One of the many benefits of living in Florida is the ability to utilize a swimming pool year-round. On the other hand, one of the major downfalls of living in the Sunshine State is the plethora of bugs that call it home. A common question many pool owners have is, “How do I keep bugs out of my pool?” We’re here to help answer that question. Whether you’re dealing with mosquitos, flies, ants, spiders, or wasps, here are 11 tips to help you keep your pool bug-free.
11 Tips To Keep Your Pool Bug-Free
- Be Mindful of Light Placement
If you are strategic about the placement of lights around your pool, you will be able to keep bugs away. As you know, flying insects are attracted to bright lights, thus placing lights 20 to 30 feet away from your pool will keep these flying insects from dipping in. In specific instances, lights that are placed at a distance from your pool can still attract pests if they reflect light in a certain way. You can reduce the effects of reflective lights by shielding them or directing the beam away from reflective pool walls.
- Install a Decoy Light
One sure way to direct pests away from your pool is to install a decoy light about 50 feet from your pool area. The decoy light will draw bugs away from the pool, and into an area where they are less invasive. You can also install various types of insect traps near your decoy lights to help keep the insect population under control.
- Regulate Your Pool Lights
In addition to installing decoy lights and being strategic about where you place your lights, it’s equally essential to regulate the underwater lights in your pool. To keep bugs from swarming to your underwater pool lights, turn them off when your pool is not in use, or utilize a timer to light your pool at your discretion. If you don’t turn your pool lights on at dusk, you can avoid attracting massive swarms of insects.
- Keep Up With Chemical Treatments
One of the best ways to prevent bugs from entering your pool is to keep up with your chemical treatments. Pests are less likely to wade into water that is chemically treated. Also, Florida mosquitos will not lay their eggs in chemically treated water. Keeping your pool chemically treated will also reduce the amount of algae that forms, and in return reduce the number of bugs in your pool.
- Invest in a Pool Cover
Many Floridians invest in pool covers to help them keep bugs out of their pools. A pool cover will not only help you keep bugs out, but it will also slow down water evaporation.
- Plant Bug Repelling Herbs
Certain herbs can act as natural repellents for bugs. Herbs such as citronella, rosemary, lemon, and sage have natural chemical components that are proven insect and pest irritants. Planting these types of herbs around your pool area is a practical, safe, and cheap way to keep your pool bug-free.
- Utilize Insect Repellants Around Your Pool
Many insect repellents are great for keeping bugs away from your pool area. Every so often take time to spray the grassy areas around the edge of your pool to deter ants and other crawling insects from making their way onto your pool deck.
- Keep Up With Landscaping
Another easy way to keep bugs away from your pool area is to keep up with your landscaping duties. Make sure to trim bushes and mow the lawn next to your pool often. Foliage that is not maintained invites insects to the pool.
- Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a massive attraction for bugs, especially mosquitos. If you see any standing water around your pool area, drain them right away, as mosquitos could use this low-lying water to lay their eggs. This is especially important during the rainy season when puddles form quickly after seasonal down pours.
- Don’t Forget About Pool Brushing & Pool Skimming
As we mentioned previously, insects love algae. Brushing the bottom of your pool will prevent algae from growing, and thus reduce the number of insects swarming to your pool. Be sure to vacuum up the debris you stirred up during your brushing, or your hard work may have no impact on deterring insects. You should also skim the surface of your pool often, so insect bodies don’t pile up. Floating insect carcasses will only attract more bugs.
- Keep Food Away
It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to keep food away from your pool area. Food attracts many pesky bugs, and once they tell their friends about all the food around your pool, it could be a nightmare to rid yourself of them. Make sure to eliminate sources of outdoor pet food, fallen fruit, and clean up spills right away. Removing food sources from your pool area is one of the single best things you can do to keep your pool area bug-free.
Finals Thoughts
Florida’s year-round beautiful weather provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy nature year-round; however, this benefit does not come without cost. Living in Florida, you understand the dire need to keep bugs away from your property. While there are things you can do to reduce your chances of hosting unwanted insects, there are instances where enlisting the services of a professional pest control company makes sense. If you have tried tirelessly to diminish bugs around your pool, consider calling a professional pest control company to rid your pool of these unwanted pests before the situation gets out of control. Swimming bug-free may be closer and easier than you think.
