Keep Your Deck Or Patio Mosquito-Free

by Corcoran McEnearney

This week we would like to share some tips on how to keep your outdoor area mosquito free courtesy of our friends at J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. in Kansas, also an affiliate member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

Let’s face it, no one likes mosquitos and it’s no fun when you are being bit constantly by them when you are just trying to enjoy the outdoors. Below are some helpful tips that will keep mosquitoes away!

Add Fans to Your Outside Spaces

Mosquitoes are small and not particularly strong. Setting up a few oscillating fans can help keep your deck or patio free of pests by literally blowing the mosquitos away. They also supply your guests with a refreshing breeze.

Swap Your Light Bulbs

Instead of decorating with or using white light bulbs, swap them for yellow bulbs. White light attracts mosquitoes, while yellow light won’t attract them as much. You can even use light bulbs that are designed to repel mosquitoes.

Set Up a Bat Habitat

Bats are a mosquito’s natural predator. By attracting more bats to your yard, you’ll help keep your mosquito population under control. Consider setting up a specially-designed house that bats can use for shelter.

Get Rid of Any Areas Where Standing Water Can Accumulate

Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce; make sure that you go through your yard and eliminate or fix any areas where water can accumulate. This includes items like toys, grass clippings, old leaves, tarps, and buckets.

If you have areas of standing water that you don’t want to eliminate, treat the water with an insecticide that will kill mosquitoes.

Set Up a Shelter with Netted Walls

Consider adding a structure to your outdoor patio or deck that allows you to set up netted walls. Netted walls will work to keep mosquitoes and other flying pests out of your gathering spot.

Use Tiki Torches or Citronella Candles to Fight Mosquitoes

While tiki torches and citronella candles are always excellent ways to add ambiance to your patio or deck, they’re also a helpful option for combating mosquitoes. You’ll want to set the torches or candles up close to the area of your deck or patio you’ll be using.

Add Mosquito-Repelling Vegetation to Your Garden

Some types of plants are natural mosquito repellants. Plant species to add include citronella, marigolds, calendula, lemongrass, rosemary, and mint. If you don’t have a garden near your deck or patio, add planters or window boxes so that the vegetation is nearby.

Have a Professional Treat Your Yard

If you’re still struggling with mosquitoes, hire a professional to treat your yard with a barrier treatment. These treatments last approximately three weeks, and you can use them as a recurring or one-time service. Should you decide to go this route, you’ll need to keep your pets indoors for approximately an hour after your yard is treated.

Interested in buying a home with more outdoor space? Check out our a few of our newest Just Listed listings below or take a look for yourself on our McEnearney website!

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