10 Best Ways To Keep Bugs Away From Patio Furniture

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, one of the biggest annoyances can be pesky bugs buzzing around our outdoor furniture. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also ruin our outdoor dining experience or make it difficult to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

If you're tired of swatting away flies and mosquitos, here are some of the best ways to keep bugs away from your patio furniture!

Clean outdoor furniture

Cleaning your outdoor furniture is one of the critical factors in keeping bugs at bay. Make sure to vacuum or wipe down your furniture regularly to remove any crumbs or debris that might attract insects. Clean stains on your lounge chairs with mild soap and water, and rub them with a soft bristle brush before rinsing off with cold water.

The Sorrento Outdoor Lounge Set creates a perfect lounge experience in the warm weather.

It’s good practice to regularly dust your outdoor furniture with a dry and soft cloth. Be sure to also clean the undersides of the furniture, where bugs can often hide.

Keep your patio tidy

Other than regularly cleaning your furniture, keeping your patio as well as surrounding areas clean and tidy is just as important.

Sweep it down regularly to remove any fallen leaves, branches, or other debris that can attract insects. If your patio is particularly dirty or has a lot of built-up grime, using a pressure washer can be an effective way to clean it.

Use a fan

Using a fan on your patio can help keep bugs away, as they aren’t strong enough to fly against the strong winds. Position a fan near your seating area to create a cool breeze while also keeping the bugs away.

Be sure to clean your fan regularly to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the blades. This can help prevent bugs from being attracted to the fan itself.

Try natural remedies

Using natural bug repellents is a safe and effective way to repel insects without the use of harmful chemicals. Here are some tips on how to use natural remedies to keep bugs at bay:

Use vinegar

Vinegar is a natural insect repellent that can be used to clean your patio furniture. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down your furniture. This will not only keep bugs away but also help to remove dirt and grime.

Use citrus peels

Citrus peels like lemon or orange contain natural oils that repel bugs. Rub the peels directly onto your patio furniture or place them around your outdoor space. You can also simmer citrus peels in a pot of water to release their natural oils into the air.

Use herbs

Herbs such as rosemary, basil, and mint contain natural insect-repelling properties. Place fresh or dried herbs in a sachet and hang them around your patio furniture. You can also make an herbal bug spray by steeping fresh herbs in boiling water and then spraying the cooled mixture onto your furniture.

Use essential oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus have natural insect-repelling properties. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to spray around your patio or furniture.

Use insect-repelling plants

There are many plants that naturally repel bugs, such as lavender, marigold, citronella, and lemongrass.

Depending on the type of bugs that you’re trying to repel, each plant deters different pests. For example, lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary are known to deter mosquitoes. Basil and mint can help to deter flying insects, and chrysanthemums can deter roaches.

However, it's important to note that while these plants can repel bugs, they may not be 100% effective at keeping bugs away from your patio furniture. It's best to combine the use of bug-repelling plants with other bug prevention methods such as the ones listed in this article.

Remove standing water

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so it's important to regularly check your backyard and patio for areas that might collect water - think planters, birdbaths, or even a clogged gutter.

If you have standing water in larger containers, such as a pool or a hot tub, make sure to treat the water with chlorine to prevent mosquito breeding.

Choose bug-resistant furniture

Some natural materials, such as cedar, redwood, and teak, are naturally resistant to insects. These woods have natural oils that repel bugs and are also weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor furniture.

The Rio Teak Dining Table with Bench and 4 Chairs is naturally resistant to insects and highly durable.

You can also opt for metal outdoor furniture like aluminium or wrought iron as they are less attractive to bugs than wood or wicker. This is because bugs prefer to feed on organic materials such as wood or plant fibres.

Consider insect-repelling lights

Insect-repelling lights are a great addition to your patio furniture to keep bugs away. Some of these lights include LED, fluorescent, and incandescent lights.

Consider using yellow and amber bulbs as they are less attractive to bugs than other colours. These colours have longer wavelengths, which are less visible to bugs and don't disrupt their natural activities as much as other colours.

You can also use a bug zapper in combination with insect-repelling lights to catch any bugs that are not repelled by the lights.

Install screens

Installing screens around your patio or using an outdoor mosquito netting can create a physical barrier between you and the bugs. This can be particularly effective at keeping mosquitoes and flies away while you're enjoying a meal or spending time outside.

Consider retractable screens if there’s high traffic around your patio, or if you simply want the convenience of opening and closing the screens as needed. Retractable screens are usually mounted on a roller and can easily be pulled down or retracted.

Cover your furniture

Covering your outdoor sofas, dining tables, and chairs with a tarp or sheet can help keep bugs from landing on them when it's not in use.

The Sierra Dining Chair Cover helps to protect the dining chairs from the elements.

There are different types of materials available, such as plastic, canvas, and polyester. Plastic covers are the most affordable option, but they may not be as durable as other materials. Canvas and polyester covers are more durable and resistant to tearing.

Our furniture covers are resistant to water, mildew, and fading, and come with velcros and hooks to easily secure the cover over the furniture piece. Aside from protecting the furniture from bugs, these covers will also help protect your outdoor furniture from the elements and extend its lifespan.

By taking these steps to repel bugs, you can enjoy your outdoor lounge without buzzing insects hanging around. Try out these tips and see which ones work best for your outdoor space, and say goodbye to pesky bugs.