How to Keep Bugs Away from Patio? 12 Proven Tips!

There’s nothing better than relaxing on your patio with family and friends—until bugs show up and ruin the moment. Mosquitoes buzzing around your head, ants crawling on your table, or wasps making a home in your eaves can turn your outdoor retreat into a stressful experience.

At Northwest Decks, we know how important it is to have a beautiful, livable outdoor space where you can unwind comfortably. That’s why we’re sharing our complete guide on how to keep bugs away from patio areas, so you can enjoy every moment outdoors—without the pests.

Why Bugs Are Attracted to Your Patio

Your outdoor space is an inviting area not just for your guests—but for bugs too. Understanding what attracts them can help you take steps to prevent them.

Common Reasons Bugs Swarm Your Outdoor Spaces

Bugs are drawn to patios for several reasons:

• Food crumbs and sugary drink spills

• Standing water that provides breeding grounds

• Warm, bright lights that attract flying insects

• Overgrown vegetation offering shelter and hiding spots

• Scented candles, perfumes, and even body lotions

• Carbon dioxide released from human breath

Types of Pests You May Encounter Around Patios

Different pests can make life uncomfortable in your outdoor space:

• Mosquitoes: thrive in warm weather and lay eggs in stagnant water

• Flies: attracted to food and waste

• Ants: search for crumbs and sugary liquids

• Wasps & bees: drawn to food, drink, and nesting spots

• Spiders: prey on other bugs and may set up webs in corners

• Moths & gnats: attracted to bright lighting

• Beetles & other crawlers: attracted to moist, sheltered areas

Smart Ways to Keep Your Patio Bug-Free

If you’ve been wondering how to keep bugs away from patio, here are proven strategies that work.

1. Maintain a Spotless Patio

Cleanliness is your first line of pest control. Bugs are attracted to food particles and damp environments.

Sweep and mop your patio regularly. Clean up food spills and drink residue immediately. Periodically deep clean patio surfaces—whether deck boards, concrete, or pavers—using a power washer and mild detergent.

Applying a sealer to your deck helps protect it from moisture, mildew, and mold, which are attractive to bugs.

Also clean your furniture often, especially during the warm season. Dust, food crumbs, and drink spills on tables and outdoor furniture can quickly become pest magnets.

2. Control Lighting to Avoid Attracting Bugs

Most bugs, especially flying ones, are naturally drawn to light. Cool, bright lights in the blue and UV spectrum attract bugs like moths and mosquitoes.

Switch to warm-colored light bulbs (yellow or amber) to reduce attraction. These lights emit longer wavelengths that are less visible to bugs.

You can also use solar-powered bug-repelling lights, which combine LED technology with bug deterrents.

Position outdoor lighting strategically—away from seating and dining areas—to minimize direct bug attraction.

3. Create Airflow with Fans

Bugs are poor flyers in strong airflow. Installing fans is an effective and chemical-free solution to repel bugs.

Install ceiling fans if you have a covered patio, and position floor or stand fans in open spaces.

The constant movement of air disrupts mosquito flight patterns and makes it difficult for flies and gnats to hover around your seating area.

4. Burn Citronella and Other Natural Bug Deterrents

Burning citronella is a classic method of keeping bugs at bay.

Use citronella candles and place them strategically around your patio—on tables, steps, or perimeter surfaces.

You can also install citronella torches for larger spaces. Keep torches at least six feet from the house and flammable materials. Place them six to eight feet apart for the best coverage.

For added effectiveness, burn citronella and rosemary bundles in your fire pit or outdoor fireplace. The smoke and aroma help repel mosquitoes and other flying bugs naturally.

5. Add a Fire Pit for Both Ambiance and Bug Control

A fire pit adds beauty to your outdoor space and doubles as a bug deterrent.

The heat and smoke from an open flame discourage mosquitoes and flies from lingering.

You can burn natural insect-repelling woods like rosemary, eucalyptus, or cedar for an extra bug-repelling boost.

Always follow safe fire pit use guidelines and enjoy both the ambiance and protection it offers.

6. Use Bug-Repellent Patio Plants

Mother Nature offers some of the best bug repellents in the form of plants.

Integrate bug-repellent plants around your patio for both function and beauty:

• Lavender: deters moths, flies, mosquitoes

• Basil: repels mosquitoes and flies

• Rosemary: keeps mosquitoes away

• Marigolds: deter mosquitoes and aphids

• Citronella grass: the natural source of citronella oil

Place potted plants along patio edges and around seating areas. You can also integrate them into your landscaping to create a lush, functional barrier against bugs.

7. Remove Standing Water Sources

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even small amounts can result in hundreds of new bugs.

Regularly check your patio and yard for standing water:

• Gutters clogged with leaves

• Overwatered flower pots

• Birdbaths

• Kiddie pools

• Pool covers

• Puddles or low spots after rain

Ensure proper drainage around your patio and landscape areas to prevent water accumulation.

8. Cover Your Patio Furniture When Not in Use

Outdoor furniture can become a haven for bugs—especially when left uncovered in damp conditions.

Use well-fitting, breathable covers designed for outdoor use. Quality covers protect your furniture from moisture and dirt while also discouraging pests from nesting inside cushions and frames.

Choose covers that allow airflow to prevent mildew buildup and maintain your furniture’s appearance.

9. Use Homemade or Natural Bug Sprays

For an added layer of protection, you can use simple, homemade bug spray.

Essential Oil Spray:

• 1 cup witch hazel

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol

• 24 drops of lavender, rosemary oil, marigold, or basil essential oil

Spray this around the perimeter of your patio and on hard surfaces. Avoid spraying directly on furniture or people.

Hydrogen Peroxide Spray:

• Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water.

• Spray along the ground and under furniture to deter crawling bugs.

Hydrogen peroxide is even approved by and registered with the U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) as an effective pest control solution. 

Mouthwash Spray:

• Use alcohol-based mouthwash in a spray bottle.

• Spray around hard surfaces and patio edges for a temporary bug-repelling effect.

Advanced Tips to Keep Bugs Away

If you’re serious about learning how to keep bugs away from patio, these advanced tips can further enhance your efforts.

10. Install Mosquito Netting or Screens

For patios with covers, mosquito nets are a simple and highly effective way to create a pest-free outdoor space.

Choose between temporary mosquito nets (perfect for summer gatherings) or permanent screens that provide year-round protection.

Mosquito nets work especially well in areas prone to mosquito infestations, ensuring a physical barrier against flying bugs.

11. Strategic Landscaping to Deter Bugs

Your landscaping can either attract or deter bugs. Strategic planting and yard maintenance go a long way.

• Keep grass trimmed and don’t allow it to grow too tall.

• Trim shrubs and bushes regularly.

• Avoid over-mulching, which creates warm, moist environments that bugs love.

• Place bug-repellent plants near patio edges and seating areas for maximum effect.

Good landscaping habits reduce potential pest habitats and help create a cleaner, healthier outdoor space.

12. Smart Patio Design Choices

Finally, designing your patio with pest control in mind can make a big difference.

• Opt for decking materials such as composite that are resistant to moisture and bug damage.

• Ensure proper patio drainage to prevent standing water from forming near or under your deck.

• Integrate bug-repelling features such as fans, lighting, and strategic plant placement into your patio design.

At Northwest Decks, we help homeowners incorporate smart design choices when building or upgrading patios to ensure their outdoor spaces stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Contact Northwest Decks Today!

Your dream deck is within reach! Begin your outdoor transformation today by reaching out to the leading deck builders in Tacoma.

Call us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a new outdoor space for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy. We proudly serve the Pierce County community with pleasure!

Get in Touch with Us

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns—or if you would like to schedule your appointment.

Contact Info: 253.342.4688