Have you ever noticed that during the winter, many pesky insects seem to disappear? Mosquitos, gnats, flies, bees, and wasps vanish when the temperature drops and frost coats the ground. But now that spring is here, they’re back! Whether you’re gardening, barbecuing, or lounging on your deck, you’ve probably spotted bugs hanging out around your home. No one likes mosquitos or flies, and some people are allergic to (or simply fearful of) bees and wasps. If you’re already frustrated by these insects, scroll down to learn how to keep bugs away from your house.
What Happens to Bugs in Winter?
First, let’s quickly review the mystery: what happens to bugs in winter?
To make it through the frigid months of winter, bugs use a variety of survival tactics. Some bugs, like dragonflies and butterflies, migrate to warmer climates. Some burrow in the soil or hibernate in sheltered places, like beneath bridges or underneath tree bark. Still others literally freeze until summer, like woolly bear caterpillars, before thawing and resuming life in spring. In addition, some insects don’t survive the winter; they leave behind a new generation in the form of eggs, larvae, or pupae. The following list reveals what happens to the most popular pests:
- Mosquitos hibernate in sheltered areas, like hollow trees and animal burrows. Well, most mosquitos hibernate. Some species of mosquito endure the winter in the form of larvae, pupae, or eggs, waiting till spring to develop into adults.
- Flies typically die out; the species survives through eggs laid before winter arrives (or larvae or pupae). But again, this varies by species of fly. Some species, including very small flies you may not notice, remain active in winter.
- Bees cluster in their hives, creating a thermal barrier to protect the queen, who resides in the center of the cluster. The other bees rotate so that no individual bee gets too cold, and they all rely on honey for energy.
- Wasps typically die in winter. However, fertilized queens can survive by building up fat reserves to hibernate. They survive the winter in a sheltered location, create new nests when the weather warms, and lay their eggs.
As the temperature continues to warm, you might notice even more insects flocking to your area, bugging you as you try to relax on your deck or porch. Don’t let bugs keep you from enjoying sunny days and warm summer nights. Use the tips below if you’re wondering how to keep bugs away from your house.
How to Keep Bugs Away from Your House
Put out flowers, candles, and lights.
If you want to start small, try planting some bug-repellant flowers, like marigolds or calendula. Although they won’t keep away the most determined insects, they act as a modest form of natural pest control and you can’t deny their beauty.
In addition, some people recommend setting out citrus or citronella candles. Tiki torches with these scents work as well – but again, a candle or a lantern can only do so much. According to a technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, “While the oil of citronella does repel mosquitos to some degree, it’s not very effective. As a matter of fact, it’s really not significantly more effective than any other candle would be” (source).
Finally, you may wish to purchase bug-repellent lights (which are typically yellow) so that your source of illumination doesn’t attract pesky insects. These lights take advantage of the fact that many insects struggle to perceive light with a lower color temperature. Although they won’t repel insects, they will make it more difficult for bugs to find you.
Flowers, candles, and lights are all well and good, but they sound more like elements of a romantic date than effective bug-banishing tools. To really learn how to keep bugs away from your house, keep reading.
Get rid of standing water.
Many bugs flock to standing water, so get rid of it if you can. Although you might immediately think of larger examples, like ponds and fountains, mosquitos love all stagnant water. Gutters can collect standing water if they’re hanging incorrectly or contain debris, so be sure to clean and maintain them regularly. In addition, any loose containers (flower pots, children’s toys, buckets) can fill with rain water if they’re left out. Finally, try to fix any areas where water collects on the ground, making sure that the water can drain properly.
Set up fans.
If you’re sick of coating your body in smelly bug sprays or relying on ineffective tools like citronella candles, try simply setting up outdoor fans. Not only will the fans keep you cool, but they will dilute the carbon dioxide you exhale and minimize your body heat and perspiration (all of which can attract bugs). Plus, some bugs will have trouble flying in the strong breeze.
Purchase a Screen Rail railing.
Although the tips above can help with mild insect problems, they won’t banish the bugs for good. To truly ensure that insects can’t bother you, consider adding a screened railing to your deck or porch. The complete barrier, constructed of heavy-duty aluminum and a protective screen, will block bugs who yearn to crash your party.
Check out ScreenRail, which gives you the option of either a structural balcony/railing system or a kick-panel system. Both options are surprisingly easy to install, require virtually no maintenance, and come with a lifetime-limited warranty. Most importantly, if you purchase this protective barrier, you won’t have to worry about how to keep bugs away from your house. In one fell swoop, you can tackle the entire problem.
If you’re ready to purchase a ScreenRail system, head on over to MMC Fencing & Railing. In our online store, you’ll find everything you need to create this classic and very convenient railing system. Please check out our previous blog posts to learn how to install your new ScreenRail railing and how to clean it. And if you have any questions about ScreenRail, please give us a call at 1-866-931-5002 or click here to request a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!