Whether you just like to sit outside in the morning with your coffee, or enjoy indulging in delicious dinners outdoors, or even if you simply like to relax to soothing sounds outside in the evening, you may find your experience interrupted by pests.
In another article, I mentioned using marigolds as a good way to keep some insects away, since they don’t care for the scent. Instead of just planting some near the house, however, you might also want to consider picking up some potted marigolds.
They are bright and beautiful, and you will be able to move them with you wherever you would like to sit. Pick out a pretty planter and you can keep marigolds nearby any time. Use them as a centerpiece on the picnic table or patio when dining. Place them on the porch, patio, or deck when kicking back to unwind or when entertaining guests outdoors.
What’s better than color, function, and simplicity altogether in one pretty package? The only thing that makes this trick even better is that it’s a natural way to repel pests instead of having to use unhealthy sprays or chemicals, which can of course, sometimes be harmful people, pets, and the environment, not just to pests.
Instead of moss or another filler around the base of the marigolds, try adding basil leaves. A tip in Woman’s Day Magazine advises that flies and mosquitoes are repelled by the scent. They suggest adding a vase or glass of water to your table and filling it with a few sprigs of fresh basil leaves, so try either one of these methods, or maybe even both for more options in natural pest control.
When sitting outdoors in the evening, try to limit the amount of light you use. Light attracts many types of insects. Instead of having the outside light on, try a candle or two or perhaps a torch. If you’d rather not use items that require an open flamer, look for rope lights that give off a soft glow.
Also, to save on energy, check out some of the wonderful options in solar patio and deck lights (more on these later).