Best Practices to Keep Bugs out of Your Screened Porch

Just because you screen-in your porch doesn’t mean bugs aren’t still going to try to get in. While a screened porch will keep out a lot, you still need to be diligent about insect control if you want to get the most out of your outdoor space. Some of the best practices to keep bugs out of your screened porch are:

• Stop them before they get in.

Traditional wooden decks and porches have gaps between the boards that allow insects to sneak their way inside. Build a bug-resistant, aluminum-framed screened porch to avoid bugs getting into your space in the first place. If you already have an existing wooden deck or porch, install a layer of screening underneath it to stop bugs from crawling up from below.

For the best aluminum-framed screened porch contractor in the Tampa area, call Southern Aluminum Installation at (813) 957-9206.

• Light a candle.

Citronella candles are the go-to for keeping mosquitoes away from your outdoor spaces. You can also buy citronella bug oil to put in tiki torches and outdoor warmers. Citronella candles and oils are known to be highly effective and affordable.

• Flex your green thumb.

Many common, and some not so common, plants, flowers, and herbs are known to repel insects, such as:

• Basil
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Lemon thyme
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Catnip
• Bay leaves
• Chives
• Dill
• Fennel
• Lemon balm
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Alliums
• Chrysanthemums
• Marigolds
• Nasturtiums
• Petunias
• Geraniums
• Floss flowers
• Common lantanas
• Four o’clock
• Narcissus
  

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and all of these plants repel different insects, so a little research is required to choose the ones that will benefit your space the most. Once you know what will work best for you, fill your space with beautiful, fragrant flowers or a double-duty herb garden.

• Zap ’em & Trap ’em.

Bug zappers have come a long way since the days of the neon blue light. Just a quick search on Amazon will show you a variety of bug trap designs and styles to suit any outdoor space. There are even plants that trap bugs instead of repelling them, like the Pitcher plant or Venus flytraps.

• Trust the ol’ sprays.

Insect repellent sprays exist both for personal use and for treating entire rooms. Many formulas sold today are non-toxic, replacing the dangerous DEET-based sprays of the past. It’s never a bad idea to keep a bottle handy for you and guests while you’re outside.

• Install some fans.

Outdoor fans can do more than just bring a nice breeze to your screened porch. Well-positioned fans can keep flying insects at bay while keeping you cool. Wide-blade ceiling fans do an exceptionally good job.

• Change your paint.

This one may just be Gullah folklore, but many people in the South swear that painting a porch ceiling Haint blue helps keep bugs away. Haint blue is also a gorgeous color, so this one is a win-win!

• Birds and Bats and Bugs, Oh My!

An often overlooked method of controlling the bug population is to introduce wildlife to your yard that eats insects. Installing a few bird and bat houses in your yard can put a big dent in the insect population.

• Remove standing water.

Standing water is usually not a good idea in any situation, but it’s especially bad if you’re trying to prevent bugs. Standing water makes a perfect breeding ground for many insects, including mosquitoes. So make sure any buckets or flower pots are turned upside down if there’s a chance they may be rained in outside.

• Swat ‘em.

When all else fails, good old-fashioned swatting is a guaranteed way to remove bugs from your screened porch. Just keep a few cheap swatters around and the kids should have no problem seeing who can swat the most.

Let the experts here at Southern Aluminum Installations show you how a custom, screened-in, aluminum-framed porch can take your summer to the next level while leaving the bugs behind!