5 Chemical-Free Ways to Banish Bugs from an Outdoor Party
There's nothing that ruins a backyard bash quite like a swarm of mosquitoes (and the group of itchy, bitten party-goers they leave behind). Try these inventive, homespun remedies to remind bugs that they're not on the guest list.
Related: A Scary New Reason to Avoid Mosquitoes This Summer
1. Decorate with basil centerpieces.
This double-duty tip comes from party planners Seri Kertzner and Michelle Bachman at Little Miss Party: "Set out jars of basil on your table. It smells great, looks beautiful and repels mosquitoes."
2. Burn coffee grounds.
Our own associate food editor Erin Phraner swears by a trick her family taught her. They light a little plate of used coffee grounds so they smolder. The smoke keeps bugs away naturally.
Related: 5 Insect Repellents to Keep Bugs at Bay
3. Open tuna cans.
"Place open cans of tuna around the perimeter of your party," says Britanny Egbert at One Charming Party. "The meat attracts yellow jackets so they leave your buffet table alone." (We've heard sliced cucumbers could do the trick, too.)
4. Turn on a fan.
"Set up fans on your deck to blow away bugs, " says associate food editor Cathy Lo. "Mosquitoes are pretty weak flyers, so they won't be able to land long enough to bite anyone, and the fans will keep guests extra cool on sweltering days."
Related: 9 Biggest Mistakes You Make Planning a Summer Party
5. Soak cotton balls in a borax solution.
If you spy a sneaky family of ants infiltrating your patio party, try this DIY trap we spotted on Hometalk.com: Soak a cotton ball in a solution of water, borax, and sugar. The mixture will attract (and kill) the little buggers. Just be careful to keep your dog away.
-Lauren Piro
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