KEEP PESTS AWAY FROM YOUR PATIO PARTY

With the Canada Day long weekend in arm's length (and already being celebrated now by some), many of us are looking forward to cottages, pools and outdoor parties with family and friends. Have you considered that you may have unwanted guests attending your party?

We’re not speaking of the unwelcome relative that has the uncanny tendency of making every situation awkward or uncomfortable. We’re referring to the four to six legged unwelcome guests who annoyingly buzz around and are the source of frustration during outdoor events, like the blood-sucking, atmosphere-killing mosquito.

While you may feel as though it’s impossible to thwart off a gang of blood-thirsty mosquitoes, there are some simple tips you can do to prevent mosquitoes from attending your party.

Bug Spray

Bug spray is one of the easiest methods of deterring bugs. Insect repellents are effective in deterring mosquitoes, horseflies, ticks and fleas.

Experts recommend that bug spray containing DEET is most effective in repelling bugs. DEET is known to provide optimal protection, as insect repellents containing DEET have been known to protect for up to 8 hours.

If you’re looking for a natural product, you will have to apply more frequently, as natural based products are known to last 30 minutes to 2 hours. Using products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus or plant oils are a more natural way to prevent bugs.

Do read the label on the can of bug spray before you make the purchase, as they inform of the type of insect they protect against, as well as the duration of protection time. Before purchase, it’s beneficial to ask yourself how long you’ll need to be protected for, as this may be a deciding factor in the type of insect repellent you choose.

Mosquito Nets

Mosquito nets are easy and effective in preventing mosquitoes from crashing your party. A mosquito net can also create ambiance for you and your guests, making it appear as though you have an additional room outdoors, which helps create additional privacy and intimacy.

Keep Food Covered

Eating outside on patios with a cool drink in hand is a summer luxury. While it may not detract bugs from pestering you, it’s important to keep food covered to prevent pests from getting their grubby hands on your food. There are lots of colourful affordable covers that you can purchase, which can also fit with your outdoor table-setting decor.

Gardening/Maintenance

Have you cut your lawn recently? Ensuring your grass is cut helps thwart off bugs, as bugs are attracted to tall grass and weeds.  

Create a Mosquito Repellent Garden

If you’re an avid gardener, this could be an additive feature to help prevent pests in your backyard. There are various plants and flowers that ward off mosquitoes like Citronella grass, Rosemary, Catnip and Marigolds.

Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water, so it is important to eliminate water in areas where water collects, such as gutters, kiddie pools or buckets.

If you are unable to remove the water (for example, if you own a bird bath), installing a pump to circulate the water is beneficial in discouraging mosquitoes from laying eggs.

If you follow these tips, you have a lesser chance of having unwelcomed guests at your outdoor parties and gatherings this summer. Happy Canada Day!