Best Managing Pests on Your Patio

For most homeowners, the primary purpose of having a patio is to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of their own home. A patio is a great place to spend a warm evening relaxing or entertaining guests. However, the enjoyment of the outdoors can sometimes be disrupted by unwanted guests like bugs, flies, and mosquitoes. These pests can ruin your perfectly planned al fresco design. That’s why I’ve put together some quick tips to help you keep your patio pest-free.

Keep It Clean

The first obvious tip is to always keep your patio clean. Most pests are attracted to a messy patio, so maintaining cleanliness is a crucial step towards having a bug-free patio.

Nature’s Repellents

One effective way to keep bugs at bay is by using repellent plants. Mother Nature offers numerous flowers that are natural repellents for various pesky insects. For example, marigolds and calendulas not only deter bugs but also look great and complement the popular alfresco designs that Perth homeowners prefer.

Additionally, certain herbs can help ward off pests. Planting chives, lemongrass, rosemary, mint, and garlic around your patio will encourage bugs to steer clear.

Burn Them Out

You don’t need to burn your patio to get rid of pests. Simply burning some citrus (citrus candles are an excellent choice) can help. Pairing these with citronella candles can effectively rid your al fresco area of crawling and flying vermin.

Consider Your Lights

Another factor that affects the presence of pests in your well-designed pergola is the type of lighting. Night bugs are often attracted to certain lights, particularly white bulbs. Consider replacing these with sodium vapor lights or yellow light options, which attract fewer bugs. Also, remember to turn off the lights when not in use to further reduce bug attraction.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a pest-free patio and make the most of your outdoor space.