Florida residents are fortunate to be able to enjoy their outdoor spaces year-round. Unfortunately, many insects also enjoy these outdoor spaces which can be a major nuisance. How can you prevent pesky pests from putting a damper on your outdoor fun? Here are a few tips to help keep those houseflies, fruitflies, bees, wasps, mosquitos, spiders, roaches, ants, moths, and fleas from joining you in your outdoor oasis.

Plant Power

Growing bug repellent herbs and flowers is an excellent way to deter pests from taking up residence in your outdoor spaces. Not only are many of them beautiful and fragrant, but some are very useful in your cooking as well. The following plants would be an excellent choice for your porch or patio: rosemary, garlic, lemongrass, chive, geraniums, mint, lemon thyme, lavender, marigolds, and basil.

Do-It-Yourself Spray Deterrents 

Creating your own pest deterrent spray with mint mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide mixed with water can be a powerful way to keep bugs at bay. Prepare your solution in a spray bottle and then spray the perimeter of your space, patio furniture, and entryways. When spraying your outdoor spaces, be sure to avoid food, drinks, and pet bowls. 

Update Your Outdoor Lighting 

Citronella candles and torches can add a festive and fragrant touch to your outdoor spaces. Best of all, candles and torches made with real citronella oil help keep pests away! Switching your outdoor light bulbs can also make a big difference. Bugs only see shorter wavelengths of light, so they are most drawn to blues, purples, and UV lights. Warmer colors, on the other hand, are far less visible. Opt for sodium vapor lighting or yellow light as the most effective light deterrent. 

Keep It Tidy 

Keeping your porches and patios clean is well worth the effort. Even the tiniest morsel of food left behind can attract bugs. Remember to drain any standing water around your home, as well. Standing water provides the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Opt for moving or aerated water features with items like bird baths. If that isn’t possible, you can add a product called “mosquito dunks” to these areas. These small, stonelike, round discs contain a bacteria that kills mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife. 

The Comfort of EasyShades

The best way to keep pests off your porches and patios is by creating an impassable barrier. SunSetter’s EasyShades are retractable screens that keep pests out without blocking light and airflow. They can also protect your spaces from inclement weather, damaging sun rays, and intense heat. EasyShades protect you, your family, and your guests without sacrificing visibility. 

At Authority Home Solutions we help home and business owners to love their outdoor spaces again. For over ten years we have been providing the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with beautiful and functional retractable awnings and storm protection. We are a SunSetter authorized dealer with exceptional customer service and installation. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration of our high-quality SunSetter retractable awnings and EasyShades.