Summer in Macon is made for porch sitting, cookouts, and relaxing evenings outdoors. But if mosquitoes and gnats are showing up uninvited, it can turn your backyard retreat into a buzzing battleground. One minute you’re enjoying a cold drink—next thing you know, you’re swatting at clouds of tiny pests.
The good news? You don’t have to let bugs take over your summer. With a few smart strategies and some help from nature, you can take back your yard and enjoy a bite-free season.
Our warm, humid Georgia summers are perfect for more than just growing tomatoes—they’re also prime time for pests like mosquitoes and gnats.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and it doesn’t take much. Just a bottle cap of water is enough for dozens of larvae. Gnats, on the other hand, are drawn to moist soil, mulch, and decaying organic matter.
Add in frequent afternoon rainstorms and shaded yards, and you’ve got the perfect storm for these pests to thrive. Knowing what attracts them is the first step toward keeping them away.
If mosquitoes are buzzing around your property, the first thing to check is standing water. It’s where they breed—and stopping them here makes a huge difference.
Clean gutters often and make sure water drains away from your foundation. Change water in birdbaths every few days, and check hidden corners of the yard for forgotten containers.
If you’ve got ponds, rain barrels, or other spots where water sticks around, add mosquito dunks. These contain a naturally occurring bacteria (Bt) that kills larvae but won’t harm pets, birds, or helpful bugs.
You don’t need to reach for harsh sprays to protect your family from mosquitoes and gnats. There are plenty of natural options that get the job done.
Make your own bug spray by mixing water with essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemongrass. Spray on clothes or skin before heading outside. These oils smell great to us—but bugs aren’t fans.
Add beauty and bug protection to your landscape at the same time. Try planting:
Used coffee grounds can be spread in damp areas or soil where water collects. They absorb moisture and the caffeine disrupts mosquito larvae development. It’s a win-win.
Good yard habits go a long way toward controlling pests.
Mosquitoes and gnats love thick vegetation and shady spots. Keep bushes trimmed, grass cut short, and clear out any leaf piles or brush. Pay extra attention to the areas around outdoor seating.
Compost is great—if you do it right. Gnats love rotting produce and wet compost piles. Turn your compost regularly, and cover food scraps with dry materials like leaves or shredded newspaper. Pick up fallen fruit from trees, and avoid thick mulch layers that stay damp.
You can still enjoy the outdoors during peak bug season with a few extra touches.
Mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers. A fan on your porch or patio makes it harder for them to land on you—and keeps the air cooler, too.
Bright lights attract flying insects. Try using yellow LED or bug bulbs for outdoor fixtures. They’re less appealing to bugs and still provide plenty of light. Solar lights along walkways are a great low-heat option as well.
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If you can, plan your cookouts or yard work for mid-morning or early afternoon when pest activity tends to be lower.
If your DIY efforts aren’t enough, or if you’re hosting an event and want to be sure your yard stays pest-free, it’s perfectly okay to bring in the experts.
Call for professional help if:
Local pest control teams in Macon can provide targeted mosquito and gnat treatments designed for Georgia’s specific conditions—and even offer maintenance plans to keep things under control long-term.
If mosquitoes and gnats continue to be a problem despite your efforts, consider contacting a pest control professional who can provide targeted solutions and help keep your outdoor spaces comfortable all summer long. Let Bug House Pest Control help with your bite-free summer!
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