Mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance. They can carry diseases and are a major nuisance, especially in summer.
If you have an apartment with a balcony, you’ll probably want to do whatever it takes to keep them away.
So, how do you do it? Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as you think. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few things you can do to keep bugs away.
Starting your day with a steaming cup of coffee while feeling the morning breeze on your face, listening to the sounds of birds, and relaxing under the night sky with a drink are some of the best parts of spring and summer.
And your balcony is the perfect place for it – that is until you’re swarmed by those annoying flies, mosquitoes, and insects that seem to invade every open-air space during the warm weather. It seems like they love it too, like us. But you don’t have to coexist.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your apartment balcony bugs-free. Let’s talk about some of the most useful ones.
15 Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Balcony
Don’t let those annoying bugs and insects make you miss the joys of outdoor living. Take charge of your space and keep them away from your balcony. Here are some tips for doing it:
Keep it Clean
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s common for people to ignore outdoor areas when cleaning their homes.
But if you want to enjoy outdoor living to the fullest, make sure to keep your balcony clean and tidy all the time. Here are some of the things you should particularly be careful about:
- Never leave any food on the balcony.
- Clean up the area properly whenever you eat something out there. You may think your balcony is still clean, but food scraps and the sticky traces of your drinks are open invitations for all sorts of bugs and insects to make your balcony their home. Make sure to wipe down all the surfaces and clean the floor every time you have a picnic.
- Don’t leave plant debris out there. Plant foliage attracts bugs; a whole lot of them.
- When cleaning your balcony, don’t forget the areas under the furniture. Turn over if you can, or swipe underneath them.
- Pat down cushions, clean rugs, and give throws a good shake if you have any of these on the balcony.
The best way to maintain a clean, tidy, bug-free balcony is to have a regular cleaning schedule, just like you have for your interiors.
You may divide it into basic cleanups daily or every other day and deep cleans every few weeks.
Have Plants That Bugs Don’t Like
You may think plants attract bugs into your balcony, and some do, but there are also plants that can help them keep away.
Unfortunately, there is no plant that will repel all types of bugs. However, some plants do seem to be more effective than others at keeping certain insects away from your home.
There are many different types of plants that insects hate because they release a scent or chemical into the air, which makes it unpleasant for the insects.
Thanks to the essential oils in them that act as natural bug repellents. Here are some of your best choices for plants that bugs hate:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Mint
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Lemon Grass
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemon Balm
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Bay Leaves
- Dill
- Fennel
- Chives
- Venus Flytraps
- Allium
- Pitcher Plants
- Geraniums
- Petunias
- Chrysanthemum
- Petunias
- Citronella
Consider the space you have and the amount of care the plant requires to find the best fit for you.
When you have your supply of natural bug repellents, place them strategically around your balcony to keep all sorts of bugs away.
Put some of these in the railing or hanging planters to keep the flying pests away and spread the others around your balcony on the floor to get rid of the creepy crawlies.
Light-Up Citronella Candles When You’re in the Balcony
Add an extra layer of protection against bugs by lighting citronella candles on the balcony when you’re out enjoying the fresh air and beautiful weather.
Citronella essential oil comes from two grass varieties and contains insect-repellent properties naturally.
Citronella candles also smell nice and create a beautiful ambiance on your balcony while keeping the pesky pests away, so it’s a win-win.
If you have a big balcony or it’s swarmed with bugs, consider burning multiple citronella candles across the space.
Lighting citronella candles is one of the most widely used remedies for keeping bugs away from outdoor spaces, particularly by apartment dwellers who do not have enough room in their balconies for plants.
Use Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets have long been used as an alternative remedy to keep bugs and pests away.
They have been touted to work great for mosquitoes, mites, flies, weevils, gnats, and even some critters, like roaches and squirrels. Wondering if there’s any science behind this remedy?
Actually, there is!
Research tells us that most varieties of dryer sheets contain linalool, which is a naturally occurring plant compound with insect-repelling properties. It’s found in coriander, basil, and lavender plants, along with many others.
Hang or tape some dryer sheets at various places around your balcony to keep the bugs off.
Use the Right Lighting
Ever noticed swarms of flying insects around lights in outdoor areas?
Experts say those flying pests are attracted to bright white lights, so you may want to rethink your balcony’s lighting to keep them away.
Replace your bright white lights with dimmer, more yellowish lighting to control the bug situation on your balcony.
Using yellow light bulbs rather than the standard white ones is another simple method for keeping insects away from your balcony.
They won’t be able to see where they’re going, which will keep them away from you.
If you’re thinking about being even more innovative, there are even plants that deter insects from entering particular regions just as well as they do attract them.
You can use more lights at night if possible, or during the day when you are home so that you can see what is around you better.
If there are insects such as mosquitoes or flies near your apartment window, those who live in apartments with balconies may be irritated by them.
A porch light could be another option for some people who live in apartments with balconies since this type of lighting can help prevent certain pests from coming near your home while allowing others like butterflies into its vicinity.
You can also make the outdoor lights less attractive to bugs by using LED bulbs.
Consider Netting
If you have a severe bug problem or you just don’t want to keep trying different remedies every time you step out on the balcony, you may consider enclosing it with pest or insect netting.
The see-through netting is draped around the outdoor space and works great to keep the bugs away. They also come in retractable options, allowing you to remove the netting whenever you want.
Use Bug Traps
This can be a viable solution for those dealing with particular kinds of bugs. While there are traps available for almost every flying insect, you can’t buy all of them.
But if there are only one or two particular kinds of bugs swarming your balcony, you can get traps specifically designed for them to control their population in your home.
De-Clutter
The first step to keeping any balcony pest-free is to de-clutter. Any time you find a vast amount of clutter on your balcony, you’re giving the vermin an opportunity to nest and multiply.
They can easily hide away in these piles and nests they create, and they will eventually come out to wreak havoc upon your apartment.
De-cluttering should also be done so that there isn’t too much debris sitting around for them to use as shelter or material for their nests.
This includes removing any dead plants or leaves from the planters on your balcony and any dead bugs (or even live ones) so that they don’t become attracted to the area because there are carcasses nearby.
Avoid Flowering Plants
Flowering plants look great in any space. Not only do they add color and are appealing to the eye, but many also give off pleasant smells, making your space feel amazing.
But no matter how much you love flowering plants, you better refrain from having them on your balcony if you have a bug problem.
Flowering plants, with just a few exceptions, are guaranteed to bring bees to your home. If you want to keep them away, you will have to trade off flowering plants with some other species (the bug-repellant varieties make the best alternative).
However, if you really want flowers on your balcony, choose the ones that do not attract bugs; there are a few of them. Your best options can be marigolds and chrysanthemums.
These plants not only produce beautiful-looking flowers but as mentioned earlier, they also contain natural insect repellant properties.
Make Sure There is No Standing Water
We all know that standing water is a breeding ground for germs and pests. But did you know that mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a teaspoon of water? And once they do, the eggs can survive in drought – for months.
This is insane, but that’s how it is. So, if you want to save yourself from mosquitoes (and other bugs), your best bet is to always keep your balcony clean and dry.
You may also have to eliminate bird feeders and pet bowls from the balcony if bugs are your major concern.
- Remove any standing water. Bugs and other pests are drawn to standing water as a source of food, drink, and shelter, making it a magnet for their presence. If your balcony is near trees or shrubbery that shed leaves or flowers into the area, there will be an ever-present supply of debris in which bugs can breed.
- Make sure you clean up any messes right away. The longer you leave a mess out on the balcony, the more time it gives pests to find their way inside your home. If you’ve been barbecuing on your balcony recently and left behind charred food or grease stains from cooking utensils, try cleaning them off as soon as possible, so they don’t attract ants or other unwanted guests.
Add a Fan to Your Balcony
This may sound too simple to be effective, but you would be surprised to see how effective this simple remedy is in keeping bugs away from your balcony.
A fan can deter most flying bugs while also keeping your outdoor space cool during the hot weather.
An outdoor ceiling fan is your best option, as it can cover a large area. But if that’s not possible, you can use a box or pedestal fan.
Place it close to the seating area to keep it cool and bug-free when you’re spending time outdoors.
Make Your Own Bug Spray
You can make your own toxin-free bug spray to keep these pesky critters out of your balcony.
There are numerous tried and tested DIY bug sprays that are known to work great. Here’s one recipe for you using plant essential oils.
Combine equal parts of water and witch hazel in a spray bottle. Add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol for every cup of the solution and about 1/4th to 1/3rd teaspoon of essential oil with bug-repelling properties. These include lavender, basil, lemon thyme, rosemary, and eucalyptus, to name a few.
Give all these ingredients a good mix and spray the solution around your balcony to create a natural barrier against pests and bugs.
Create a Bug-Free Outdoor Oasis in Your Home
Bugs are not only a nuisance, but they can also put your health and hygiene at risk. Mosquitoes bite, bees sting, and the flies make it impossible to enjoy your time outdoors with their constant buzzing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to deal with these pests. We have shared some tried and tested remedies to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony.
Try them out and let us know which ones work the best for you.
Think About Your Furniture Selection
Your furniture should be easy to clean and store and durable enough to withstand the elements.
If your balcony has a patio table and chairs, consider using an umbrella that won’t blow away when the wind kicks up.
If possible, keep your furniture on floor mats or under an overhang where there’s less chance of buildup in between use.
If you’re storing outdoor items like cushions and pillows inside your apartment during the winter months, ensure they’re dry before returning them back out again.
Avoid Using Mulch
The following tips will help you keep bugs away from the apartment balcony:
- Don’t use mulch. Mulch can attract pests and harbor them, allowing them to breed and spread disease. It can also attract more bugs that you might want to avoid, such as mosquitoes and termites.
- Keep a clean apartment. If you live in an apartment with bugs inside your home, keep it clean so it won’t stick around! Vacuuming regularly will get rid of dead insects that might remain on the floor or countertops after being killed by pesticides—and remember not to leave food out overnight!
Best Bug Repellent for Balcony
As summer approaches, spending time on the balcony becomes a favorite activity for many of us. However, pesky bugs can quickly ruin the experience and leave us with itchy bites.
That’s why we’ve researched and tested various balcony bug repellent to bring you the best options for your balcony.
Our top picks not only effectively repel bugs but also have pleasant scents and are easy to use. Check out our roundup below to find the perfect bug repellent for your balcony.
Womosk Mosquito Lamp
We highly recommend the Womosk Mosquito Lamp to anyone looking for an effective bug repellent for their balcony.
We found the Womosk Mosquito Lamp to be highly effective in repelling bugs on our balcony.
The UV light and electric grid work together to quickly and efficiently kill mosquitoes, flies, and moths. The coverage area is impressive, making it perfect for outdoor use.
We also appreciate the rainproof design, which allows us to use it in any weather condition.
The tray for dead insects can be a bit challenging to clean, but it’s a small price to pay for such an effective bug repellent. We also recommend using it in areas with low light, as it can affect the trap’s effectiveness.
Overall, we highly recommend the Womosk Mosquito Lamp to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient bug repellent for their balcony.
It may be a bit pricier than other options, but the effectiveness and coverage area make it worth the investment.
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern
We highly recommend the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors without being bothered by pesky mosquitoes.
We were pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of this lantern. It created a mosquito-free zone within minutes of being turned on, and we didn’t have to worry about applying any repellent to our skin.
The lantern is also very easy to use, and we appreciate the fact that it’s plant-inspired and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
One thing to note is that the independent light feature uses 4 AA batteries, which can be a hassle to replace.
Additionally, the lantern emits a subtle scent, which may not be ideal for those who are sensitive to smells.
Finally, we found that the lantern is not as effective in extremely windy conditions, so it’s best to use it on calmer days.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern for anyone who spends time outdoors and wants to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
It’s easy to use, effective, and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
GOOTOP Bug Zapper Outdoor Electric
If you’re looking for an effective bug repellent for your balcony, the GOOTOP Bug Zapper Outdoor Electric is definitely worth considering.
We recently purchased the GOOTOP Bug Zapper Outdoor Electric and have been impressed with its performance.
It’s been effective in eliminating most flying insects, including mosquitoes and gnats. We appreciate that it’s EPA-registered, so we don’t have to worry about using harmful sprays and insecticides.
The bug zapper is also lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for hanging anywhere on our balcony.
However, we did notice that the bulb died quickly, which was a bit disappointing. We also wish it had an on/off switch, as it can be a hassle to unplug it every time we want to turn it off.
Overall, we think the GOOTOP Bug Zapper Outdoor Electric is a solid choice for anyone looking for an effective bug repellent for their balcony.
Just be aware that the bulb may need to be replaced frequently and that it emits a burning bug smell when zapping insects.
Mosquito Guard
We highly recommend Mosquito Guard for anyone looking for a natural and effective way to repel mosquitoes and other bugs on their balcony.
We recently used Mosquito Guard on our balcony and were impressed with its effectiveness.
The natural ingredients made us feel good about using it, and we didn’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals.
The sticks were easy to light and lasted for the advertised 45 minutes. We also appreciated the recommendation to place 4-5 sticks around the balcony to create a perimeter, which helped keep the bugs away.
However, we did notice that wind can impact the burn time, so it’s important to keep that in mind when using it.
We also had to place the sticks about 12-15ft apart, which may not be feasible for smaller balconies. Lastly, while it works well against mosquitoes, it may not be effective against all types of bugs.
Overall, we highly recommend Mosquito Guard for anyone looking for a natural and effective bug repellent for their balcony.
Wondercide
If you’re looking for a natural and effective bug repellent for your balcony, Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray is worth considering.
We recently used Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray to combat an ant problem in our kitchen, and we were impressed with its effectiveness.
The spray killed the ants on contact and helped to repel them from returning. We also appreciate that it’s safe for our pets and family, as we have a dog and two young children.
While we can’t speak to its effectiveness as a preventative measure, we do feel confident in recommending it as a treatment option.
The spray is easy to use and doesn’t leave any stains or residue on surfaces. However, we did experience some issues with the spray nozzle clogging, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a natural and safe bug repellent for your balcony, Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray is a great option to consider.
Just keep in mind that the cedarwood scent may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some bugs like to hide and crawl on plants. It’s best not to keep them in your apartment.
Dump all plants, pots, and vases and sweep all leaves into a plastic garbage bag, then throw the bag into the garbage.
If you sit outside on a balcony, you need to take precautions. Mosquitoes can bite you anytime, so it is important to make balcony screen enclosures.
We hope this article has provided some great tips on keeping bugs away from the apartment balcony.
If there are any questions or you want to share some of your own tips, please leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are there so many mosquitos on my balcony?
Mosquitoes love to hang out in dark, humid, and shady areas. Make sure to have screens and doors installed, and to get rid of any areas that are dark and humid.
Try to keep the area beneath your balcony deck clear of debris and mow your lawn regularly to keep the grass clippings from piling around.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water because it is where they lay their eggs.
Small ponds, calmer parts of a river, swamps, and even common household items that have collected some water are all potential breeding grounds for these pests.
Do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquito bites are not only a nuisance, but they can also be painful. Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture, and dryer sheets have high levels of moisture, making them ideal for repelling mosquitoes.
In addition to dryer sheets, you can also apply a plant-based mosquito repellent, such as citronella oil, to your body.
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