Keep your Deck Bug Free this summer!

  How to Keep those pesky bugs off your Deck

This is a question I get asked a lot. So I put together a list of helpful ways to keeping bugs away from your Deck and enhance your outdoor experience plus prevent potential nuisances.

  Here are some effective ways to achieve this!

1. Remove Standing Water: Standing water attracts mosquitoes and other insects. Regularly check your deck for any spots where water accumulates and ensuring proper drainage is big. Your stain should do a great job of letting the wood act like wood, but if you have any low spots on your deck where water likes to hang out, this could be a hot spot for mosquitoes.

2. Clean Regularly: Sweep your deck regularly to remove debris and food particles that may attract bugs. Bugs love freebies and if its around, they are going to tell their friends and family where to get a free meal. You also want to make sure you wash your deck annually to keep dirt, pollen, mold away along with new wasp nests and other nesting insects. We provide discounted washed for return customers! Give us a call if you think your deck is need of a good wash.

3. Keep Vegetation Trimmed: Trim back any bushes, plants, or trees that are touching or close to your deck. This minimizes the pathways for bugs to access your deck.

4. Use Citronella Candles or Torches: Citronella is known for its bug-repellent properties. Lighting citronella candles or torches can help keep mosquitoes and other flying insects away. I know this is a no brainer but it had to be said!

5. Install Screens: If you have an open deck, consider installing screens or netting to create a barrier against insects while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoor view. This makes a great extra living space if your deck design allows and I happen to know just the right company who can do this. Give us a call if you’d like to see if your Deck can be screened in. It’s free for the bid and is very worth it!

6. Use Bug-Repellent Sprays: Apply bug repellent sprays on yourself and your guests before spending time on the deck. Another no brainer but again, had to be said. If you don’t want to squirt yourself down. We actually have a new product that we can put in your stain and acts as a bug repellent. This is huge news and may be an article all itself. If you’d like a bug repellent in your next stain, let us know and your good to go! www.renewdeckandfence.com

7. Consider Natural Repellents: Certain plants like lavender, mint, lemongrass, and marigold have natural bug-repelling properties. Planting these around your deck or in pots can help deter bugs. If you love plants, mix in ones that naturally repel bugs and insects.

8. Keep Food Covered: If you're having a meal on the deck, keep the food covered until you're ready to eat. This prevents attracting insects with the scent of food.

9. Remove Attractants: Clean up spills and crumbs promptly, as they can draw ants and other crawling bugs. Sticky drinks can really stick around. Give any spilled drinks a little dose of water to help wash away.

10. Avoid Bright Lights: Bugs are attracted to bright lights at night. Consider using dimmer or yellow-colored outdoor lights, which are less attractive to insects. You may also use motion lights at night if security is in mind. This way you can keep some dim lights going for peace of mind and keeping the bugs away and if there is ever a need to light something up that needs attention, motion lights are great to check things out and then turn off to keep the bugs at a minimal.

11. Use Fans: Running fans on your deck can create airflow that makes it difficult for bugs to fly or land. It really works. If your entertaining, just kick on the fan to add air flow and this helps!

12. Avoid Stagnant Saucers: If you have potted plants on your deck, avoid letting water sit in the saucers, as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

13. Remove Clutter: Keep the deck area free of unnecessary clutter and items that bugs might use as hiding spots. This also helps the longevity of your stain.

By employing a combination of these methods, you can create a more bug-free and enjoyable deck space. Keep in mind that while some bugs are simply a nuisance, others can be beneficial to the ecosystem, so consider using natural repellents and avoiding harmful chemical pesticides whenever possible.

I hope this list helps you enjoy a more bug free outdoor space for your home.

Make today great!
Brian Dawson Owner www.RenewDeckandFence.com