Keep Pests at Bay With These 3 Easy Steps

You’ve invested in creating your perfect space for backyard entertaining. You are ready to host a gathering: the menu is set, the drinks are chilled, and the fire is lit… but have you taken steps to prevent unwanted visitors from crashing your party? As always, HPC has your back! This blog will focus on natural solutions for keeping unwanted pests at bay, allowing you and your guests to enjoy your backyard sanctuary outfitted with HPC’s signature fire appliances and outdoor dining line.

1) Check the Party Perimeter:

It is a good idea to check your property for any standing water. Standing water is a potential breeding site. Checking plant saucers, bird baths, gutters and garden containers is a great initial step to decreasing unwanted pests. According to Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, draining areas that retain water every 5 days or so removes potential breeding territory for mosquitoes. Per Smith, for areas that can’t be drained sprinkling Mosquito Bits into any standing water quickly kills larvae and is safe for pets, birds, and other wildlife.

2) Create Layers of Barriers:

According to Lynn Easton, a special event coordinator based in Charleston, SC “It’s a wonderful idea to offer your guests an assortment of forms of bug repellents displayed for them to utilize as they wish. I often create a pretty tray displaying varied sprays, including repellent bracelets, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and cedarwood.” This offers party-goers a preventative measure of their own choosing.

You may consider keeping the food you are serving indoors, allowing guests to bring their plates out to enjoy their meal. This preventative measure cuts down on the presence of odors that attract pests such as mosquitoes or flies. Avoid serving sweet drinks such as lemonade because sweet scents attract insects.

Create a physical perimeter around your entertaining space. Outlining your entertaining space with votives of citronella will deter mosquitoes. Also, filling small cups halfway with vinegar will create a honey trap for flies, attracting them to the scent while trapping them. Strategically placed fans in your entertainment area cuts down on pests’ ability to move in on your space. Tossing some fresh rosemary on your grill or in your Forno de pizza oven will release the herbs’ aroma, repelling pests. Firing up your HPC Tiki Torches and signature fire designs also keep pests at bay.

3) Plant Power:

Enhance your outdoor space with some of these beautiful plants. Planting these around your entertainment area will elevate your aesthetic as well as deter those pesky pests.

• Catnip or Catmint emits a naturally occurring chemical that has proven to be a more effective mosquito repellent than the commercial chemical DEET. This perennial starts blooming a beautiful floral in spring and remains through fall.

• Citronella is also known as the mosquito plant, the strong citrus smell deters mosquitoes and has a beautiful bright green leaf.

• Lavender is a beautiful perennial that is one of the best plants for mosquito control.

• Lemon Balm is related to mint, lemon balm has a citrus smell that repels mosquitoes.

• Marigold blooms emit a fragrance that is unappealing to mosquitoes and offers a beautiful color pop to your landscape.

• Basil is a natural mosquito repellent that discourages mosquitoes from lingering.

• Peppermint’s fragrance is a natural mosquito deterrent and adds wonderful flavor to an array of culinary dishes and spirits.

• Rosemary does it all, adding beauty to your garden and flavor to your meals while discouraging mosquitoes with its strong fragrance.

• Lemongrass has a strong lemon fragrance. It serves well in your kitchen, adding flavors to your dishes as well as repelling mosquitoes, as they dislike its’ strong citrus scent.

Summer entertaining is upon us. Creating memorable moments with family and friends is one of life’s greatest privileges. Try these tips and we know your event will go off without a hitch, giving your neighborhood something to talk about! Follow HPC Fire Inspired for all your outdoor needs.