Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and backyard barbecues. However, the joy of these activities can quickly be dampened by the intrusion of unwanted pests. Whether it's ants invading your picnic or mosquitoes crashing your barbecue, pests can turn a perfect summer day into a frustrating experience.
Seven Ways to Repel Bugs While Dining Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy meals outdoors, but bugs can quickly turn a pleasant dining experience into a nightmare. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective strategies you can use to keep pests away while you enjoy your al fresco meals.
Burn Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a tried-and-true method for repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. The distinct scent of citronella oil is unpleasant to bugs, keeping them at a distance. By placing citronella candles around your dining area, you can create a barrier that bugs are reluctant to cross.
Use Bug-Repelling Plants
Certain plants are known for their natural bug-repelling properties. Lavender, chrysanthemum, marigold, and lemongrass are all excellent choices for keeping pests at bay. These plants release scents that bugs find offensive, making them an effective natural deterrent. You can plant them in your garden or place potted versions around your dining area.
Make a Herb Centerpiece
Herbs such as basil, rosemary, and mint not only add flavor to your dishes but also help repel bugs. Create a fragrant herb centerpiece for your outdoor table to keep pests away while adding a decorative touch to your setting. The strong scents of these herbs act as a natural bug deterrent.
Use Citrus Peels
Citrus peels, such as those from lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, are another natural way to repel bugs. The strong citrus scent is disliked by many insects, including mosquitoes and flies. Scatter the peels around your dining area or place them in small bowls on the table to keep bugs at bay.
Try the Water and Pennies Trick
This simple trick involves placing glasses of water with a few pennies inside around your dining area. The light reflecting off the water and pennies confuses bugs, particularly flies, making them less likely to come near. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep pests away from your food.
Fan Them Away
Using an electric table fan or bug-repelling fans can help keep bugs at bay by creating a breeze that makes it difficult for them to fly. The constant airflow disrupts their flight patterns, preventing them from landing on your food or your guests. Fans are particularly effective against flies and mosquitoes.
Mow the Lawn Regularly
Keeping your lawn well-trimmed is an important step in reducing the bug population in your yard. Tall grass and overgrown vegetation provide breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes and ticks. By mowing the lawn regularly, you remove these potential habitats, making your outdoor space less attractive to pests.
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To help you enjoy a pest-free summer, we've compiled a list of expert-recommended products that will keep these uninvited guests at bay.
These items have been carefully selected for their effectiveness, ease of use, and value for money. Each product is designed to address specific pest control needs, ensuring your summer gatherings remain enjoyable and bug-free!
1. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container Set
Features
- Airtight Seals: The Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container Set features airtight seals that lock in freshness and keep pests out. The tight seal ensures that insects, such as ants and roaches, cannot access your food.
- Durable Construction: Made of lightweight yet durable plastic, these containers are built to last. The material is also stain- and odor-resistant, which means they will continue to look and perform like new even after repeated use.
- Stackable Design: The stackable design helps you save space in your pantry or fridge, making it easier to organize your food while keeping it safe from pests.
Benefits
This container set is perfect for keeping food fresh and free from pests, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you're storing leftovers, snacks, or ingredients, these containers will ensure your food remains uncontaminated by pests. The airtight seal is particularly useful for keeping out small pests like ants and flies, which are common during the summer months.
Price
- $40 (originally $47)
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2. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Trash Can
Features
- Stainless Steel Construction: The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Trash Can is made from durable stainless steel, which not only looks sleek but also helps contain odors that could attract pests.
- Tight-Fitting Lid: The trash can features a tight-fitting lid that keeps pests such as rodents and insects from getting inside. The lid also helps to trap odors, preventing them from drawing pests to your garbage.
- Removable Liner: The removable liner makes it easy to clean the trash can, ensuring that no food residue or odors remain that could attract pests.
Benefits
This trash can is an essential tool for preventing pests from invading your home. By containing odors and making it difficult for pests to access garbage, it helps maintain a clean and pest-free environment. The sleek design also makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen or outdoor space.
Price
- $75 (originally $97)
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Amazon >>>> HERE <<<<
3. La Jolie Muse Citronella Candle
Features
- Soy Wax Base: The La Jolie Muse Citronella Candle is made with a soy wax base, which burns cleanly and evenly, providing long-lasting protection against pests.
- Citronella Scent: The candle features a citronella scent, which is known for its ability to repel mosquitoes and flies. The scent is pleasant for humans but deters insects from coming near.
- Three Wicks for Even Burning: With three wicks, the candle burns evenly, ensuring that the citronella scent is dispersed effectively throughout your outdoor space.
Benefits
This citronella candle is an excellent addition to any outdoor gathering, providing a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes and flies at bay. The long-lasting burn time and pleasant scent make it a must-have for any summer event.
Price
- $12 (originally $15)
Check out other available hot promo coupons at La Jolie Muse >>>> HERE <<<<
4. Deco Window Torch Set
Features
- Set of Four Torches: The Deco Window Torch Set includes four torches, providing ample coverage for your outdoor space. The torches are compatible with citronella oil, enhancing their bug-repelling capabilities.
- Metal Construction: Made from metal, these torches are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring they can withstand outdoor conditions.
- Variety of Colors: The torches come in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the one that best complements your outdoor decor.
Benefits
These torches are perfect for creating a bug-free zone in your backyard or patio. By spreading them around your outdoor space, you can create a perimeter that keeps mosquitoes and other flying insects away. The attractive design also adds a decorative element to your outdoor gatherings.
Price
- $43
5. Shark Navigator Vacuum
Features
- Lift-Away Pod: The Shark Navigator Vacuum features a convenient lift-away pod, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach areas such as under furniture and tight corners.
- Powerful Suction: This vacuum boasts powerful suction, making it highly effective at removing debris and crumbs that could attract pests. It’s particularly good at picking up food particles and pet hair, which can be magnets for pests.
- Maneuverability: The vacuum is designed for easy maneuverability, allowing you to clean both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Benefits
Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping your home free of pests. The Shark Navigator Vacuum makes this task easier and more effective, ensuring that you remove all traces of food and debris that could attract insects and rodents. Its powerful suction and versatility make it a valuable tool in any pest control regimen.
Price
- $200
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Shark >>>> HERE <<<<
6. Professor Killamoth Cedar & Lavender Sachets
Features
- Natural Cedar and Lavender: These sachets are filled with natural cedar and lavender, both of which are known for their insect-repelling properties. The combination of these scents creates a powerful deterrent against pests like moths, silverfish, and spiders.
- Set of Ten: The set includes ten sachets, allowing you to place them in multiple locations around your home, such as closets, drawers, and cupboards.
- Long-Lasting Fragrance: The sachets release a long-lasting fragrance, providing continuous protection against pests without the need for chemical sprays.
Benefits
These sachets are an effective and natural way to protect your clothing, linens, and other stored items from pests. They are particularly useful for repelling moths and other insects that are attracted to fabrics. The pleasant scent is a bonus, keeping your home smelling fresh while deterring pests.
Price
- $20
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Final Thoughts
Summer should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, not a battle against bugs.
With the right tools and strategies, you can keep pests from crashing your outdoor gatherings and make the most of the warm weather.
The products and tips outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive approach to pest control, ensuring that your summer is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
From airtight food storage containers to citronella candles and natural pest repellents, each product and method has been chosen for its effectiveness and ease of use.
By incorporating these expert-recommended solutions into your summer routine, you can create a pest-free environment that allows you to fully enjoy all that the season has to offer.
Remember, the key to effective pest control is consistency. Regular use of these products and practices will help keep your home and outdoor spaces free of unwanted pests, ensuring that you and your guests can relax and have fun without any unwelcome interruptions.
So, stock up on these essential pest control items, and enjoy a bug-free summer!
