If you’re looking for a way to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll cover a variety of ways to do so.
First and foremost, you’ll want to remove any clutter that may provide shelter or nesting opportunities for pests. This includes old furniture, boxes, and piles of debris.
1. Use Permethrin
Permethrin is an effective pesticide for killing and repelling mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and other bugs. It also has no harmful side effects to humans if used properly.
However, it can also be hazardous to humans and animals when used improperly. It can be absorbed through the skin or breathed in by people, pets or the environment.
It can also be ingested through food. Some people are allergic to permethrin.
There are many ways to apply it, including spraying it directly on clothing and tents. But a quick spray will not provide enough protection, says Thomas Mather, PhD, director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease.
The most important thing is to use the right amount. The product labels usually have a good idea of how much to spray.
When you spray your clothes, make sure they get a thorough coat. This will keep mosquitoes and other bugs from contacting your skin, and it will also help prevent the spread of disease.
If you’re taking any medications, it’s a good idea to tell your doctor about them before using this product. They may need to change your dosage or other precautions.
In addition, it may affect birds and fish. For this reason, it is best to avoid letting pets drink water that has been treated with insecticides.
2. Use DEET
The first step in keeping bugs away from your apartment balcony is using a bug repellent that contains DEET. This chemical has been used to repel ticks and mosquitoes since 1957, when it was discovered by government scientists.
DEET has been proven safe for humans and the environment by the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It also works to protect people from diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, Zika and Lyme disease.
It is a common ingredient in many insect repellents and it comes in concentrations ranging from 4% to 100% DEET. Higher concentrations of DEET last longer and don’t require reapplying as often.
However, there are a few things you need to know about DEET before you use it. First, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions for application, including how to apply it on your children.
Second, don’t spray DEET directly onto your face. It’s better to use a small amount on your hands and then rub it on the skin where you need protection.
Third, avoid applying it to open cuts or burns. It can be toxic when it reaches the bloodstream, so if you think your skin or eyes are reacting negatively to DEET, stop using it and seek medical help.
There are also natural pest repellents that don’t contain DEET, such as the oil of lemon eucalyptus. This substance, which is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, was found to be just as effective at repelling insects as products containing DEET by researchers at New Mexico State University.
3. Use Citronella Candles
Using citronella candles can be one of the most effective ways to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony. These candles are easy to find, emit a pleasant smell, and are a natural way to repel pests without using harsh chemicals.
They also come with clear labels and instructions on how to use them safely. Some of them are also made from a variety of plant-based oils that have been proven to deter insects.
Citronella is a natural insect repellent that works by masking scents that attract pests. It is also safe and non-toxic, so it’s a great alternative to chemical sprays that may contain dangerous ingredients.
Another great way to protect yourself from pesky insects is to keep your balcony clean and free of waste food, puddles, and other spots that could serve as breeding grounds for bugs. By cleaning up any food or drink you eat and sweeping and vacuuming the floors and railings, you can prevent bugs from making themselves at home on your balcony.
You can use a candle to fill a small radius around it with the fragrance that is intended to repel pests. If you have multiple candles, you should space them evenly to get the best results.
Cutter’s Citro Guard is a top pick as it comes with a 3% citronella oil formula that can burn for up to 40 hours and has a triple-wick system that ensures a larger coverage area. It’s also a member of Spectrum Brand Holdings, which specializes in insect repellents and is responsibly sourced.
4. Use Insect Netting
Balconies are great spaces for enjoying the outdoors, but they can be a nuisance if bugs start to infest them. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep them pest free.
The first and most important thing you can do to keep bugs away is to make sure your balcony is clean. This means removing any food, trash, plants, or water puddles that might be hiding bugs.
Another way to keep insects out of your balcony is by using insect netting. Insect netting can help to block pests, like aphids and potato beetles, and can also act as a physical barrier in your garden to protect crops from damage.
Moreover, this type of netting can help to keep beneficial insects in your garden, like ladybugs and green lacewing larvae. These beneficial insects can control pests without any harm to your crop.
Insect netting can also be used to cover your greenhouse or hoop house. It will keep pests away, but it also keeps your plant canopy and greenhouse cool in hot weather.
Insect netting is made from HDPE, which is strong and durable. It also has a reflective feature that helps to cool your crop and reduce the amount of sunlight that is reaching the plants. Besides, it is also UV-stable and dust-resistant. It can be used to cover your entire greenhouse or hoop house and is also available in retractable styles.
5. Use Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lights are a great way to add brightness and improve security in an area. They can also illuminate a space, making it easier for people to navigate at night.
When choosing outdoor lights, consider the design. Some fixtures, like post lights or bollard lights, have to be positioned well to illuminate the space. The design of your lighting should match the overall look and feel of the main structure in your property, so that it’s easy to recognize.
Aside from the brightness it produces, lighting can be used to highlight landscape features. These fixtures can be mounted above garden beds, gazebos, or other structures to enhance the visual appeal of your property.
While many bugs are attracted to bright white light, it’s important to switch to a dimmer, more yellowish hue to keep them away. You can even purchase a bulb specifically for bug control that has a more neutral color.
Another great way to deter pests is by keeping your balcony clean. If you have a lot of clutter, insects will easily find shelter in it and start nesting. This is why it’s essential to clear off any food scraps, trash, or other substances that are a magnet for these creatures.
You can also make a natural bug repellent by lighting citronella candles or starting a fire. The smell of smoke naturally repels insects, and you can also add lemon balm, cedar bark, or sage to the flames for added protection against them.
6. Use Plants
Plants can be a great addition to your apartment balcony. However, you should choose plants that do not attract bugs to your balcony. This is because certain plants are known to attract a variety of pests, such as mosquitoes and bees.
Marigolds, for example, are an effective bug repellent that can be planted around your balcony’s perimeter. They contain pyrethrum, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
You can also use chrysanthemums and rosemary. These are said to be effective in repelling insects like flies, ticks, fleas, and ants.
Another option is to use neem oil, which is known for its bug-repelling properties. You can add a few drops of the oil to water and then spray it on the balcony. This will prevent midge bugs from entering your apartment balcony.
If you want to avoid attracting bugs to your balcony, consider removing all existing furniture and other items that can act as hiding places for bugs. These items include chairs, tables, planters, and storage racks.
In addition, make sure to clean your balcony regularly. This will help keep bugs away from the space and make it easier to maintain.
Aside from cleaning, you should also remove any sources of standing water around your balcony. This includes water that collects in potted plants, saucers, and other containers.
Keeping your house clean and organized is also beneficial in preventing bugs from entering your home. This is because insects like to hide in places that are dirty and cluttered, such as piles of laundry on the floor or a cluttered kitchen counter.