There’s something magical about sitting on your deck at the end of a long day, enjoying a cool drink and watching the sun go down. That is until the bugs coordinate their strike on your lovely summer’s evening. Mosquitoes, dragonflies, flies and all manner of flying pests seem to find their way to your deck. This year, it’s time to be proactive and take your outdoor life back. Here are three simple, easy, and inexpensive ways to keep your deck bug free this summer and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Water
All bugs need water to live and sources of water on and around your deck can attract bugs to the area. Remove empty containers from your deck at the end of each evening. Next, keep the water in your birdbath and ponds clean. Stagnant, dirty water is a popular breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pesky bugs.

Candles and Incense
Certain scents will deter bugs from a certain area, and candles and incense burning in those scents keep bugs clear of your deck while you’re enjoying time with friends and family. Look for a nice peppermint, lavender or lemon scented candle. Citrus scents are another deterrent for these creepy crawlies. Plus, candles can add a little ambiance for a romantic evening.

Plant Some Herbs
Add an herb garden to your deck for a touch of decoration and to keep bugs at bay. A simple pot with thyme or basil inside can help keep flies and mosquitoes away from your deck. Lavender and peppermint are another popular herb and flower that’ll get the job done. You can use these herbs to dress up your deck by planting them in flower boxes or building a horizontal herb garden. As an added bonus, you can use cuttings to spice up your meals.