Keep Your Patio Pest Free

January 1, 2019

After setting up your patio for relaxation and entertainment, the last thing you need as you sit beneath your new awning is to be swarmed by outdoor pests. Depending upon the season, flies, mosquitoes or bees may be your nemesis; however, they all can be thwarted by following these simple tips for keeping your patio pest-free all year long.

Keep Food and Drinks Covered

Outdoor entertaining on the patio often involves food. While it is always fun to host a barbecue or take dinner out on the patio, it is important to remember that food is a major attractant for many pests. Sweet drinks, such as soda or wine, are a favorite drink for flies, bees and ants. To keep them away, simply cover your food and drinks any time they will be sitting for a few minutes. Then, remember to clean up any leftover spills so that ants will not be enticed to visit your patio.

Install Drop-Down Shades

In addition to an awning, shades can offer a way to block pests from flying into your patio space. If you want to let in sunlight, choose a sheer material for your shade that is still thick enough to serve as a barrier. This method works well for flying pests, such as mosquitoes, that will be deterred by your barricade.

Eliminate Water Sources

Many outdoor pests depend upon water for breeding as well as to stay hydrated. According to Washington State University, it is important to check your outdoor areas to make sure there is no standing water. For those with swimming pools and other amenities, keeping them maintained will help to reduce the mosquito populations near your patio.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils have strong scents that deter common outdoor pests. Include a few herb plants in your patio décor to keep insects at bay. Try mint, basil and lavender for a perfect mix that is great for deterring both crawling and flying insects.

Keeping your patio pest-free will ensure that you have many evenings of enjoyment in your new outdoor space. Because patios are used for entertaining, outside pests are often attracted by the scent of food and drinks. By reducing the food and water sources available to outside pests and creating a barrier with shades, you will be able to enjoy your patio in peace.