🐜 HauerTo: Sun’s Out, Bugs Out! How To Keep Pests From Sinking Your Summer

Ah, summer—the season of BBQs, bare feet, and bugs. One minute you’re sipping lemonade, the next you're swatting a mosquito with a paper plate. But fear not, backyard warrior! With a few clever tricks, you can outsmart those uninvited six-legged guests and reclaim your sunny days. Here are five ways to tell bugs, “Not today, Satan.”

TIP 1: Dryer Sheets in Your Pockets (Yes, Really)

Tuck a dryer sheet in your pocket or belt loop while gardening or hanging outdoors. The scent (especially Bounce) repels mosquitoes and gnats—plus, you’ll smell like fresh laundry while you’re at it.

TIP 2: Lemon and Clove—The Fancy Fly Repellent

Slice a lemon in half and stick a handful of whole cloves into each half. Set them on your patio table or windowsill. Flies hate the combo, and your setup looks suspiciously like a Pinterest craft. Win-win.

TIP 3: Fan-tastic Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes are terrible flyers. Set up a simple box fan where you’re sitting outside—blowing it low across your legs or seating area helps keep them from landing and biting. Bonus: breeze = instant cool-down.

TIP 4: Say No to Standing Water (a.k.a. Mosquito Love Shacks)

Mosquitoes breed in still water, so dump anything that collects it—think buckets, birdbaths, old planters, even forgotten toys. If it can hold water longer than a TikTok video, drain it.

TIP 5: DIY Bug Spray That Doesn’t Smell Like Regret

Mix witch hazel, water, and a few drops of essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or peppermint in a spray bottle. It’s skin-safe, smells great, and keeps bugs guessing (and away).

Bugs might be part of summer, but you don’t have to let them crash the party. With these hacks, you’ll be too busy enjoying s’mores and sunsets to notice the mosquitoes gave up. Stay sunny—and sting-free.