Many people are spending more time at home this summer than usual due to all of the restrictions and safety protocols set in place for Covid-19. While relaxing outdoors sounds like a great way to spend your time, you may find that you are running into bug issues. No one wants to fight off bugs while trying to relax. Unfortunately though, with the nicer weather comes an increase in bugs. You can follow the steps below to help keep the bugs away so that you can enjoy your time at home a little more, and finally relax.

Steps To Make Your Home Bug-Free:

1.) Get rid of any standing water.

You will want to make sure that all of your gutters and downspouts are cleaned out on a regular basis. While you may be aware that stagnant water attracts bugs, you may not realize those gutters can trap water and become a mosquito breeding ground. You will also want to make sure that kiddie pools, watering cans, and anything else on your property that can hold water remains empty when not in use.

2.) Add plants that bugs hate.

You would be surprised how much adding plants can help with the bug problem. Plants such as mint and citrus are your best bet to battling bugs you may not want around. Additional plants that help with pest-repelling are:  basil, catnip, citronella, lemon thyme, lavender, marigold, rosemary.

3.) Keep a tidy yard.

You will want to make sure that you are moving your lawn regularly. Bugs, especially ticks, love to hide in tall grass. You will also want to make sure that you don’t have overgrown weeds and plants close to the house, giving the pesky bugs easy access to your home.

4.) Don’t mulch too much (or too close)!

Mulch generates heat as it decomposes, so it gives cockroaches and ants an ideal environment to nest and end up inside your home. Try to keep mulch areas a foot or so from your home’s foundation or consider inorganic mulch options.

5.) Install patio fans.

An easy way to get rid of mosquitos is to add a patio fan to your outdoor space. The outdoor fan can help push the mosquitos away from the space.

6.) Use citronella.

Mosquitos do not like anything that contains citronella. Many people will burn citronella candles or use citronella plants when outdoors.

Make Your Home Bug-Free and Enjoy The Outdoors!