A perfect outdoor hot tub or swim spa comes with a comfy set of patio furniture. But that won’t be the case if they’re crawling with bugs and spiders that have decided to make it their home! If you own patio furniture in Sacramento, you know how annoying those little pests can be. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your patio furniture pest-free.
Clean as You Go
A messy patio with bits of food and wrappers left behind is how you attract ants, cockroaches and other bugs. In return, they can attract other creatures, including those that’ll feed on them. The smallest bits of food can end up attracting an entire ecosystem of pests – even rats! Cleaning up after you use your patio furniture in Sacramento can go a long way in preventing such pests.
Clear Surroundings
Overgrown shrubs nearby make easy for bugs to crawl onto to your furniture. It’s best to start trimming your lawn and clearing up the immediate area around your patio furniture in Sacramento. This can help ensure pests stay off of your patio.
Lighting
Bright white lights at night will attract many types of flying insects. If the light illuminates your furniture this can also cause an unwanted mass of pest on your patio. Replacing white bulbs with yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights might help since their yellow or orange glow is less attractive to insects.
Aroma Therapy
Before resorting to chemically-intense pesticides, consider a more natural and eco-friendly approach to deterring bugs and spiders. These can come in lamps that burn scented oils, candles, or even flowers and other plants that you can grow. This can also add to the landscape of your patio and even give the area a nice refreshing aroma. Here are some scents you try:
- Citronella is the bane of flies and mosquitoes. Plant some, or have torches with citronella oil or scented candles.
- Essential oils with lavender or eucalyptus can be sprayed around.
- Pest-repelling flowers like marigolds can ward off mosquitoes.
- Garlic and rosemary can repel biting insects.
- Chive and lemongrass also repulse other kinds of bugs.
Regular Spraying and Cleaning
Ideally, cloth seat pads need to be washed weekly. Chlorine bleach can even come in handy for killing anything that’s growing in the fabrics and stuffing. Be sure to dry the seat pads thoroughly or else pests can nest in the wet material and make the problem worse.
Chairs, tables and other furniture can be power washed with hot, soapy water. Be sure to look underneath the furniture too because that’s where bugs and spiders really love to nest.
Brushing
Some furniture, like those made out of wicker, have fibers with tiny spaces where insects can hide and even lay eggs in. This will require thorough brushing and while it can be tedious, it’s necessary to get the job done.
With these tips, you can keep your patio clean and bug-free. For any other concerns and inquiries, contact Blue Lagoon today – your dealer of hot tubs, swim spas and patio furniture in Sacramento!
