Now that spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner, you might be wondering how to keep bugs away from the patio. Now is the time to start preparing the outdoor living area for all those fun socials, cookouts, and parties. You have the furniture, the lighting, and the grill all set. But the real enjoyment comes from gathering together with your friends… not the bugs. In this guide, you will learn how to get the backyard and your patio ready for all those outdoor activities – WITHOUT all the pests!
What Time of Year Do Pests Become Most Active?
Insects, bugs, and other pests are known to be most active in warmer temperatures. These creatures gain full function at 70 degrees.
As the outdoor temperatures increase, so do the activities of the most burdensome of outdoor pests. The truth is, humans also become most active – at least outdoors – when the temperatures warm up, too. As a result, you want to ensure that your outdoor living area is also a pest-free zone.
Why is My Backyard Full of Bugs?
In short, bugs need a place to take shelter, a water source, and a food source. These creatures will flock to areas that provide these three aspects of living.
In most instances, this will be your backyard. If your yard has natural debris – such as leaves, piles of wood, and other types of organic-based materials – you are sure to find that ants, termites, and a vast array of other pests flock to the area.
In addition to this, if there are pet food bowls, bird baths, feeders, uncovered garbage cans, and other items in the backyard, they will flock to those items, too. If you want a pest-free outdoor living area, you should eliminate any and all things that attract pests to start with.
Is There a Certain Temperature Where Bugs Go Away?
Yes, bugs do not like temperatures above 97 degrees or below 55 degrees.
Typically, these temperatures will slow bugs down. Eventually, they will die. Although, the rate in which they slow down and die varies from one type of bug to another.
Are There Steps I Can Take to Get the Pests Out of My Backyard and Patio?
Yes, there are many steps that you can take to get the pests out of your backyard and patio and keep them out. If you are attempting to create a highly lush area for entertaining on the patio, take these steps to scare off all those pests:
- Tidy it Up – The first step to eliminating pests in an outdoor living area is to tidy it up! This means that you should trim your lawn, mow on a regular basis, and use those garden shears! Various types of pests just love tall grass, untrimmed bushes, and other forms of vegetation. You certainly do not have to remove everything from the outdoor living area, but you definitely want to have complete control over it all.
- Landscaping Plants – Did you know that there are certain types of landscaping plants that bugs absolutely despise because of the smell that they put off? It is true and the two most hated scents are citrus and mint. There are numerous plants that repel pests. They add a touch of elegance to your outdoor living space all the while pushing pests out. Examples include basil, catnip, lavender, citronella, lemon thyme, marigold, chrysanthemums, and rosemary! In addition to this, adding some lemon-scented geranium will also push out the pests that may try to make their home in your backyard and/or patio.
- Patio Fans – If you have a patio in your outdoor living area, you should have specially-designed patio fans installed. Yes, these fans will provide a boost to your comfort level, but they are highly effective at keeping away little flying insects that may prove to be a nuisance. Also, all of those landscaping plants that you planted? Well, if you run an outdoor patio fan, the breeze produced by the fan will push the scents of those plants out further!
- Eliminate Standing Water – If you want a pest-free backyard or patio, eliminate all forms of standing water. This is an absolute must! Do not leave out water bowls for your pets, water in a birdbath, clean out the gutter system on your home, and keep watering cans emptied. Not only will pests flock toward water sources for survival and hydration, but many will also use water sources as a breeding grounds – such as mosquitoes. If you eliminate all forms of standing water, you will instantly eliminate the possibility of running into several types of pests, too!
- Avoid the Mulch – The next step in getting rid of all of those outdoor pests is to ensure that you avoid mulching. Yes, it may increase the appearance of the home, but it is known for attracting all sorts of pests. If you like the look of mulching, bypass natural or organic materials and go for inorganic mulch. Perfect types of inorganic mulch that you may use include those composed of rubber or even just basic gravel. You still want to add some type of mulch as yellow jackets are attracted to bare land. You just do not want to use organic mulch as it could attract termites, ants, cockroaches, and even rodents!
What Can I Put in My Backyard to Keep Pests Away?
You will be pleased to know that there are several items that may be placed in your backyard to keep various types of pests away.
Here’s a list:
- Peppermint oil
- Citronella
- Vanilla extract
- Tea tree oil
- Eucalyptus
- Garlic
- and even fabric softener dryer sheets & diluted detergents
Be aware though, while something like vanilla extract will keep mosquitoes away, it could attract another type of pest – such as ants. If you truly want to keep pests out of your backyard and the patio of your home, you should have professional pest control done.
When Should My Yard Be Sprayed for Bugs?
The best time of the year to have your yard sprayed for bugs is during the spring months. When you have the yard sprayed, ensure that the grass, trees, shrubs, and other types of vegetation are treated. If you just spray the grass, insects are likely to move onto vegetation that is not treated. If they do this, they will remain on the property and – eventually – make their way back down to the lawn and possibly your home.
How Often Should You Spray for Pests?
It is best to spray for pests once every three months. Some individuals prefer to have their lawn sprayed monthly and there are those that prefer their spray to go down once or twice a year. It will depend on your region and what types of pests are impacting your lawn.
Contact Us
If you want to get your backyard and patio ready for all those outdoor activities, we here at All Pest can assist you! We will conduct an inspection to determine what types of pests that you have an issue with. We will then advise the best course of action – in terms of treatment. Once treatment is administered, we can work out a regular schedule with you to ensure that your outdoor living area is pest-free all year long! If you would like to learn more, we encourage you to contact us now by calling: 765-259-0043