Your outdoor space is meant to serve as an oasis of sorts - translating everyday living outdoors. Just picture yourself now - curled up on your cozy outdoor couch with an iced tea in hand. You feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on your arms as you watch the clouds levitate amongst the bright blue sky. It’s almost too good to be true - but the sounds of buzzing bees and an incessant itch from an ant bite pull you right back down to reality. If only there were some effective ways to keep these pests out of your happy place…

SPOILER ALERT: there are! You might be thinking, how can I get rid of bugs without spreading harmful chemicals for my kids or pets to be exposed? We’ve got some sure-fire methods that will help keep annoying critters away from your beloved outdoor space - and get this: all methods are NON-TOXIC. Some you may have heard before, and some you probably haven’t. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Install Outdoor Solar Screen Shades

First and foremost, installing outdoor solar screen shades might just be the most important thing you can do to keep out bugs. Outdoor shades are your patio’s double agent - keeping out insects while providing comfortable shade to protect you from the sun. When we’re talking about shades with Mermet fabrics, the lower the openness the lower the probability of bugs weaseling their way into your space. A fabric with 0.5% or 1% openness might just be the perfect solution. 

2. Plant an Herb Garden

Herbs are some of nature’s most effective weapons against bugs. Keeping an herb garden in and around your outdoor space has the power to repel the peskiest of insects. Rosemary helps deter mosquitoes, basil turns away flies, and mint repels various species of bugs. If you want to decorate your outdoor space with flowers that ward off creepy-crawlies, try planting marigolds, chrysanthemums, or lavender. 

3. Permeate Essential Oils Throughout Your Outdoor Space

While being a source of relaxation for human beings, essential oils produce scents which irritate the antennae of bugs all around. That being said, spraying essential oils is a great way to limit the number of bugs who find their way into your outdoor space AND provide a sense of relaxation for your own senses. One of the main reasons why you have an outdoor space is to relax and enjoy it, right? Essential oils provide you with a sense of ease that bugs won’t invade your space and allow you to relax at the same time. Who could ask for anything more?

4. Light Citronella Candles

This is a pretty basic way to keep unwanted mosquitos away from your outdoor space, but it’s tried and true. Citronella candles, like essential oils, aid in keeping dwellers relaxed and soothed by its dim light and calming scent. The warm flame light partnered with the potent aroma forces bugs to keep their distance from your comfortable patio. Citronella candles can be found at almost any home improvement store including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and more. HERE is a list of some top-notch citronella candles from Crate & Barrel.

5. Incorporate Fans Into Your Space

What keeps you cool and comfy while keeping bugs away? Say it with us - FANS! Put a ceiling fan plus an oscillating floor fan on your patio and the results will literally blow you away (or the bugs). To a bug, a light fan setting is more like a terrible gust of wind. Needless to say, bugs will not want to go near a moving fan. Just remember to turn it off once you’re done spending time outside, and you’re set!

6. Practice Regular Maintenance on Your Lawn

We shouldn’t really have to tell you this, but keeping a well maintained lawn can tremendously reduce your exposure to bugs in your outdoor space. Think about it - if your yard is covered in tall grass and weeds, it serves as an open invitation for critters of all kinds to find refuge. A well trimmed lawn and minimal weeds discourage pesky insects from immigrating to your lawn and in turn - your valued patio space.

7. Drain Standing Water

Any form of excess moisture - especially standing water - attracts insects by the droves. Like humans, bugs MUST have water in order to survive - making a puddle of water an insect’s dream. There are several ways to combat this, but a few stand out among the rest: build a french drain, aerate your lawn, and do your best to fill in low spots around the yard. 

8. Try Hanging Sandwich Bags with Water Above Your Door

Just hear us out on this one. As we stated above, moisture attracts bugs. The moisture from the ziploc bag draws insects away from your outdoor living space - giving you peace and calm. Make sure to hang the bag securely so you don’t get drenched with one false move!

We hope we’ve given you some valuable tips you can start introducing to kick insects out of your patio space FOR GOOD. If you’d like to start implementing Tip #1, visit our Outdoor Fabric Collection page HERE. Good luck and good riddance, bugs!