How to Keep Your Yard and Patio Pest-Free

Pests are annoying and disappointing, considering they cause significant damage to your property. In addition, they are a nuisance while spending time in your backyard or on your patio. Exterminating them is the best solution. 

Although it is impossible to eliminate all insects in your yard, there are a few insights you can apply to make your property less appealing to insects. They include:

Eliminate stagnant water

Did you know gutters and downspouts are mosquito breeding grounds if they hold stagnant water? Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to prevent obstructions that can retain water and allow stinging insects to develop. Additionally, ensure that kiddie pools, buckets, and watering cans are empty while not in use.

Try an Insect-Killing Concentrate

Spray concentrates, like Cutter’s Backyard Bug Control can work wonders when applied to your lawn. Plus, they are very easy to use. Typically, you will simply attach the product to a garden hose and spray away! Most concentrates will guard your lawn from insects for up to 12 weeks or more. 

Shop insect control concentrates at our newly opened Columbia hardware store today! 

Use Essential Oils

Combine equal parts of hazel and water to develop a solution that repels insects from your patio. Add one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and several drops of essential oils per cup of solution to the mixture.

Consider using lavender, rosemary, lemon thyme, and basil essential oils. These scents mimic the odors of the plants and allow you to combine multiple forms of protection into a single product. You can use this mixture to repel insects from a patio by evenly spraying it around the perimeter of your space.

Update your lighting

Replace white light bulbs with orange or yellow alternatives. Choose light colors for your paint instead of dazzling or dark hues. Background with a light tint repels insects. To repel nuisance birds, avoid using paint that resembles their preferred meals.

Consider choosing colors that complement the neighborhood and boost your property’s aesthetic appeal. Doing so retains your home’s appeal while undertaking pest control.

Add Bug-Repelling Plants

Some plants have an innate defense system that repels bugs with their scents. Planting such plants in your yard deters pests. Some of the excellent plant choices include:

1. Peppermint
2. Lemongrass
3. Thyme
4. Rosemary
5. Basil
6. Chrysanthemums
7. Marigolds

Always remember to keep your lawn and patio clean and maintained. Unkempt backyards are a haven for insects. Ticks prefer hiding in thick grass, and close-growing plants make it easy for pests to enter your home.

Keeping your yard tidy goes a long way towards keeping insects away from a patio. Make every effort to collect rubbish and clean up messes before they can attract insects.

Keep Insects Away From Your Pool

Spending time by the pool is enjoyable, but it can attract insects. Ensure that your pool is spotless. This reduces its appeal to insects. When not in use, store pool toys, and rafts in a location where they remain dry. 

Check your pump frequently to ensure its functionality. You want the water to continue to circulate and not stagnate. In addition, insect-proofing your pool area prevents insects from invading your yard. 

Use Hydrogen Peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is a typical disinfectant with numerous domestic applications. It repels adult insects and eliminates their eggs. Combine one-third hydrogen peroxide with two-thirds water. Lightly sprinkle the patio’s surface and the border with water. Avoid spraying it directly on plants since it can harm the foliage.

Hire Professionals

Maintaining a yard is challenging, and repelling bugs makes it even more cumbersome! Consider hiring professional lawn care and pest control services to maintain your lawn and prevent severe insect infestations. Doing so reduces your to-do list and protects you from making any mistakes that could be hazardous to your yard or property.Clarks Ace Hardware recognizes the difficulty of maintaining a healthy, pest-free lawn. This is why we have qualified, well-trained personnel to keep your yard or patio throughout the year.