Tired of having pesky insects crash your backyard barbecues? We've got tips on how to keep bugs away—no chemicals required.
How to Keep Your Backyard Barbecue Bug-Free This Summer
Published on Apr. 30, 2025
Nothing ruins a barbecue faster than having a swarm of wasps, mosquitoes or flies descend on your family—and food. These insects are a nuisance, but with all that food around, chances are you won’t want to spray chemicals everywhere to keep them at bay.
Don’t fret, though! There are several ways you can keep bugs away during the day and at night—without ever having to break out the bug spray. Some of these natural bug-repellent methods might surprise you, and you can often use several at once to maximize their bug-banishing power. Here are 8 ways to keep bugs away from your patio.
1
/
8
Get Rid of Standing Water
Per the CDC, one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away is to get rid of standing water, which is where they lay eggs. At least once a week, dump out and scrub birdbaths, buckets, kiddie pools and flowerpot saucers—anywhere there’s stagnant water. For larger vessels that can’t be emptied, such as rain barrels, invest in a tight-fitting lid so mosquitoes can’t get inside to lay eggs.
2
/
8
Put a Lid on Outdoor Serving Dishes
Most bugs will be more than happy to share your meal, but you can keep them off your food with pop-up mesh covers. Set these covers over dishes at your picnic or barbecue, and it will keep flies, ants and other pesky bugs from getting a free snack—and hopefully deter more from stopping by.
3
/
8
Keep Trash Cans at a Distance
Flies and other bugs are naturally attracted to the smell of rotting food, and if you want to keep flies away from your seating area, it’s a good idea to keep garbage at a distance. Tuck your trash bins on the other side of the house for everyday storage, and if you need them closer for a party, make sure to place them a generous distance away from the main seating and dining areas.
4
/
8
Use Yellow Lights for Gatherings After Dark
Having the right lights on your patio can be the difference between attracting bugs and repelling them. Studies have found that lights with a yellow or amber hue attract the fewest number of bugs, while cool-toned blue or violet lights tend to draw in more insects. The research also suggests using as little light as possible, so you may want to look for dimmable patio lights.
Additionally, if you’re going to set up a bug zapper, be sure to hang it far away from your patio, as its blue light is designed to draw in insects.
5
/
8
Set Up an Outdoor Fan
Another chemical-free way to deter mosquitoes and other flying bugs is to simply have a fan in your outdoor living space. This works for two reasons: First, a strong breeze makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly toward you, and second, it helps to dissipate the carbon dioxide from your breath, which is what attracts them in the first place. As an added bonus, a wall-mounted or freestanding fan can help keep your space cool on hot summer days.
6
/
8
Plant a Garden Mosquitoes Hate
Did you know that certain plants act as natural insect repellents? Flowers like marigold, geranium and nasturtium can all help to repel unwanted bugs—and they look beautiful in garden beds and planters around your patio!
Alternatively, there are many herbs that repel bugs, including basil, sage, catmint, rosemary and fennel. So not only will you have fewer pests, but you’ll also have a supply of fresh herbs to use in the kitchen.
7
/
8
Set Up Natural Fly Traps
If you have an empty soda bottle and apple cider vinegar lying around, you can create homemade fly traps that don’t require any chemicals. Here’s the gist of it: Cut the plastic bottle in half, and flip the top over so it’s sitting inside the base. Fill it up with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap—flies will be attracted to the smell. Once they crawl down the opening, it’ll be hard for them to get back out. Easy, yet effective!
8
/
8
Put Candles Around The Patio
If you want the power of insect-repelling plants without having to actually tend a garden, there are lots of candles that use essential oils to keep bugs away. For instance, these mosquito-repellent candles contain rosemary, peppermint, citronella and lemongrass oils, and they come in a pack of three. Place them around your outdoor living space to boost the ambiance and deter mosquitoes. Now that’s a win-win.
