Backyard Insects: How to Enjoy Your Backyard Without Getting Eaten Alive

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One of the many great things about summer is all the fun outdoor activities you get to do when the weather is hot and sunny. Grilling, swimming and gardening are among the popular activities you can do right in your backyard. Unfortunately, being outside can also expose you to common insects such as mosquitoes, fire ants and ticks. To elevate the enjoyment of your backyard, discover ways to avoid encountering those pesky pests.

Get Rid of Standing Water                                                 

Ornamental ponds, fountains and bird baths are incredibly beautiful and make great décor for your backyard. However, they also foster the perfect environment for pests like mosquitoes to thrive and is an ideal place to breed and lay eggs. To prevent them from quickly multiplying in your backyard, eliminate the source altogether, or change the water regularly. Be on the lookout for sunken areas in your yard or garden where water tends to pool after it rains as it could contribute to the problem.

Be Intentional with Landscaping

Thoughtful design and proper maintenance is extremely helpful in reducing the presence of unwanted insects and rodents. Give these suggestions a try to enhance your backyard experience this summer.

• Create a Mulch Barrier: Mulch around the perimeter of your yard is a great way to keep bugs away from gardens while improving soil quality at the same time. If you decide to do this, be cautious of the type of mulch you are using. Wet organic mulch can provide a habitat for bugs and rodents; so look for one with a dryer texture, such as straw mulch.
• Plant Bug-Repellent Plants: A natural way to beat the bug while adding to the biodiversity in your backyard is to plant flowers and shrubs that repel bugs. Lemongrass, lavender, chrysanthemums and mint are among the many plants that can help drive off aphids and other bugs.
• Mow Your Lawn: Mowing your lawn may seem like a simple solution, but it does more than you think. Overgrown weeds create an ideal habitat and hiding place for numerous insects to thrive and lay eggs. By eliminating matted grass and weeds, you are doing your yard and yourself a huge favor.

Cover your Food and Garbage                                                                                     

It is no surprise that the smell of food and garbage attracts ants, flies and other pests. Keeping them away from your picnic area will keep them from intruding upon your meal. Don’t leave food unattended and uncovered for long periods of time. Keep a tight lid on outdoor garbage to prevent flies from getting in and laying eggs.

Burn Citronella or Tiki Torches                                                                                   

Some of the most well-known techniques for repelling mosquitoes and other pests are to burn citronella or tiki torches. citronella is all-natural and is created from a combination of grasses that repel bugs, making them a popular choice. Tiki torches emit a smell that is safe for humans but unpleasant to mosquitoes, flies and other bugs while still looking great in your backyard. Remember that the more torches you burn, the more protection it provides.

Although not all outside bugs are bad, many species are known to spread diseases and damage vegetation. Taking some steps to reduce pests, will help everyone have a pleasant experience in the yard this summer.

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