How to mosquito-proof your yard this summer

Key insights:

• Keeping a wood pile to fuel your summer bonfires? Cover it up to avoid building a home and breeding ground for bugs.
• It’s possible to bug-proof your yard without breaking the bank. Consider citronella candles and good old bug spray.
• If your bug problem gets out of control, hire a professional to spray your yard.

After being cooped up all winter, you’ll want to enjoy your outdoor living space and not have it overrun by pesky bugs. So how can we ward off the more than 51 species of mosquitoes that live in Minnesota and 56 species of mosquitoes in Wisconsin, and fully enjoy our summers?

Here are tips to bug-proof your yard and home—making summer days swinging on the porch and evenings grilling out even more enjoyable.

Work now to keep bugs out of your lawn later

If possible, it helps to prep your yard before mosquito season arrives (which is typically around May in Minnesota and Wisconsin). By doing so, you’ll help to decrease the areas in your yard that attract bugs.

To begin, get rid of standing water. Not only will this improve the health and appearance of your lawn, but it will also remove the chance of mosquitoes calling this space home. Next, cover up any logs that you may have piled up. Whether you have a stack of wood for home improvement projects or firewood to fuel your summer bonfires, cover them so they don't become breeding grounds for mosquitoes after rainfall.

Effective ways to remove bugs from your yard

Here are some of our favorite simple and cost-effective ways to get bugs out of your lawn. The end game? A summer filled with yard activities, without the bites and itching that can ruin even the most pleasant day or night.

1. Classic bug-free options. Whether you like to sit out on your porch, deck or right in your grass, stash a can of good old bug spray on every outdoor tabletop and shelf that you have. By keeping bug spray constantly within reach, you’ll remember to spray yourself and ward off pesky bugs.

2. Alternative repellents for kids. Mosquito patches or stickers are a great option for kids who may not be jiving with traditional sprays or their strong smells. Many of these stickers are plant-based and free from DEET, too. For another quick-and-easy option, look into mosquito bands.

3. Order an umbrella net. For the effect of a screened-in porch, purchase an umbrella net. You can attach this screen to your patio umbrella to create a pop-up screened-in area. These nets have mixed reviews for durability, so be sure to do your homework before buying.

4. Purchase a spatial repellent. Have you heard of Thermacell rechargeable mosquito repellent devices? This gadget is battery-operated and it keeps mosquitoes away for hours — without any odor! They even offer rechargeable models and more decorative options, such as repellers that look like lanterns.

5. Go natural. You can also try more natural options, including mosquito-repelling candles, essential oils and scents, which typically use citronella or Citriodiol (also called lemon eucalyptus oil). The scent of citronella is natural yet floral, plus it keeps bugs away. Peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender have also been known to deter mosquitoes.

6. Spray-it-yourself options. Not interested in dousing your clothes with repellent or dealing with extra gadgets to keep the bugs away? A DIY yard spray might be for you. To mosquito-proof your backyard with lawn spray, head over to your nearest hardware store or landscaping store. They’ll have a few different effective sprays to recommend.

Invest in a bug-free outdoor space

If you’re done exploring DIY options and you’re ready to get serious about pest control, you may want to think about large-scale options.

First, consider hiring a professional to spray your lawn. Not only are there companies devoted solely to pest control, many landscaping companies also offer spraying as an add-on to their typical services.

Their heavy-duty spray will kill off any existing bugs and prevent future mosquitoes from coming. However, spraying your yard isn’t a one-and-done procedure. To enjoy a bug-free yard throughout the summer, you’ll need to routinely schedule lawn sprays throughout the season. And, keep in mind, spraying for mosquitoes and gnats can potentially harm bugs that we do want to keep around, such as butterflies and bees.

Alternatively, this could be the year you build your long-awaited screened-in porch. This is the perfect option to keep bugs out, without having to do continual upkeep or buying new sprays and products every few weeks. With a screened-in porch, you can enjoy the summer breeze and the sunshine peeking in while avoiding sunburns and pesky bugs.

Moving forward, without mosquitoes

By following these preventative and active bug-repeller steps, you’ll be well on your way to a more enjoyable summer in your yard.

If you’re ready to make your yard look its best before you sell, reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents. Rest assured, we’ll help you search for your next dream home so you can continue soaking up everything summer has to offer.