Awnings are an excellent addition to your patio and have multiple benefits. However, pests in your patio can find their way to the awning and cause damage.

Therefore, you must find ways to protect your patio awning from pests. Keep reading to find out how.

Refresh Your Lighting

Insects are more attracted to some types of light than others. If you have white bulbs, replace them with sodium vapor or yellow lights. The yellowish or orange light may deter insects.

You can also use torches and citrus candles to keep certain insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, away.

Get Patio Plants

Plants have natural defenses that can repel some pests. Since specific plants repel specific pests, you have to know the type of pests you want to keep away from your patio awnings. For instance, chrysanthemums can repel ants, while basil can keep flies away. 

Furthermore, you can grow lavender to keep moths away or rosemary plants to repel mosquitoes.

Use Essential Oils

A mixture of water and witch hazel can repel bugs from your patio awnings. The mixture can also include a few drops of alcohol and essential oils. Many essential oils work well, but the best ones are rosemary, lavender, and lemon thyme.

Insects and other pests will keep away after smelling the scent of the essential oils.

Control the Mulch Level

Mulching around your patio can make your patio look more appealing, but excessive mulching may lead to some problems. In particular, cockroaches and ants thrive better within the mulch. The decomposing mulch also produces heat and creates the perfect environment for brooding pests. 

Therefore, use minimum mulch or go for inorganic mulch like gravel or rock. The best option is to keep mulch at least 12 inches away from your patio.

Remove Standing Water

Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to still water on your patio. Check downspouts and gutters in the patio area for any signs of stagnant water. Also, regularly clean these features to prevent clogging that may lead to stagnant water.

Emptying any watering cans, buckets, and kiddie pools that are not in use can also help. 

Add a Patio Fan

An increasing number of homeowners are installing outdoor ceiling fans. Fans help to make your patio and deck more relaxing and cool.

Moreover, fans can keep annoying pests away from your patio awning. For example, mosquitoes and flies cannot withstand strong winds.

Clean Your Patio

A clean patio and yard help to keep bugs and other pests away from your awning. For example, ticks can hide in the tall grass on your lawn. Fallen tree branches and bushes in your yard can also provide the perfect shelter for pests.

Use Screens and Netting

You can put nets around the awning to protect against mosquitoes and other insects. The screens can also appear on other parts of your patio or on the fence to keep pests away. 

Spray Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular antiseptic known to get rid of certain insects. You can use the substance to kill adult insects and damage any eggs. To create the perfect hydrogen peroxide solution, combine ⅔ water with ⅓ hydrogen peroxide. 

Spray the solution on the awning's surface and along your patio's perimeter. Also, remember to not spray the mixture on your plants since hydrogen peroxide may be hazardous to foliage.

Awnings are helpful features that can provide the perfect shade for your patio. Nevertheless, you have to take measures to protect your awning from pests.

If you are looking for awnings for your patio, Lexington Tent & Awning Co. supplies awnings of various configurations, sizes, and shapes. You can put the awnings on your patio or many other places in your home or business premises. Contact us to get awnings that fit your requirements.