This may not always be the most practical answer, as many homeowners prefer to leave their porch lights on overnight for safety reasons. Try rigging your porch lights to a timer or light sensor so that they’ll activate at dusk and shut themselves off automatically when the sun begins to rise.
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of replacing all of your porch lights, you can also try lining the fixtures themselves with yellow cellophane to produce the same effect. [3] X Research source One downside of yellow bulbs is that they cast your whole house in a yellow hue. This may not be ideal if you have your sights set on winning your neighborhood’s “most beautiful home” award.
LED bulbs tend to cost a little more than standard light bulbs. For this reason, it may be more economical to reserve them for fixtures nearest the main entrances and exits.
Look for candles containing pungent oils and additives like lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. Citronella candles are among the most commonly used and effective bug-repellent lighting solutions. They can be found in most places where home and garden supplies are sold. [6] X Research source A sea of twinkling candles may be nice to look at, but don’t forget that they can also present a fire hazard. Make sure the candles you put out are in jars or holders, and keep them a safe distance away from curtains, upholstery, plants, and anything else that’s flammable.
Because of the constant buzz of electricity and stench of burnt insects, bug zappers may not be the go-to solution for people who use their porch as a place of peaceful refuge. If you don’t like the idea of killing bugs en masse, you might be better off exploring a more humane solution.
Keeping the air outside moving is also useful for dispersing carbon dioxide, food particles, and other human odors in the environment that brings bugs in for a closer look.
Replace the spice pouches every few days once they begin to lose their potency.
It may be necessary to spray your herbal solution once or twice a day during the muggy summer season when insects are out in full force. You can also mix essential oils with a mild carrier oil like olive or coconut oil and apply them to your skin to serve as a wearable repellent. [8] X Research source
If you’re handy with a toolbelt, you might also opt to install a screen yourself using a simple DIY system like Screen Tight. [10] X Research source The occasional fly or moth may still get in while the door is open, so it’s a good idea to use your screened-in porch in conjunction with a yellow light, bug zapper, or scented candle.
Premade bat and bird houses are often available at home improvement centers and garden supply stores. Situate the structure far enough away from your porch to keep the occupants from congregating around your home. They’ll come out to hunt on their own when they get hungry. [12] X Research source
If you live in an area that receives a lot of regular precipitation, consider filling in problem areas with sand, gravel, or a mixture of both. Rainwater will filter down between the sediment rather than pooling on the surface. Stagnant water is a favorite habitat of insects like mosquitoes that carry diseases. [13] X Research source
