how do i get rid of bugs on my deck

7 Secrets to a Pest Free Deck to Try Today

• 1. Clean Your Deck on a Daily Basis ...
• 2. Set Up Citronella Candles Around the Perimeter of Your Deck ...
• 3. Surround Your Deck With the Right Herbs and Flowers ...
• 4. Change the Bulbs in Your Deck’s Lighting Fixtures ...
• 5. Spray Your Deck With Essential Oils ...
• 6. Seek Professional Help for Bad Pest Infestations ...
• 7. Continue to Keep an Eye Out For Pests ...

Full Answer

How do I get rid of pests on my Deck?

If you have a wood deck, seal it with a new protective coat, and add a new layer of paint. A well-maintained deck attracts fewer pests than a poorly maintained one. Trim all plants away from your deck so pests have nowhere to hide.

How do you keep Bugs out of a cedar deck?

Cypress and cedar wood are also naturally bug proof, but they don't usually last as long. Cover the gap between the deck and the ground with a skirt made of pressure-treated or composite plywood. This stops bugs from coming up through the floorboards of the deck.

How do I keep termites out of my decking?

Build the deck out of pressure-treated wood or composite decking material. These materials are highly bug resistant, and termites and other nesting bugs can't burrow into them. Cypress and cedar wood are also naturally bug proof, but they don't usually last as long.

How to get rid of mosquitoes on your deck?

If you are enclosing a deck, make sure to install screening under the deck floor, as well, so mosquitoes don’t fly up through the space between deck panels. 13. Get Professional Mosquito Control Unlike the other options, this option will really rid your deck of porch of mosquitoes.

How do I kill bugs on my deck?

If you don't have essential oils to prevent bugs, spraying alcohol-based mouthwash around your deck is another effective way to get rid of deck bugs. Simply fill a spray bottle with some mouthwash and spray around your deck or even on your outdoor furniture.

What keeps bugs off deck?

Rosemary has a woody scent, and this herb can keep pests from getting to your deck. Look for herbs and flowers with a strong aroma. Chives, lemongrass, and marigolds are excellent natural ways to repel insects.

What are these tiny bugs on my deck?

Wood mites are tiny bugs that make their homes in damp wood. Most types of “mites” are harmless, so don't worry if you find that you have them. They are tiny insects, similar to bed bugs, and do not pose a direct threat to your family.

How do I get rid of bugs on my deck at night?

9 Tips for Keeping Nighttime Bugs at BayInvest in a Ceiling Fan or Portable Fans. ... Clean Your Gutters. ... Strategically Place Citronella Candles. ... Tuck Tea Bags Under Your Deck. ... Plant Marigolds. ... Make Fly-Repelling Sachets or Potpourri. ... Make Peppermint Cotton Balls. ... Repel Pests with Your Fire Pit.More items...•

Does vinegar keep bugs away?

Acetic acid makes vinegar an excellent tool for pest control, repelling some of the most common backyard nuisances and even killing weaker insects. It's most effective against ants, spiders, and mosquitos. You can keep spiders from entering your home by spraying vinegar around your property's perimeter and entryways.

What can I spray to keep bugs away?

A combination of half apple cider vinegar (although normal vinegar works just as well) and half water in a spray bottle works perfectly to repel those pests. This concoction can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on the legs of tables that have food served on them or even around a screen house or tent.

How do I get rid of tiny wood bugs?

Use Anti-mite Insecticide Sprays Anti-mite insecticides spray or miticides are effective against getting rid of wood mites. The spray is also effective against other types of mites that infest homes and cause allergies like dust mites. And it's readily available at any home supply store or local gardening store.

How do you get rid of wood bugs?

Controlling Wood Bugs All wood bugs like damp, dark places with lots of decaying organic matter to eat, and safe places to hide. Prevent wood bugs by eliminating decaying organic matter like leaf piles and grass clippings, and by removing weeds from the garden as soon as you pull them.

How do you know if you have wood mites?

How to Identify Wood Mites. It doesn't help that these troublesome pests are extremely small, measuring no more than 0.09 inches in length. Apart from their white color, what makes them distinctive ̶ and easier to identify ̶ is the fine silken thread they tend to leave behind, especially on plants.

How do I keep my deck bug free?

9 Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Patio Space This SummerAdd a patio fan. ... Get rid of standing water. ... Keep your yard tidy. ... Clean your gutters. ... Avoid using mulch. ... Add some patio plants. ... Try natural repellants. ... Keep your patio clean.More items...•

What can I spray on my porch to keep bugs away?

Hydrogen Peroxide: Put a little bit of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and spread it liberally over your home's patio and other surfaces. Make sure to spray the perimeter of your outdoor living space, as well — that will prevent bugs from getting close to you and anyone else.

How do I keep bugs off my outdoor patio?

Grow bug-repellent plants Herbs like rosemary, mint, thyme and lemongrass are great for repelling mosquitoes, while basil and lavender can repel both mosquitoes and flies. Two common insect-repellent flowers include marigolds and chrysanthemums.

How do I keep my deck bug free?

9 Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Patio Space This SummerAdd a patio fan. ... Get rid of standing water. ... Keep your yard tidy. ... Clean your gutters. ... Avoid using mulch. ... Add some patio plants. ... Try natural repellants. ... Keep your patio clean.More items...•

What can I spray on my porch to keep bugs away?

Hydrogen Peroxide: Put a little bit of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and spread it liberally over your home's patio and other surfaces. Make sure to spray the perimeter of your outdoor living space, as well — that will prevent bugs from getting close to you and anyone else.

What can I use to keep bugs away from my porch light?

Citronella candles Tiffany recommends arranging some citronella-scented candles beneath your porch light on a countertop or flat surface to keep bugs and mosquitos away.

Does hydrogen peroxide repel bugs?

Another quick and affordable hack is to use hydrogen peroxide as a bug repellent. Spraying your patio furniture and outdoor plants with hydrogen peroxide keeps adult bugs away and can also eliminate any insect eggs before they hatch.

What is the best way to keep termites out of a deck?

1. Build the deck out of pressure-treated wood or composite decking material. These materials are highly bug resistant, and termites and other nesting bugs can't burrow into them. Cypress and cedar wood are also naturally bug proof, but they don't usually last as long.

What to do if you have puddles around your deck?

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so if you have long-lasting puddles around your deck, fill them with soil or rocks. Talk to a contractor about draining more extensive marshy areas.

How to deter spiders from a deck?

Illuminate the deck with yellow bug lights designed to deter insects and spiders. Light insect-repelling candles at each corner of the area to boost the bulbs' effectiveness.

How to keep bugs away from patio?

You can buy pure talc powder by the container, or just use some baby powder. Sprinkle it around your furniture and garden to keep the pests away. You can make a perimeter around your patio which forces bugs to crawl over it to get to your furnishings. This obviously only works on bugs that stay on the surface.

How to get rid of wasps on deck?

Just mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil and water and spray it on. Dish soap also seems to work well against wasps. Never spray a wasp directly and never remove them without protection. Hire a professional to handle wasp infestations on your patio set, deck, or even in your deck box.

How do I keep bugs off my outdoor furniture?

There are many home remedies you can use to keep bugs off your outdoor furniture.

What is the most common pest on patio furniture?

Spiders are one of the most common pests you’ll find on your patio furniture.

Why are there bugs on my patio?

The only reason there are bugs all over your patio set is that they’re attracted to your garden. They came for shelter, food, or both.

What are the bugs that live on patios?

Umbrellas. Umbrella mounts on tables. Inside of patio construction (tubes, PVCs, etc.) All of these areas harbor bugs like spiders, mites, wasps, ants, bees, lizards, and more. You should clean them out regularly to prevent further bugs on your outdoor sets. You can also use a steam cleaner or power washer.

What time do you get rid of spiders on your patio?

Monday-Friday. 8AM-8PM (Eastern). Thankfully, if you live in an area that has some kind of lizard, you can attract more of them to help get rid of the spiders on your patio set. Of course, you’ll have to do research and find out what kind of reptiles are native to your area.

What to do if pests damage your deck?

If pests have damaged your deck, get a deck expert to repair and restore it. If you have further questions about keeping your deck comfortable, safe, and pristine, check out the rest of our blog .

What are the bugs that live under a deck?

You’ll often find these common pests living on, in, or under your deck. 1. Termites. These insects look like smaller, lighter ants, and they all have wings. When they eat through wood, they create tubes about a pencil’s width across. They can cause significant structural damage because they will eat through all the materials in your deck.

What to do if you have raccoons in your yard?

Your pest control or deck expert may also have some more tips for you. For example, if you have raccoons, you should use zip ties to seal your garbage cans. If raccoons can’t get to the food inside your garbage cans, they’ll leave your yard in favor of a location with b etter access to food sources.

Why are rodents bad for decks?

These rodents spell disaster for your deck because they chew on the materials and make them weaker. Mice and rats also carry disea ses that could endanger your family.

Do carpenter bees damage wood?

Carpenter Bees. Carpenter bees don’t cause as much damage as carpenter ants or termites, but they do bore holes in your wood or composite deck . The holes will appear about a half inch in diameter, and they’ll look perfectly round. These bees bore into wood or wood-like materials to build their nests.

Do rodents like a deck?

However, as you’ve added patio furniture and décor, you’ve noticed that your deck attracts more than just human occupants. Inse cts, rodents, and other pests seem to enjoy it too. And you worry that these pests may ruin your deck or make it dangerous or uncomf ortable to use.

Do rats live under decks?

Rodents like to live in or under decks as well. You’ll know you have mice or rats because you’ll see their small, grayish bodies darting a nd scurrying. They also leave small, black, pointed droppings behind. And because they have dirty fur, they create grease trails when the y rub against your home’s surfaces.

What are fleas, and what do they look like?

Fleas are tiny, brown insects that jump around and can bite humans and animals. They usually live on animals but can also live on humans and in homes. Fleas can be a nuisance and can cause problems like skin irritation from their bites.

How do fleas get on your deck in the first place?

Fleas can get onto your deck in various ways- from your pet, other animals, or even the environment itself.

What are the signs that you have a flea infestation on your deck?

If you notice that your pets are scratching more than usual, or you are finding fleas on their bodies and spend a lot of time on your deck, you likely have a flea infestation.

How can you get rid of fleas on your deck naturally

If you have fleas on your deck, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of them.

What should you do if the infestation is severe or if it persists after treatment?

If you have a persistent or severe flea infestation, you may need to call in a professional exterminator. They will be able to help you identify the source of the problem and get rid of the fleas for good.

Tips for preventing a future flea infestation on your deck

The best thing you can do it reduce the chances of getting fleas on your deck is to treat any pets you have for fleas. Speak to a vet and decide which flea treatment you should use.

How to trap bugs in backyard?

A DIY trap is an easy-to-attain defense mechanism in the fight against backyard bugs. To make your own, cut the top off a two-liter soda bottle and invert it so that the spout points back down into the bottle. Tape the pieces together to seal, then fill with a solution that will attract the type of insect you’re hoping to catch.

What plants repel mosquitoes?

Do yourself a favor while you’re planning your landscaping and mix in some bug-repellent plant varieties. Lavender, marigold, chrysanthemum, and lemongrass, among others, are all known to discourage a host of insects from mosquitoes to aphids. Photo: fotosearch.com.

Why is standing water bad for mosquitoes?

Standing water is the enemy in your battle against bugs, as it’s the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure your gutters are unclogged and that any sunken areas in your yard are filled in so that water can’t collect.

Can bugs ruin a picnic?

While insects are important in the chain of life, their buzzing and biting can ruin a backyard picnic. Take note and then take aim using these 10 tips that will help you keep your yard bug-free this summer. By Jennifer Noonan.

How to get rid of insects in outdoor?from homeguides.sfgate.com

Many insects are attracted to light, which brings even more potential pests into well-lit outdoor areas. Use lower wattage outdoor lighting or eliminate it altogether. You can also switch to yellow lightbulbs. Yellow bulbs can substitute for white if some light is needed. This will minimize the number of insects, but not eliminate them.

How To Keep Bugs Off Your Porch Ceiling?from pestpreventionpatrol.com

Besides installing a ceiling fan that will blow and disturb the air near the ceiling, there are couple more things that you can do to keep bugs away from it.

What Kind Of Porch Lights Keeps Bugs Away?from pestpreventionpatrol.com

The second type of bug is those attracted to lights that emit blueish color because along with it, they are also emitting UV light which is visible to bugs and thus attracts them.

What light bulbs keep bugs away?from decks.com

Daylight white bulbs contain higher concentrations of blue light. If you want to keep bugs away from a patio at night, try swapping out cooler bulbs for warmer ones, especially yellow or sodium vapor bulbs. Don’t use bulbs that are any brighter than you need because the intensity of the light can also be a pest magnet.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in ponds?from homeguides.sfgate.com

During warmer months, drop mosquito dunks into permanent bodies of water, such as bird baths and garden ponds. Follow the label instructions and use the number required for the amount of water in each location. Unless you choose to keep spiders around to catch other pests, spray their webs to eliminate them.

What to use to keep mosquitoes away from my patio?from decks.com

To keep mosquitos away from your patio or deck, you can use: Rosemary. Marigold. Lavender. Lemon thyme. Geranium. Basil. Citronella. Keep in mind, while a lemon scent can repel mosquitos, it might entice bees.

What color do bugs see?from decks.com

However, their visual range does not include warmer colors, like red or orange.

How to get rid of ants and spiders in house?from saferbrand.com

Besides making your house smell wonderful, mint plants and peppermint oil naturally repel ants, spiders, mosquitoes and even mice. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil in 8 oz of water then shake and spray the mixture in areas around doorways, vents and windows.

How to kill bed bugs with baking soda?from elevatepestcontrol.com

It sounds a bit strange but baking soda can take out all the moisture of the bodies of bed bugs . Spread some of the baking soda powder where you have an infestation, clean up and add some fresh powder every couple of days.

How to get rid of fleas in your house?from elevatepestcontrol.com

They can jump incredibly far and that’s how they usually find their way to your pets or your family. One natural way to get rid of these bugs is by using salt. The same way that baking soda dries up a bed bug, salt does the same to fleas.

What are the pests in the kitchen?from pestworld.org

Pests – including ants, cockroaches, rodents, house flies, fruit flies and pantry pests – can all be found in this part of the house. Learning how to get rid of insects in the kitchen is key to your family’s health and safety.

Why are bugs attracted to the kitchen?from pestworld.org

Bugs love kitchens because they provide three of the essential elements that pests need to survive: food, water and she lter. When the temperature drops, the kitchen becomes a particularly attractive harborage site for pests seeking shelter and sustenance.

What bugs eat paper?from ortho.com

Use these tips to get them out and keep them out. Silverfish. If you find a thin, silvery insect at night with 3 long antennae-like tails, then you probably have silverfish in your home. These skinny little bugs like damp areas and eat the starch in paper and book bindings. Here’s how to stop them.

What insecticide kills moths?from saferbrand.com

Pyrethrin. Extracted from the chrysanthemum flower, this insecticide affects an insect’s nervous system. Spray pyrethrin on mosquitoes, moths, flies, fleas or any hard bodies insect to kill them quickly. Make sure to check out our solutions that inclue pyrethrin below.