5 Bug Fighting Accessories for Outdoor Entertaining in Florida
Even the best of weather won’t make up for a night spent of batting away gnats and scratching ankles. If you’re planning an evening event outside, bugs are almost guaranteed to attend (especially in the humid Florida air).
Rather than subject your guests to a chemical bath of bug spray, make your backyard a no-fly zone with these bug fighting accessories.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Bugs don’t like fire or smoke. Fortunately for us, fire is the perfect complement to a outside entertaining. Even a small fire can keep bugs from the area. Light up your fire pit or table, gather ‘round, and let the scent of smoke sending bugs fleeing.
Citronella Candles and Torches
Though there is some debate to the effectiveness of citronella candles, there is evidence that they work—not to mention they look nice! To get the most out of your candle, make sure they are made with real citronella oil. Add them as centerpieces to each table, and light a few near the food to keep bugs from enjoying your meal with you.
Bug-repellant Plants
When picking out landscaping, consider double duty plants. Mosquitos don’t like the scent of lavender, marigolds, rosemary, and citronella, and it impedes their ability to smell what they’re really after—you. Plant bug repellent plants in your yard, and use cuttings or potted plants for tabletop decor. They’ll look so lovely, no one will even realize that it’s keeping the party bug free!
Outdoor Fans
Installing a few well-placed fans has the double benefit of shooing away flies while keeping you cool (and it’s the perfect companion to the aforementioned fire pit during summer). Fans not only make it harder for bugs to fly in their breeze, but they also make your scent harder to pinpoint. Install a ceiling fan in your outdoor space if you have room for one, and if not pick out a stylish oscillating floor fan.
Bug Zappers
Modern bug zappers resemble lanterns and can blend in with the rest of your outdoor design. While they won’t keep bugs away, they will remove the ones that manage to make it into your space. Depending on the size of your backyard space, you’ll only need a few. Hang them from posts or place them on tables to tell bugs to stay away.
If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a place you’ll love and your guests love to see, let us know! We can help make your outdoor space dreams come true.