We’ve all experienced the annoyance and discomfort these tiny pests bring, not to mention the potential health risks they pose. From itchy welts to the dreaded threat of diseases like West Nile virus or Zika, mosquitoes are a force to be reckoned with. They can quickly turn outdoor gatherings into an itchy and uncomfortable experience. If you have a deck in your backyard, you may wonder how to prevent mosquitoes from invading your outdoor sanctuary.
To prevent mosquitoes from your deck, remove standing water, keep the area clean, and use mosquito netting. Apply natural repellents like citronella and plant mosquito-repellent plants. Install outdoor fans and seal cracks. If necessary, you can also burn frankincense to smoke the area during peak mosquito times.
Mosquitoes are famous for their persistence, but there are many ways to deter them. However, don’t worry; I have many effective home remedies and simple methods to help you eliminate these persistent pets. So, don’t stop here and keep reading.
6 Effective Ways To Deter Mosquitoes From Under Your Deck
Mosquitoes are attracted to areas with standing water. The shaded and damp environment under your deck offers the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and multiply. Understanding this attraction and eliminating the cause is the key to deterring them forever. So, let’s jump to these methods.
1. Eliminate Standing Water And Debris:
It is essential to eliminate any standing water sources around your deck. First off, make it a habit to inspect the area under your deck regularly. Look for any spots where water tends to accumulate.
Keep the area under your deck clean and free from debris, such as leaves, twigs, or stored items. Regularly sweep and remove any potential mosquito hiding spots. Additionally, trim vegetation around the deck to reduce shade and humidity, making it less attractive to mosquitoes. That way, you can prevent water from pooling and creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Next, check the deck’s drainage system. Ensure all the channels and downspouts are free from clogs or blockages. It will ensure water flows smoothly away from the deck instead of trapped underneath. If you notice any low spots or depressions, fill them with soil or gravel to level the ground and prevent water from collecting there.
Another tip is to adjust any sprinklers near your deck to avoid spraying water directly onto it. You can also create gentle slopes around the deck to encourage water to flow away from the structure. Moreover, spread some sand or gravel underneath the deck. It will enhance drainage and discourage water from accumulating to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing nearby.
2. Installing Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Installing mosquito-repelling plants around your deck can be a fantastic way to deter those pesky mosquitoes from hanging around. It includes beautiful citronella, lavender, basil, lemon balm, and marigold plants that are known for their strong scents that effectively repel mosquitoes. These plants thrive in sunny and well-drained conditions, except for marigolds, which prefer wet soil.
3. Use Home Remedies To Create A Non-Favourable Environment For Mosquitoes
In addition to installing mosquito-repelling plants, you can try several home remedies to prevent mosquitoes from growing under your deck. Many millennials have been practicing these remedies to deter mosquitoes for years. So, I have compiled some of the best home remedies that are highly effective and cheaper to adopt. Let’s get to them now.
Burning (frankincense) Loban Smoke:
One popular method is using Loban smoke, also known as benzoin resin. Loban is a natural aromatic resin derived from tree bark, and it has been used for centuries for its mosquito-repelling properties.
To use Loban smoke, you can light a piece of Loban resin and let it smolder, releasing its fragrant smoke. The smoke is a deterrent to mosquitoes, keeping them away from the area under your deck. Place the smoldering Loban resin on a heat-resistant surface, such as a metal dish or a ceramic bowl, and ensure it is positioned in a safe and well-ventilated area to prevent fire hazards.
Burning Citronella:
Burning citronella candles or torches can be helpful if you’re looking for localized, short-term relief from mosquitoes on your deck. Placing a burning candle on or near your dining table can keep some mosquitoes away while you enjoy your meal. Although this won’t reduce the mosquito population, it can provide a reprieve from their presence.
For a more comprehensive approach, you can try building a “citronella wall” by strategically placing citronella candles around the perimeter of your deck or porch. Space them about 6 to 8 feet apart or closer together (2 to 3 feet apart) if you have a heavy mosquito presence. The idea behind this is to create a barrier of mosquito repellent that mosquitoes won’t cross to reach your deck. Remember that this method’s effectiveness is uncertain, and the candle smoke may be unpleasant. However, if you’re determined to wage war against the local mosquito population, feel free to give these methods a try.
Create A Mosquito Repellent Spray:
Another home remedy you can try is creating a homemade mosquito repellent spray. To make this spray, combine essential oils known for their mosquito-repelling properties, such as citronella, eucalyptus, or lemon oil, with a carrier liquid like water or witch hazel. Mix the ingredients well in a spray bottle and apply the spray to the underside of your deck. The strong scents of these essential oils will deter mosquitoes from congregating in that area. Other mosquito repellent sprays include:
You can try garlic, vinegar, neem oil or peppermint spray. If you want to use garlic, crush cloves in water, steeping overnight, straining, and spraying around the deck perimeter. Apply neem oil mixed with a carrier oil to the deck underside. Plant mint or use dried leaves in sachets around the deck. Create a solution of equal water and vinegar, then spray it around the deck base. These methods deter mosquitoes and provide a mosquito-free deck experience.
Use Insect Repellents:
Another option to consider is using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. These repellents won’t keep mosquitoes away from your deck or porch but will help prevent mosquitoes from landing on you. DEET is a widely endorsed and effective mosquito repellent recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization. Picaridin is another recommended repellent.
4. Outdoor Air Circulation And Lightening:
Mosquitoes are weak fliers and cannot withstand strong air currents. Install fans near your deck to create a breeze that keeps mosquitoes away. Additionally, improving air circulation in the deck area by trimming nearby vegetation and ensuring proper ventilation can make the environment less attractive to mosquitoes.
They are also attracted to bright lights, so it’s essential to use outdoor lighting strategically. Opt for yellow or amber LED lights, as these are less attractive to mosquitoes than white or blue ones. Place the lights away from seating areas and closer to the perimeter of your deck to draw mosquitoes away from where you spend time.
5. Seal Them Out:
Mosquitoes can find their way through small cracks and openings in your deck, so sealing them up is important. Inspect your deck for gaps, holes, or spaces where mosquitoes could enter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas, ensuring a tight seal that keeps mosquitoes out.
If you have a covered deck or a pergola, consider using mosquito netting to create a physical barrier. Hang netting around the sides of your patio or drape it over the top to enclose the space. It will prevent mosquitoes from accessing the area and allow you to enjoy a mosquito-free environment.
Besides, installing screens can be highly effective if you are ready for a more drastic measure. Enclosing your porch or deck with screens can keep mosquitoes and other bugs out of your personal space. Additionally, ensure to install screening under the deck floor to prevent mosquitoes from flying through the gaps between the deck panels.
To Sum Up!
Mosquitoes can cause serious harm to your health. Therefore if they have already occupied your deck, you need to take help from professional mosquito control services can be a game-changer. Hence, you can opt for an automated mosquito misting system, which releases the moisture of mosquito solution at regular intervals, keeping your property mosquito-free throughout the season.
Moreover, it requires a combination of strategies, such as maintaining cleanliness, improving air circulation, and sealing gaps, which act as strong defense walls. While mosquito-repellent plants and home remedies serve as temporary reinforcements, they may not provide a long-lasting shield.
Finally, my expert advice would be to implement a multi-layered approach by combining these methods to create an impenetrable barrier, making your deck an unwelcome territory for mosquitoes.