How to Keep Insects Away

I don’t know about you but I’m spending more time in my backyard this year. So, figuring out how to keep insects away was a top priority for me.

With a nearly 3 year old and a newborn in the house, I want them to be as safe and protected as possible when we head out. If either of them are anything like me, they may be a bit more sensitive to bug bites, so I want to keep them as far away as possible.

The thing is, because I want to protect my family and the environment, I’m trying to look for as many eco-friendly, natural solutions as possible. I’ve been doing some research and here’s what I’ve found.

These simple, inexpensive tips will help you keep insects away and enjoy your backyard more!

Stay Away from Me Bugs!

Keep clean! Shower more often, wear antiperspirant and light clothing. Insects LOVE sweat!

Some people have had luck with using dryer sheets to keep the bugs away. Pop one into your pocket when heading outside.

Dining Outside Without Uninvited Guests

If you’re dining outside, be sure to keep your food and beverages covered. Not only because, yuck, no one wants food in their meal, but also, because it will help cut down on the scent being released and attracting bugs.

Create a diversion with some food. Try a dish of honey or fruit, even lunch meat. Place it in a corner of your yard far away from where you and your family will be congregating.

Having a Relaxing Evening Outside

If you’re outside at night, you’ll notice that the lights you have on will attract insects. Try LED lighting instead. Recent research indicates that they won’t attract insects.

Although they aren’t a perfect solution, citronella candles can help keep away at least some of the bugs in your backyard.

If you’re having a campfire in your backyard, try throwing in some thyme and rosemary. The smell of the smoke will help keep bugs away.

General Tips for Your Outdoor Space

Keep your lawn trimmed. Higher grass attracts more wildlife in general and that includes insects.

Insects are not fond of minty mouthwash. Spray it around your outdoor seating area to encourage them to move away. Note: mouthwash can be dangerous around children.

Certain plants are known to help repel insects, often by confusing their sense of smell. Try lavender, lemon balm, basil, mint, and rosemary.

Remember to remove any standing water from your yard. This can be a breeding ground for a variety of bugs including mosquitoes (as well as a drowning risk for animals and children).

And Now for Something a Little Bit Different…

These are some more unusual solutions but they can be effective. You can set up some fans and blow the bugs away. Or try a bubble machine. Many bugs are repelled by soap.

Give these ideas a try and let me know which ones work best for you!