If you're getting ready to throw an outdoor party, you probably don't want to include mosquitoes and other bugs in the festivities. With a few simple precautions you can keep these pests at bay. If you want to combine pest control and entertainment, you might want to use a bug electrocuter (figure A). A light in the center of the unit attracts the bugs. When the bugs move toward the light, they must pass through electrified wires, which "zap" them. The unit has a couple of drawbacks: it attracts insects, and the insects have to fly into the unit to be killed. Unfortunately, bug zappers kill many more helpful insects than bothersome ones, so they could ultimately do your garden more harm than good.
To keep bugs off your skin, you can choose from a variety of lotions (figure B) and sprays (figure C). Keep in mind that some lotions might react with your body chemistry and attract bugs rather than repel them.
To keep pests away from your gathering, try an ultrasonic device (figure D), designed to drive insects away with sound.
Citronella candles (figure E) and other citronella products, such as smoke sticks (figure F) and coils (figure G), produce odors that keep most insects away. The odor can be quite strong, so light them well in advance of the gathering. Don't reuse citronella containers after the product is gone. And keep in mind that some guests may be sensitive to citronella products.
You can solve fly problems with fly strips (figure H), which have a sticky coating that attracts these insects. When flies land on the strip, they stick and die.
For major insect problems, consider an electric "bug killer," which sends out a mist of pesticide (figure I). Spray the poison around your deck and patio before the party begins. If you don't want to go to the expense of an electric bug killer, go around your yard with a home insect-control spray (figure J), which can usually be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
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