Outdoor Heaters: How to Keep Bugs Away Outside

Throughout all the research compiled for this article, we learned one very important thing: It turns out that bugs like heat. So, if you have an outdoor heater, chances are bugs will want to hang out with you, too.

It turns out that there are bug catchers, and there are outdoor heaters — but nothing has been combined to repel bugs while keeping you, your family, and your guests warm. There are some exciting and fresh options if you want to pursue purchasing both an outdoor heater and an electric bug repellant separately. There are decorative mosquito traps, or there are flame heaters designed to make your space look great. But, still, there's nothing that really combines these great options into one.

However, there are tested, tried, and true methods for keeping bugs away that will go well with your outdoor heater without impeding your gathering or a relaxing evening.

Some of the more common knowledge items are lighting citronella candles, keeping your patio clean, or changing the colors of your lights. Other less widely known tactics are rubbing dryer sheets on your outdoor furniture, spraying mouthwash, planting herbs, or using essential oils. Read on to find out why and how these various approaches can work and what home remedies will work best for your lifestyle.

Why to Burn Citronella Candles to keep pests away

The scent of citronella masks the smell of humans and is a natural oil that repels insects. However, make sure to note that the oil burns out quickly — after about two hours, so having a backup plan or extra candles handy is a good idea. Also, if you feel comfortable doubling up — burn tiki torches with pure citronella oil in them with the candles for extra protection.

Keeping Your Patio Clean to Repel Insects

Keeping your patio clean seems to be a no-brainer, but making sure extra food crumbs or napkins scented with food aren’t hiding in the nooks of your patio could be an extra precaution to take.

How Changing Light Bulb Colors Keeps Bugs Away

While insects are not attracted to the actual colors of your light bulbs, they are attracted to the whiteness of heat. Changing the color of the bulbs to yellow or sodium vapor light will emit less heat and attract fewer bugs.

How to use Dryer Sheets to Repel Pests

The scent of fabric softener can also mask the smell of humans from specific bugs (most commonly, midges or “no-see-ums”). Rub down your patio furniture (tables included) with dryer sheets and keep those pesky bugs away.

How to use Mouthwash as an insect repellant

Oddly, mouthwash also masks the scent of humans, food, and anything else that could entice mosquitos to join your warm party. Add mouthwash to a spray bottle and spray around the perimeter of your patio and gathering area. It might have something to do with the combination of mint and alcohol that creates an invisible wall the bugs won’t penetrate.

Which Essential Oils Repel insects best?

Like the minty scent of mouthwash, other essential oil smells will repel bugs instead of attracting them. As with mouthwash, add a few drops of oil to a spray bottle full of water and then douse the area with the smell of scented goodness. Some of the more popular oils to keep pests away are cedar, mint, anise, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and citronella.

Planting Herbs: What Plants Repel Insects?

For added protection, planting herbs (such as mint, lavender, lemongrass, garlic, and chives) will also keep those bugs away. Plus, you can make some delicious food with the fresh herbs you have around your house.

How to use Hydrogen Peroxide to Keep Pests Away

Not finally, but the last part of this list, is to use hydrogen peroxide. Like some of the other liquid bug repellent in this article, make sure to add about one part water, one part hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Before your party, spray down the patio, the furniture, and tables and chairs. The hydrogen peroxide helps give the area a deep clean that can mask food smells and therefore not lure the unwanted pests to your picnic.

Keeping unwanted bugs out of your warm, gathering area will let your party go on for longer as the day gets shorter. You can continue using your outdoor heaters knowing that you’ve done everything you can to help create the most comfortable party for your guests. It is something they will thank you for, and something they won’t forget!

Resources— Do it Yourself, North Line Express Blog, Vulcan Termite

About The Author