Summer is here! That means it’s time to relax outdoors, cook some juicy burgers on the grill, head to the pool, and … battle the mosquitoes.
Yes, with the warmer weather comes the return of these pesky backyard fiends. These pests can not only be a major annoyance with their itchy bites, but they can also potentially carry dangerous diseases as well, such as West Nile virus, malaria or eastern equine encephalitis.
Luckily, we have some tips and tricks for keeping mosquitos away from your backyard. Check out the info below and you’ll be enjoying a bug-free summer in no time!
Do Patio Torches Actually Keep Bugs Away?
Patio torches are quite effective with keeping pesky mosquitoes away. The catch? You have to be sitting or standing right next to the torch.
The smoke from the patio torch repels mosquitos by confusing them, but they are only effective within 1 meter, or 3 feet of the torch. This isn’t quite an ideal or practical solution for repelling bugs for your next backyard barbecue. Luckily, we have some great tips for keeping the mosquitoes away from your backyard oasis while you enjoy summer evenings.
4 Effective Mosquito Repellents to Use with Patio Lawn Torches
-
Fans
This is a simple solution, but quite effective. Mosquitos struggle to fly in windy conditions, and a personal fan can help keep them at bay. Like patio torches, these may only work within the immediate vicinity but are still quite effective.
-
Repellent Spray
Topical insect repellent or bug spray is effective for keeping mosquitos off your skin and clothes. (Yes, mosquitoes can still bite you through your clothes. Ouch!) When shopping for bug spray, look for ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus as these seem to be the most effective for keeping these pests away.
-
Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in water, so it’s a good idea to make sure that any standing water around your home is drained. Look for water in containers, roof gutters, tarps and pool covers which are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have a bird bath, rain barrel, fountain, wading pool or water dish for your pets, make sure that you empty and change out the water at least once a week.
-
Clothing
Dark clothing looks chic and mosquitoes think so too, as they are more attracted to it. When outdoors, opt for light-colored, loose fitting clothes as it won’t attract mosquitoes like dark clothing will and makes it more difficult for them to bite you through your clothing. If you work outdoors quite a bit, you could also invest in protective clothing that features permethrin, which is a highly effective mosquito repellent.
Add Decorative Charm To Your Yard While Keeping Pesky Bugs Away
While patio torches don’t offer a wide range of protection for your backyard, they are quite effective if you are standing close. Plus, many of the outdoor torches that we offer can not only be set up in the ground, but they can be mounted to your deck rail, or set up on the patio table
These options, especially the tabletop options, are perfect for creating a cozy ambiance outdoors in the evening, and keeping the mosquitoes away if you gather near the torches. By practicing the tips and incorporating torches in your outdoor decor, you can enjoy your backyard and keep the bugs at bay.
