An outdoor terrace is a private relaxation space and an ideal spot for entertaining friends and family. You might choose to host a family gathering on your outdoor terrace for a barbecue or a glass of wine and conversation. Or perhaps you prefer reading stories to your children in the evenings under the lights. What a wonderful life outdoors!
While you're unwinding outdoors, there can be quite a few concerns. For instance, pesky insects start to make an appearance. In the summer, outdoor activities can attract mosquito bites. Food remnants can lure ants or other unwanted visitors. Nighttime lights may draw in moths and other insects. So, what can be done to ward off this pesky occurrence? There are simple ways to keep summer insects away from your terrace and help you enjoy the outdoors without any unpleasant distractions.
Repel Pesky Insects with Plants
Insects primarily distinguish information based on smell, and this chemical-free repellent can emit different scents to deter insects. Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for repelling all insects. Depending on the pests you need to repel, you can use specific garden plants to deter insects. For example, use chrysanthemums to repel ants, basil to repel flies, and lavender to deter moths. To repel mosquitoes, you can use plants such as rosemary, marigold, and lavender.
Repelling pests with plants not only decorates your outdoor terrace but also perfumes your garden. Keep in mind that while the scent of lemon repels mosquitoes, it may attract bees.
Using Essential Oils
If you find it cumbersome and limiting to use plants to repel other insects, you can use essential oils instead. To use them, spray the essential oil mixture evenly around your space to keep as many insects away from your terrace as possible.
So, how do you make an insect repellent to ward off insects? Mix one part witch hazel with one part water. Add a tablespoon of topical alcohol and several dozen drops of essential oil.
As for the choice of essential oil, you can use lavender, rosemary, lemon thyme, or basil. These scents mimic the smell of the plant they're named after and allow you to combine several protective measures into one solution.
Clearing Standing Water from the Deck
We have a variety of ways to rid your terrace of various flying insects, but we also need to focus on the root cause of the flying insect problem. Standing water on the deck can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If possible, keep your terrace drains, downspouts, sinks, and other areas free of standing water.
Mouthwash Spray
If you don't have essential oils to ward off bugs, spraying an alcohol-based mouthwash around your terrace is another effective way to get rid of terrace bugs. Simply fill a spray bottle with mouthwash and spray around your terrace or even on your outdoor furniture. Although alcohol-based mouthwash repels other pests, the quick evaporation of alcohol means you'll need to spray regularly.
Change Your Terrace Lighting
Insects have a visual system that helps them see shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet. But their visual system cannot see warm lights, like red or orange.
Commonly used white bulbs contain a high concentration of blue light, so nighttime light attracts many mosquitoes. If you want to keep insects away from your outdoor terrace at night, try replacing cooler bulbs with warmer tones, especially sodium or yellow vapor bulbs. This will prevent the lights from attracting more mosquitoes.
Keep Your Back Terrace Neat and Clean
A cluttered backyard provides an excellent home for insects. Ticks like to hide in tall grass, and overgrown bushes can make it easier for pests to enter. Keeping your garden tidy isn't just about appearance; it reduces the amount of living space for insects away from your terrace. So, whether it's for aesthetic reasons or the idea of reducing insects, try to keep your outdoor terrace as clean and tidy as possible.
Following these simple tips can help make your back terrace an insect-free spot to enjoy better outdoor relaxation with your friends and family.