Buzz off! How to keep your summer bug-free

Key insights

• Bugs can ruin your summer fun, but there are several home remedies you can try to make them buzz off.
• Remove standing water and keep your area clean to prevent bugs from breeding.
• Use natural remedies like planting pest-repellent flowers and herbs, spraying or placing insect deterrents and using essential oils.
• Change your lighting, add a fan or invest in a screen or professional service.

Summer is in full swing, and unfortunately, so are the bugs. Here are some of the best ways you can help keep insects away and bugs at bay.

Remove any standing water

Even small amounts of standing water can become breeding grounds for bugs like mosquitoes. Be sure to check areas like:

• Kiddie pools
• Plant saucers
• Grill covers
• Storage bins
• Folds in patio furniture

Clean your space consistently

Remove food and wipe up any sticky spills with a mild soap or hydrogen peroxide. Regularly shake out cushions for any hidden crumbs.

Grow plants that are pest-repelling

Flowers like marigolds and lavender, and herbs like basil, mint, rosemary and lemongrass are all known to naturally keep insects away. However, keep all other grass and shrubs short and trimmed around your outdoor gathering spaces—tall grass and dense greenery are safe havens for bugs like spiders and ticks.

Use essential oils and natural deterrents

Mix a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender or citronella with water and a little rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spritz your outdoor sitting areas, as well as tables and doorframes. Burning citronella candles is another good option.

Spray or sprinkle natural deterrents:

• Coffee grounds
• A mixture of vinegar and water
• Chalk
• Citrus peels

Tucking a dryer sheet under a chair cushion is also a low-cost way to deter mosquitoes and gnats.

Change your light bulbs

White, cool light attracts nocturnal insects because it resembles moonlight. Warm, yellow light is more similar to sunlight and is less appealing to nighttime bugs, so it’s a better option for outdoor living. It’s also a good idea to move lights away from your sitting area, as it can attract bugs.

Use a fan

Not only will you stay cool, but weak flying bugs won’t be able to fight against the wind and will be pushed away.

Invest in screens, zappers or professionals

If the bugs are unbearable, a netted tent, screened patio or bug zapper might be the best solution. If all else fails, call in a professional to spray and assess the situation.

Get that screened porch you’ve always wanted

Being outside in the summer is one of the great joys of living in Minnesota and Wisconsin. If you’re looking for a bigger outdoor space or one with a screened patio or porch that’s always bug-free, reach out to Edina Realty or your agent.