Gnats, mosquitos, and flies are biblical to Jersey Shore summers. While they’re important to our ecosystem, they’re constant buzzing and biting can really get under your skin (pun intended)! Here are ten ways to help keep your BBQ’s and backyard time as bug-free as possible.
Get Rid of Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and you may have it in places you didn’t realize. Clogged gutters, birdbaths, and empty pots that may be retaining rainwater are your enemies! Make sure to empty out as much as possible to avoid providing a space for bugs to multiply.
Garbage
Garbage is to flies as standing water is to mosquitos. Make sure there are no remnants of trash lingering at the bottom of your bins and keep them away from your outdoor entertaining and seating areas!
Keep a Cover on Food
This is an obvious one, but bugs love a good summer cook-out just as much as we do! If you’re enjoying a meal outside, be sure to keep it covered.
Invite Bats to the Party
One bat consumes between 6,000 to 8,000 bugs in one night and the best part is, they work while you’re asleep! Build a bat house to increase population around your home and pretty soon you’ll have some natural bug security guards.
Birds
Backyard birds love berries, seeds, and most importantly, insects! Set up a birdhouse or feeder to attract birds and let them take care of the rest.
Lawncare
Overgrown weeds and grass are prime real estate for pesky insects. Force them out by keeping up with your property’s lawn.
Bug Traps
There are plenty of DIY bug traps you can place around your home. A simple example is to cut the top off of a two-liter bottle and flip it upside down so the cap is pointed inwards. Tape the pieces together and fill the bottle with the solution appropriate for the type of insect you’re trying to rid.
Citronella Candles
Citronella is a naturally derived oil that comes from plants. Contrary to popular belief, citronella scent doesn’t repel bugs but masks the scent of human lactic acid and carbon dioxide, which is what insects are attracted to.
Bug-Repellent Plants
Yes, there are plants that repel bugs! Some being lavender, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and lemongrass. Beautify your yard while repelling insects, a win-win!
Yard Treatments
If you know you’re going to be outside for any reason, there are treatments you can spray throughout your yard the night before that can repel insects for up to eight weeks. Look into “off-the-shelf-sprays” online or ask your local garden center for recommendations!
Though bugs are a natural part of the summer season, they can really put a damper on your days. Thankfully, keeping them away is simple and easy with these tips. Happy Summering!
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