Effective Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Off Your Patio
For us, 2024 has been the year of the backyard and now that we’ve tiled the concrete slab, added an outdoor kitchen, and replaced the fence, we’re onto the next big hurdle: how to keep mosquitoes away from patio.
I don’t know what these insects have been feasting on but the mosquitoes are beasts this year and ruining the tranquil vibe I’m trying to foster.
We’ve been trying all kinds of things so far this summer and a big priority for me has been keeping mosquitoes away from the patio without using pest control companies, harsh chemical bug sprays and other generally unsafe things.
After trying what feels like all the mosquito products, I’ve found a four-pronged approach that has worked really well for us and some of them are embarrassingly simple!
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DynaTrap
This device gets hung away from where you’re sitting and uses a UV light and a fan to draw in mosquitoes and trap them in place. We have neighbors whose fenceline is full of overgrown shrubs and trees and the mosquitoes love it in there, so we hung the DynaTrap on one of the branches and ran an extension cord out there. We empty the catcher basket every two weeks or so and it’s always full of mosquitoes.
The version we have protects up to a ½ acre and our neighbor said it’s been helping their side, too, but there’s also a full acre version for bigger yards.
@shoemakesnew Who else feels like this year’s mosquitoes are a different breed? 🙋♀️#ad I’ve had the Dynatrap running for a few weeks now and can confidently say it works. We turned it off for a few days over Fourth of July when we needed the extension cord for something else and almost immediately noticed mosquitoes buzzing around again when they had been completely gone! This unit covers up to 1/2 an acre and we hung it in some thick bushes away from our patio where A) mosquitoes tend to hang out and B) away from our patio area and it’s been perfect 👌🏻 #mosquitocontrol #pestcontrol #dynatrap ♬ original sound – Shoe Makes New
Clearing out the Yard
Who knew that how to keep mosquitoes away from patio meant actually cleaning it? Groundbreaking.
But as we’ve been on this outdoor project journey during this rainy spring and summer, Alex has been working hard on clearing out piles of debris and keeping the new leaves raked up.
We have a huge Magnolia tree in the backyard that gives us so much shade and is in most ways really great but, oh boy, it loves to shed some leaves and the way they’re shaped lets lots of rainwater gather if they’re left alone.
Keeping the yard clear has really helped and even if the grass gets kind of long and you walk across it, you can see the mosquitoes flying around. Yuck.
Using the Thermacell
I don’t know how this magic little device works, but we turn on the Thermacell just about every time we’re outside. It repels mosquitoes somehow without a strong smell or harsh chemicals or a loud noise, and works within 15 minutes. The 20-foot perimeter is perfect for keeping mosquitoes away from our patio, and I love that it’s easily rechargeable.
Plus, it’s portable to bring camping or to the park or even moving around with you while gardening.
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Patio Fans
Okay this is the one that’s so simple it seems silly to add, but it turns out that mosquitoes are not only annoying, they’re also incredibly weak (same). Adding a simple fan to your outdoor space does a pretty good job at keeping them away and keeping you cool, obviously, which is an added bonus!
I had a hard time finding one that wasn’t hardwired and could be used outside but wasn’t super loud or expensive and came across this one from Lowe’s that was perfect. It gives a gentle breeze without being overwhelming like those jet engine ones suburban dads have in their garages.
I also found this similar one from Home Depot!
If you’ve got other tips how to keep mosquitoes away from patio areas, let me know in the comments below and help a girl live her best outdoor life. Also, don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter!
