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How to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer Fun—Without the Pests

Longer days and warmer weather mean it's time to take the fun outside. Backyard cookouts, evening lounging, and spontaneous games are all part of the summer vibe—until pests crash the party. Mosquitoes, ants, and other unwelcome bugs can quickly turn a relaxing day into a battle. With a few smart steps, you can reclaim your yard and enjoy the season in peace. Here's how to keep your space inviting for people, not pests.

Start with a Pest Plan

Before you set up the lounge chairs or fire up the grill, take a look at your yard through the eyes of a pest. Standing water in a birdbath or clogged gutter? That’s a mosquito breeding ground. Untrimmed bushes and woodpiles? Perfect hiding spots for ticks, ants, and wasps.

Begin by eliminating standing water—clean out gutters, dump water from plant saucers, and change pet water bowls regularly. If you have a birdbath, refresh it often. Use natural deterrents like citronella candles or essential oil sprays (think eucalyptus and lemon balm) to create invisible pest barriers.

For more persistent problems, such as a recurring tick issue or carpenter ants, it may be time to bring in a licensed professional to exterminate pests from your home. A targeted treatment plan can stop infestations before they ruin your summer.

Clean Up and Declutter

A tidy yard is less attractive to pests. Clear out old leaves, fallen branches, and any leftover clutter from spring. These spots can serve as homes for insects and rodents.

Keep your lawn trimmed and edge along fences, flower beds, and walkways. Overgrown vegetation is a welcome mat for bugs like mosquitoes and ticks. Regular mowing also exposes pest-prone areas, making them easier to treat or prevent.

Add Pest-Repelling Plants

You don’t have to sacrifice beauty to fight bugs. In fact, certain plants naturally repel insects while adding color and fragrance to your space. Try planting:

  • Citronella: Known for its mosquito-repelling properties.

  • Lavender: Pleasant scent for humans, not so much for flies and moths.

  • Basil and rosemary: These herbs repel flies and mosquitoes, and work great in summer recipes!

  • Marigolds: These vibrant flowers deter aphids and mosquitoes.

Place them near seating areas, doorways, or patios for maximum effect.

Upgrade Outdoor Living Spaces

Make your backyard inviting—and pest-resistant. Use screened gazebos or pop-up tents to create protected zones. Ceiling or oscillating fans not only cool the space but also help blow away flying insects.

When it comes to lighting, avoid bright white bulbs that attract bugs. Opt for yellow or warm-toned LED lights designed for outdoor use—they’re less appealing to insects.

Food and Waste Management

Outdoor meals are a summer staple, but open food and overflowing trash bins can attract pests fast. Store food in sealed containers and keep drink cans covered when not in use. Clean your grill after each use and wipe down tables and counters.

Get into the household habit of always using trash cans with secure lids, and place them away from seating areas. Rinse recyclables before tossing them out—residual sugar from soda cans is a magnet for ants and bees.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Summer

A little planning goes a long way in preparing your backyard for summer fun. Focus on pest control early, maintain cleanliness, and add a few natural repellents to your space. With the right steps, you can turn your backyard into a pest-free paradise for the whole season.

author

Chris Bates



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