Enjoy Your Fall Outdoor Space Without Annoying Bugs
Fall is one of the most enjoyable seasons to spend time in your outdoor space. The weather is cooler, the landscaping is lush, and the sky is a brilliant color of blue. Whether you are dining on the deck or patio, reading a book on a lazy weekend afternoon, or entertaining family and friends, the last thing you need are mosquitoes and other pests to ruin the fun. We have some tips for property owners in Houston to keep all those uninvited pests to your party. Look at how to enjoy your outdoor space this fall without annoying bugs.
Install Patio Fans
One easy, breezy way to keep the annoying bugs at bay is to install a patio fan. Bugs like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes have difficulty finding you when combating a constant airflow. The constant air from a fan dilutes the carbon dioxide that we breathe and decreases body heat which attracts mosquitoes. They will give up and find a calmer, warmer place to hang out. Plus, the patio fan will keep the air flowing making it a more comfortable environment for you and your guests.
Make Sure You Are Mulching Just the Right Amount
Mulch is a very important part of a beautifully landscaped area, but it is also a multi-purpose workhorse. While it is improving your curb appeal, it is also healthy for the surrounding plants. Too much of a good thing can lead to unexpected problems including a perfect habitat for bugs and rodents. If you use too much mulch it creates an ideal environment for ants and cockroaches to build a nest. They could even find their way right into your home! Plus, as mulch ages, it begins to decompose creating a comfortable spot for pests like mice to live and multiply, eventually finding their way into your home. On the other hand, not enough mulch allows for yellow jackets to build their nests on the bare ground. The last thing you want is any of these pests to call your property home.
Mulch should be kept at least 12 inches away from your home’s foundation to keep the weeds from taking over your garden and pests taking over your home.
Make Sure Your Property Does Not Have Standing Water
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially in a Houston, Texas climate. The smallest puddle of water in a spout, bucket, kiddie pool, bird bath, watering can, garbage can, and any container for that matter is appealing to mosquitoes. Even a bottle cap or lid of a jar with standing water is enough for mosquitoes to breed. It is extremely important to make sure all containers left outside are totally empty or turned upside down, so water cannot collect inside. Fountains and pools should have a pump for water movement because pests are unable to lay their eggs in water that is circulating or moving. Clean gutters regularly to prevent backup clogged and trapped water where mosquitoes can live and breed.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
Regular maintenance of your yard is another important weapon in your bug prevention arsenal. Mow the grass and remove tall grass and growth where small rodents and animals like to hide. Manicure tree limbs, plants, and hedges that are close to your home as they become an easy way to find their way inside your home. Remove any piles of wood and unwanted debris including garbage that is attractive to rodents and pests.
Add Fragrant Plants That Discourage Bugs
There are a variety of plants and herbs that you can plant throughout your landscaping that will deter pests. They feature certain fragrances like mint and citrus that we enjoy but are not preferred by mosquitoes and other pests. Some of the most popular plants that discourage bugs include:
- Basil: Basil is an edible herb that features beautiful deep green leaves and is commonly used in cooking. Basil features a scent that is effective in repelling flies and mosquitoes.
- Catnip: Catnip is an herb that is a member of the mint family and features a fragrance that cats love, but it repels pests like flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and cockroaches.
- Chrysanthemums: Also called, mums, chrysanthemums are bright, cheerful fall flowers that keep ants, ticks, bedbugs, and roaches away from your property
- Citronella: Citronella is a plant with a citrus scent, an essential oil so strong that it masks other scents and keeps mosquitoes away. Both plants and products, like candles, that include citronella are effective.
- Geranium, lemon-scented: Geraniums are charming flowers with a lemon-like citrus scent and are popular for adding to flower beds, potted flowers, and hanging baskets, and will keep mosquitoes away.
- Marigold: Marigolds are charming flowers that include pyrethrum, a fragrance that keeps mosquitoes away. Marigolds also keep rabbits away from your garden.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is a beautiful edible herb used in cooking. It features a distinctive woody fragrance that keeps mosquitoes away.
Invest in the Best Protection, Mosquito Misting Services
Mosquitoes are not only a pest that can ruin your outdoor experience, but they also carry harmful viruses that can make you sick. Taking a proactive stand against them moving in and making your home their home is your goal. Contact the expert team at Unique Outdoor Illumination & Mosquitoes Pros, who offer automatic mosquito misting systems or provide manual mosquito fogging services. Call to schedule an appointment and get a free quote today.
