Plan Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Away from Your Outdoor Events

Spending time outside with your friends and family is a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the changing seasons. However, this time becomes more stressful when mosquitoes decide to attend your gathering. You can help keep everyone safe while enjoying outdoor fun by taking a few steps to keep these dangerous bugs away from your outdoor living spaces. 

Consider taking the following steps for natural mosquito control: 

Remove Sources of Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in pools of standing water, so it's important to eliminate these breeding sources from your outdoor space. Remove anything that can hold water after a heavy rain, such as garbage can lids, children's toys, or empty flower pots. Fill in puddles or holes on your property, and treat water features to prevent mosquito larvae. 

Separate Trash Cans and Gathering Areas

Trash cans and recycling bins are a source of food and shelter for insects. This is especially true when you're hosting outdoor guests, as your cans may be more full than usual. Keep your household trash and recycling bins away from your patio or dining area, so that insects that are attracted to them aren't anywhere near your family or guests. This can limit the chance that someone will be bitten by an insect. Mosquito protection is especially important if you'll be hosting a special event. 

Consider Adding a Bat House

Bats are great for controlling insect populations. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, a single bat can capture as many as 1,000 mosquito-sized insects an hour.  Providing a home for bats on your property can allow them to feed on mosquitoes and other harmful insects, providing a natural insect population control method. 

Install Bug Repellent Landscaping

Another way to limit the mosquito population on your property is to install bug repellent landscaping. Mosquitoes tend to avoid marigolds, citronella grass, catnip, and rosemary. Adding these plants to the flowerbeds around your patio and your children's play areas can help limit the mosquito populations in these areas. The insects won't like the plants and will simply choose another location to settle in.  

Hire Mosquito Squad of West Michigan Lakeshore for Natural Mosquito Control

There are numerous methods that you can consider for do it yourself mosquito protection, but your safest and most effective option is to hire a professional. Contact Mosquito Squad of West Michigan Lakeshore to learn more about the services we offer. Call us today at (616) 426-6776 to make an appointment for our natural mosquito control services.