’s left in a tray under a potted plant or a bottle cap. If you can’t completely eliminate standing water, use mosquito dunks. If it rains before the party, do what you can to eliminate puddles.
- Mind the trash. Move trash and recycling cans away from the party area and keep them covered. Don’t leave plates with crumbs laying around. It all attracts flies, mosquitoes, wasps, etc.
- Switch to yellow outdoor lights: While it seems like a small step, yellow-tinted “bug lights” are far less attractive to mosquitoes and other flying pests than classic white lights.
- Use mosquito repellents. Spray for mosquitoes before the party, or use discreet and effective repellents like the Thermacell LIV system during the event.
- Use fans. Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide that humans breathe out, but they are also weak fliers. Light air flow from a fan or two can help to deter them.
Why Do I Have So Many Bugs in My Yard?
Bugs are a part of the natural world, but some backyards can be “buggier” than others. Here are things to look for that can attract a larger percentage of insects to your property.
- Decaying tree trunks. Dead tree stumps are havens for a variety of insects, which love the dark, damp, often cooler environment they provide.
- Overwatering. Mosquitos breed in standing water, and other insects are drawn to damn conditions caused by overwatering.
- Excess leaves and debris. Leaf piles, twigs, broken branches, etc. provide places for insects and even small rodents to nest. Clean up all yard debris, especially after storms so it doesn’t act like a beacon for pests.
How Can I Make My Porch Bug-Free?
Start with changing any lighting to yellow “bug lights.” The change in spectrum will make the area lit by them much less attractive to insects while still providing plenty of light for your needs.
Keep your porch free of any debris as well as puddles or excess moisture. If the wind drives rain onto your porch, clear puddles afterward and do the same with leaves or twigs. If house settling causes rain to run toward the house instead of off the porch, you might want to consult an architect or contractor to prevent potentially larger problems.
Consider planting flowers and herbs around and on the porch as potted plants that deter insects. Such options include marigolds, nasturtiums, lavender, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, lemongrass, basil, and sage.
Another option, especially if you love sitting on your porch, is the Thermacell LIV system, which creates a bug-free zone through heat-activated cartridges that vaporize repellent into 20-foot protection zones. The system is quiet, scent-free, and can be managed with your smart speaker or an app on your phone. Turn it on before you head outside, leave it on while enjoying your porch, and turn it off when you go back inside.
Trust Twin Forks Pest Control® To Protect Your Backyard from Pests
Twin Forks Pest Control® can handle all of your pest control needs. We have been providing peace of mind for homeowners across Eastern Long Island for more than 20 years. Just fill out our free estimate form online or call (631) 287-9020 if you’re in the Southampton area, (631) 324-9020 if you’re in the East Hampton area, or (631) 298-0500 if you’re in the Southold area.
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