Fall is a favorite season for many people. The crisp air and the cooler weather bring up many feelings of nostalgia and happiness. However, fall also brings an unwelcome addition: ticks. Ticks are a problem in many areas of the United States and can be a serious public health issue. Knowing how to protect you, your kids, and your pets from these parasites can help you enjoy your autumn months much more.  

In this article, we have laid out how you can protect your family from ticks. By taking some extra precautions, you can be sure that everyone enjoys the fall season and without worrying about dealing with these pests.  

Protect Your Kids 

One of the best ways to protect your kids and yourself from ticks in the fall is to dress appropriately. Ticks can only latch onto bare skin. If you have long sleeves and pants, you don’t have to worry about them getting onto your arms or legs. Tucking your kids’ pant legs into their socks can be a great way to ensure that no ticks get in between the gap on a long hike. Light clothing is also highly recommended if they are going to be walking in an area that could be a habitat for ticks. It is much easier to see insects if they get on light clothes, and the kids won’t accidentally bring them into the house.  

You can also use a natural insect repellent like citronella or peppermint. These essential oils are a great way to keep ticks and other pests away when on a hike. Before anyone comes back into the house, though, always make sure that you do a thorough tick check all over their body to ensure that they are clear.  

Protect Your Pets 

Pets provide a perfect environment for ticks. They have long fur that is easy to hide in and it’s a lot harder to control where they go. Dogs and cats will often walk through tall grass, which is where ticks like to live and hide. This makes them much more likely to pick up one of these parasites. One way to protect your pet from ticks is to keep them away from tall grass, weeds, and any overgrown shrubbery. If they do happen to wander into such areas, check them thoroughly for ticks using a pet comb. Also, perform a close visual inspection before bringing them into the house. 

Check your pets starting at their head. Then, move down their body combing through their fur with your fingers. If you see a tick and it has latched on, don’t try to pull it out right away with your fingers. Use a pair of tweezers and grab it by the body, making sure to completely remove it. Then, place the tick in rubbing alcohol to make sure it is dead.  

Related Topic: How to Reduce Bugs in Your Yard After Heavy Rain 

Protect Your Yard 

You can safeguard your yard from ticks by preparing it in a few different ways. Ticks like to hide in woodpiles, so keep any firewood stock away from areas where pets or kids play. Ticks also live on deer, so if you have deer in your area, it’s a good idea to plant deer-resistant flowers like snapdragons and marigolds.  

Other ways to protect your yard from ticks include keeping your grass mowed and trimmed and removing any fallen leaves from the yard. Being generally wary of any thick vegetation in the fall is a good rule of thumb, and if you keep your kids and pets away from it, they will have a much better chance of staying tick-free throughout the season.  

Get Professional Tick Prevention 

Following all the steps above is a great start to protecting your family from ticks and the diseases they can potentially carry. The final step to tick prevention is professional help from Mosquito Joe. Our technicians can set up barriers that target shrubbery and other vegetation in your yard and keep these nasty pests away from your kids and pets.  

 
When it comes to wholesome, fun activities, blowing bubbles in the park or the backyard can’t be beat. There is something timeless and magical about this activity, and kids and dogs alike are always up for it. Just like a backyard water park, tire swing, or pool, this is something that will keep the kids outside and off the couch when the weather gets nice.  

Giant soap bubbles are even more exciting and are sure to keep kids occupied. However, you might be worried about whether these giant bubbles are safe. With so many different ingredients in soap, and kids’ preoccupation with putting things in their mouths, it can be difficult to know whether making giant soap bubbles is a safe activity.  

In this article, we have laid out some of the safety considerations for making giant soap bubbles. We have also provided a way you can make DIY soap bubbles so you can be sure everyone is safe while enjoying this classic outdoor activity.  

Start with Safety

The first thing to think about when considering giant soap bubbles is whether the solution is safe. Kids love to put things in their mouths, even things that they shouldn’t, and dogs will often eat whatever they can find. For this reason, it is important to know what is in your soap bubble solution. This way, you can be certain that everyone will have a good time without making themselves sick in the process.  

Most soap bubbles are made from standard dish soap and water. While dish soap usually isn’t toxic, it can contain chemicals like parabens, chlorine, and sulfates. These compounds should not be eaten and should always be kept out of the eyes, which can be a challenge. 

Related Topic: How to Create Your Own Backyard Waterpark That’s Used Frequently 

Make a Kid and Pet Safe Solution

Instead of using standard dish soap, try making your own, kid-friendly bubble solution. To ensure that your bubbles are safe for kids and pets, lower the amount of dish soap used in your solution. This recipe is a great alternative to the heavily-concentrated solution that is more common:  

• 6 cups of water 
• ½ cup of corn starch 
• ½ cup natural dish detergent  

• 1 tbsp baking powder 
• 1 tbsp glycerine  

To make the soap bubble solution, simply dissolve the cornstarch into the water and stir it. Then, mix in the rest of the ingredients and stir vigorously without making a froth. After everything has been mixed together, let it sit for at least an hour. Diluting the solution in this way ensures it is kid and pet safe. You won’t have to worry about them getting sick or the bubbles irritating their eyes.  

Make the Wand

One of the most important pieces of equipment for making giant soap bubbles is the wand. Luckily, you do not need anything special to make it and it doesn’t have to be perfect. The cornstarch will hold your bubble solution together well enough that you can make bubbles with practically anything.  

For example, you can create a wand by running some yarn through two straws and looping it together to create handles and a large, rectangular ring. This will allow for an ample amount of bubble solution on the wand, which should create some large bubbles.  

 Related Topic: Outdoor Fire Pit Ideas for Family Fun Nights That Keep Your Kids Engaged 

Prep Your Backyard for Fun

Before you set the kids free with their bubble solution and wand, you should be sure to get your backyard prepared. Make sure that there is sufficient shade and hydration for the kids and pets to keep cool. If you want to get the kids involved in helping to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your backyard, try a game of Puddle Hunt. To keep the fun in all your outdoor activities, call Mosquito Joe.
 

When the summer months come around, one of the things everyone looks for is a way to get the kids out of the house. Prying your family away from screens when the sun is shining and the backyard is open for business can be a chore. But with the promise of some wet and wild excitement, you can get them off the couch and outside. If you don’t have a pool, don’t worry, because there are plenty of ways to use water to create some summer fun and some great memories.  

In this article, we will give you some ideas on how to create your own backyard water park that can keep the kids entertained all summer. By using some of these ideas, you can keep everyone out of the house and enjoying themselves while getting some good use out of your backyard. You can even get the dog in on it! 

Safety First 

The number one thing you want to consider with a backyard water park is safety. First, make sure there are no objects or uneven spots on the lawn that the kids can trip over or hit their head-on. If you’re going to set up a slip and slide, be sure to keep it as far away from the fence as possible, and always make sure you’re supervising the kids when they’re playing. Nothing ruins a fun day in the backyard like an injury.  

Plan Your Stations  

There are so many water activities you can set up for your backyard water park. Slip and slides, water guns, and balloon-filling areas are excellent additions that are sure to keep the kids entertained all afternoon. However, instead of throwing everything out on the lawn and telling them to go for it, set up stations and plan out which activities will happen at each one. Kids respond well to structure and some rules. This will also give your backyard water park a more official feel.  

Remember a Rest Station 

While it’s always great for the kids to go out and get some exercise, have a place for them to rest as well. A shady spot with comfortable places to rest and lots of drinking water is an important part of making sure that no one gets overheated from the excitement.  

Get the Neighbor Kids Involved 

Summer is all about getting together with friends. To make your backyard waterpark even more fun invite some of the neighbor kids over and get them involved as well. This will make it more likely that your kids consistently use the backyard water park. You might even get a break from supervising if other parents come over to help, too.  

Don’t Forget Fido  

Dogs love playing in the water just as much as kids do. Set up a rotating sprinkler head for the dog to play in and invite some of the neighbor dogs over to play along with the kids. Just like you did for the humans, make sure there is a shady spot for the dogs to relax in and get some water. They can get overwhelmed and overheated, too.  

Remove Standing Water 

One of the most important things you can do with your backyard water park is cover it up or clear any standing water when the kids are done for the day. Mosquitoes and other pests love to lay eggs in still water. If you leave standing water in your yard, your backyard water park could end up being a perfect habitat for them. At the end of the day, you could even get everyone to play a game of puddle hunt to make sure everything has been cleared before coming inside for the evening.  

If the kids are too tired to play another game after a full day at your backyard park, make sure you address any standing water. Use a broom to disperse any water that may have accumulated in certain areas of the backyard and cover any other water that you plan to use again the following day, like a small pool.  

What About Bugs? 

While the puddle hunt game and other methods are a great way to clear out any standing water and help eliminate mosquitoes, to really make the outdoors fun again, call the professionals at Mosquito Joe. Our experienced technicians will get your backyard ready for summer fun by getting rid of potential breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, and fleas. Creating a backyard waterpark can lead to a lot of fun and some great memories for you and your kids. 

When the cold of winter finally recedes, most people are eager to get back outside and enjoy the sunshine with some food and friends. After being cooped up for so long, you might be happy with any kind of sunlight you can get, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t be comfortable while you do it. Bugs and pests have a way of putting a damper on a party, even after a long winter.  

To get the most out of your backyard barbecue area, there are a few things you can do beyond conveniently forgetting to invite that one annoying neighbor. By making some simple preparations, you can be sure that your outdoor parties are a hit.  

Decide Where to Place Your Picnic Area 

The location of your eating area is almost as important as what you are eating (although nothing can save a barbecue from overcooked burgers). By planning out the proper placement of your picnic area, you can be sure that you and your guests can eat in peace and not be annoyed by bugs and other pests.  

Take care to place your picnic area a good distance away from the grill. Bugs tend to gravitate towards the smell of cooking food, so if you are far enough away from the cooking area, you can avoid spending your afternoon swatting away mosquitoes. This will also keep the eating area from getting caught in the heat and smoke of the grill. You want your meat to be smoked, not your guests.  

Use Sun Protection 

Umbrellas and canopies are a great idea for any backyard barbecue. It’s great to get some sun, but too much heat and glare can make your party guests uncomfortable. Having something to protect you from the harsh summer elements will give everyone a chance to relax and breathe easily.  

One important thing to avoid, though, is using trees and other foliage as protection from the sun. Bugs and birds love to congregate in trees, which makes them a perfect hiding place for other little critters. Not to mention the fact that anyone who has parked under trees for long enough knows what comes down when there are birds up above. That’s definitely not something you want to be eating underneath. 

Consider Netting 

Mosquito netting is a great idea if you live in a place that deals with these annoying pests on a regular basis. If you decide to go the canopy route, netting is easy to install and can be easily taken down once the party’s over. Netting can also double up and act as a shade for when the sun gets low in the sky. If you have a built-in awning on your porch, consider keeping the netting up for a more permanent solution that will be effective all summer long without the hassle of putting it up and taking it down each time you use your backyard.  

Keep Vegetation Pruned 

Having a backyard with a lot of plant life can make any outdoor party into a beautiful and enchanting experience. Unfortunately, a lush ambiance isn’t the only thing plants are good for. They’re also perfect hotels for mosquito larvae and other nasty critters that have a way of ruining backyard barbecues.  

If you have a lot of plants in your yard, be sure to keep them pruned back and trimmed throughout the summer. This will not only keep them from overgrowing your yard and taking it over, but it will also make plants less inviting for things like wasp nests and mosquito eggs. 

Choose the Right Lighting 

We’ve all heard the expression, “like a moth to a flame” but fire isn’t the only thing that moths are attracted to. Any kind of harsh, bright light will act as a beacon for nocturnal bugs that have a way of showing up when the sun goes down. Be sure to choose your lighting carefully when the time comes to fire up the grill.  

Softer lighting is a much better choice for your outdoor picnic area. String lights give a twinkling, elegant ambiance and will be less likely to bring out the moths and other nighttime bugs. While you’re at it, you can also light up some citronella candles. They not only give off a pleasant, flickering light that is perfect for the magic hour, they also keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay while they’re at it.  

Contact the Pros

It’s never too early to start planning for your summer get-togethers. While you’re arranging your backyard picnic area, check out the services offered by Mosquito Joe for all your pest and bug control needs. Our experts have all the knowledge and professional experience to help you make outside fun again! 

Explore Inspiring Patio Design Ideas

Do you love the thought of spending more time outside with your family or guests but feel like your outdoor living space is less than desirable? Get ready for some serious inspiration with these patio design ideas to transform your yard.

Whether you’re looking for patio ideas on a budget or you’re ready to make all your wildest patio dreams come true, we have tips to breathe new life into your patio.

Let’s make it your new favorite spot for relaxing and entertaining.

What’s Your Patio Budget?

When considering patio design ideas, it is a good idea to determine your budget upfront. Knowing how much money you want to spend on the project will guide you as you plan out the new area.

Keep in mind that upgrading your patio can be an investment that boosts the overall curb appeal and value of your home. By spending time and money to make the most of your living space, you’re also investing in family time, recreation, and the hours of personal enjoyment you will experience once your new patio is complete.

Small Patio Design Ideas on a Budget

If you wish to take a budget-friendly approach to your patio transformation, there are plenty of low-cost ways to upgrade. You can make a big change to your small patio by adding a pop of color, thoughtful décor, or a few pieces of stylish, comfy furniture.

Here are some of the best small patio design ideas to meet your goals and budget:

1. Plants make patios prettier.

Adding attractive potted plants gives your patio a focal point of interest. Flowering plants and greenery naturally add beauty and life. Plus, you can purchase several plants without blowing your budget. Consider incorporating a trellis with whimsical vines or add your favorite flowers to several small pots or a large planter. If you cook with fresh herbs, why not incorporate potted basil, rosemary, and thyme? The herbs add eye-appeal, bring nose-pleasing aromatherapy to the patio, and make it easy for you to grab a few sprigs while cooking.

2. Spruce up the patio with stylish furniture.

Investing in a few pieces of fashion-forward patio furniture can make a big impact on your patio vibe, functionality, and appearance. Choose a comfortable chair and table set so you can take dinner outside. Cozy lounge furniture will encourage long, leisurely hangout sessions enjoying nature’s ambiance. If you do not have shade on your patio, consider purchasing a table with a built-in or removable umbrella to create a shady place to chill, even on the warmest summer day.

3. String up some illumination.

Hanging up a string of white lights or lanterns, or using torch lamps is an easy way to turn your patio into an inviting space for evening fun and entertaining guests. The lights not only help with safety and vision—they turn a humdrum patio into a twinkling retreat.

Dream Big with Next-Level Patio Design Ideas

What if you don’t have to adhere to a strict budget for your patio project? Perhaps you’re ready to go big and make this space your personal backyard oasis that’s the talk of the neighborhood.

Let’s explore some of the dreamy additions and improvements you can make to create the patio environment you’ve always wanted:

1. Build an outdoor kitchen.

Fresh-air kitchens are all the rage. If you have the space available, turning part of your patio into an outdoor kitchen is an on-trend idea that will boost home value and make cooking more enjoyable than ever. Want to add a built-in grill with a smoker or a fantastic stone pizza oven? Or maybe your goals include convenient outdoor cabinetry and countertops with plenty of food prep space. You can have everything you need to whip up a feast for the family and entertain guests.

2. Install a gas fireplace or stone firepit.

There’s just something about a gas fireplace or firepit that takes an outdoor living space to the next level. Who doesn’t love lounging around a cozy fire on a crisp fall evening? There’s a fireplace to complement whatever style you prefer—from rustic to high-end luxury with all the bells and whistles.

3. Install a chandelier or unique light fixtures.

Illuminate your outdoor patio with light fixtures that are as beautiful as they are functional. A chandelier adds elegance to the space, while well-placed task lighting can be exactly what you need to create a masterpiece in your outdoor kitchen.

4. Incorporate a Jacuzzi for the ultimate relaxation.

Jacuzzi time, anyone? Imagine how much your family and guests would dig a Jacuzzi built-in to your patio. Surround it with a decorative pergola, enhance with ornate stone steps, or install it next to the fireplace to create a Jacuzzi experience you can enjoy year-round.

Is Your Backyard Ready for This?

While it’s fun to dream about incorporating some of these fabulous patio design ideas, it’s important to make sure your property is ready for the upgrade. Nobody wants to hang out in a Jacuzzi or cook in a glorious outdoor kitchen while the mosquitoes are swarming around family members or guests.

Give your property the treatment it deserves this season with a barrier spray application from your local Mosquito Joe. We provide effective mosquito, tick, and flea control solutions to help you enjoy your new and improved patio without the hassle and annoyance of biting pests. Contact our team today, and we will recommend the outdoor pest control treatment that is ideal for your property. Give us a call at 1-855-275-2563 for more information or request a free quote online.

The Grounds Guys offer quality hardscaping services designed to bring your dream patio to life. The Grounds Guys is a fellow member of the Neighborly^® family of trusted home service brands.