Warmer weather is on its way, and so are the flying insects!

If you love a nice evening on the patio, say “Bug off!” with these 7 tips that will help you sit outside in peace.

Change your light bulbs.

Lights are going to attract some bugs no matter what. But removing blue and UV light and choosing warmer color options like yellow and orange will cut down on the species you’re attracting. Some bugs like the warmth that light produces, so using lower-temperature LED bulbs will eliminate this draw.

Remove standing water.

Mosquitoes especially lay their eggs in still water, so try to remove as many sources as you can. Avoid letting water stand in drainage trays under potted plants, and drain kiddie pools after using them. Also keep drains and gutters clear of debris so water doesn’t collect in them. For bird baths and dog bowls, just make sure to change out the water regularly. And for fountains or ornamental ponds, you can use mosquito dunks to keep them from reproducing.

Install a ceiling fan.

A lot of flying insects aren’t big fans of fans. The moving air can make it harder for them to fly. Mosquitoes especially tend to avoid windy areas. A fan will also blow around the odors that help mosquitoes find you, so you’ll be less likely to get bitten.

Enclose your space.

Using a mesh screen around your patio is an easy way to keep the bugs out and let the outdoors in. Other enclosure options include pop-up gazebos, aluminum patio enclosures or custom fiberglass screening.

Get colorful.

Certain colors are less appealing to insects than others. Mosquitoes tend to avoid white, green, light blue and purple because these colors reflect heat and light. Direct sunlight will dehydrate mosquitoes quickly, which is why they emerge at dawn and dusk and stay in shady areas. Wearing these colors or using them on your patio could help deter these unwanted guests.

Maintain your lawn.

A lot of insects thrive in tall grass — including mosquitoes — so regular mowing will help keep the population down. Flying insects also gravitate toward garbage cans, so keep tight lids on them as a deterrent.

Call us.

An obvious option, but of course, we have to say it. Getting your yard treated by a pest control professional is a hassle-free way to keep the night bugs away. Take the guesswork out of pest control and contact us today. We’ll help you get a head start on keeping the flying insects under control this summer.