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So you've got an apartment with a balcony. Great! Now how do you keep the bugs from taking up residence? It seems like every year, the bugs get a little bit bolder and find new and inventive ways to invade our homes. This year, don't let them take over your balcony too. Here are 17 tips to help keep those pesky bugs at bay. So, how to keep bugs away from apartment balcony? 1. Keep the apartment balcony clean Many people overlook the importance of keeping a clean balcony, but it is actually one of the best ways to keep bugs away. Bugs are attracted to food and drink, so cleaning up any spillages is important. Regular sweeping and dusting will also help to remove any crumbs or dirt that could be an attractant for bugs. In addition, turning over furniture cushions and patting them down can help to remove any eggs that may have been laid there. Depending on the level of bug activity in your area, you should also consider deep cleaning the space from time to time. This involves washing the floors, vacuuming any outdoor rugs, and cleaning the ceilings. 2. Replace your lighting Bugs are attracted to light for several reasons. Light helps them orient themselves and navigate their surroundings. Provide warmth, which is essential for many types of insects. Light can attract mates. Different types of light have different levels of attractiveness to them. Cool bulbs emit blue light, which insects can see better than warm bulbs. Warm bulbs emit yellow light, which is less attractive to insects. LEDs are a better choice than halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs when it comes to avoiding bugs. Although completely red bulbs will repeal bugs most effectively, they might also scare some people as well. Because of that, my recommendation for the apartment balcony is a yellow LED lamp with a Kelvin color rating of 2000-3000. You can find them at any local hardware store, or you can buy them online here. 3. Grow herbs to keep bugs away Rosemary Growing herbs is a great way to keep pests away from your apartment balcony. Garlic and rosemary can help to repel biting insects, while chives and lemongrass can deter other pests. Not only will you enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs, but you'll also be doing your part to keep your balcony pest-free. 4. Use Citronella torches and candles Citronella is a natural insect repellent that can effectively keep flies and mosquitoes away. You can increase its power by using it in combination with citrus candles. Citrus candles contain essential oils that insects dislike, making them an ideal way to keep your balcony bug-free. Simply light the candles and enjoy your time on the balcony without worrying about being bitten by bugs. 5. Spray essential oils on the balcony Many people are looking for natural ways to keep pests away from their homes. One popular method is to use essential oils. Essential oils are extracted from plants and are highly concentrated. They have a strong aroma and can be used for various purposes, including pest control. When it comes to keeping bugs away, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils are particularly effective. Both of these oils have strong scents that bugs find highly repellent. By spraying them around your balcony, you can create a natural barrier that will help keep pests at bay. Also, spraying a little bit of the oil on yourself will help keep bugs away from you. 6. Plant pest-deterrent flowers Marigolds Planting pest-deterrent flowers is a great option if you're looking for a natural way to keep pests away from your apartment balcony. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, which is a natural mosquito repellent. Placing marigold pots around your balcony's perimeter will help keep mosquitoes and other biting and stinging pests away. Marigolds release their fragrance when they are brushed against or crumpled, so placing a potted marigold on your balcony table will provide extra protection against pests. In addition to deterring pests, marigolds are also attractive flowers that add color to your balcony garden. 7. Spray mouthwash to deter bugs Most people are familiar with the refreshing taste of minty mouthwash. But did you know that this household staple can also be used to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony? That's right - by spraying tables, chairs, and the perimeter with mouthwash containing at least 10% Eucalyptol or Menthol, you can create an invisible barrier that pests will be repelled by. So not only will your balcony smell great, but it will also be free of pesky mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space fully. 8. Use hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony. You can create a natural pest deterrent by preparing a spray mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Simply coat your patio surface and walkway with the mixture, being careful not to splash any areas where food or drinks might be present. By spraying hydrogen peroxide on your balcony, you will instantly kill any bugs that come into contact with it. 9. Use balcony furniture without cushions Furnishing a space with non-cushioned furniture effectively keeps creepy crawlers out of an apartment balcony. An alternative to cushioned seating, metal or plastic furnishings can be wiped down and kept clean more easily, eliminating potential hiding spots and bug nests. While it may not pay off in immediate comfort, this strategy will help ensure bugs stay away from the balcony space, allowing residents to enjoy a lovely outdoor area. 10. De-clutter your balcony Removing any potential materials for shelter and nesting is key for keeping pests at bay. Things such as old furniture, boxes, piles of junk, and other items left behind should all be cleared away regularly. This simple precaution should be taken to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the balcony space. 11 Don't use mulch Using mulch to decorate an apartment balcony might seem like a quick and easy way to improve the area. However, there are negative consequences. Mulch can become wet and provide a moist environment ripe for mosquitos and other bugs to inhabit. This can create an uncomfortable and annoying situation when enjoying time outside. It is wise to avoid using mulch on balconies to keep bugs away, as this will greatly reduce their chances of breeding nearby the apartment. 12. Enclose your apartment balcony By installing a netting enclosure, you can provide full coverage around the perimeter that will block any form of insects from entering your space. Additionally, the enclosure acts as a barrier from any rain or precipitation, which can expel standing water, providing further resolution for bug-free outdoor areas. 13. Use dry sheets Dryer sheets contain linalool, a plant-derived ingredient that can help repel garden pests, such as mites, weevils, beetles, and German cockroaches. However, dryer sheets are not made to act as mosquito repellents specifically, so for those who are comfortable with using bug spray - an EPA-approved one containing the active ingredient DEET is recommended. With this reliable combination of tactics, you can successfully keep your balcony bug-free. 14. Remove standing water Remove standing water to discourage bugs from coming onto your apartment balcony. Over time, pet bowls, especially those with food or water left out overnight, can become breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes. Similarly, bird feeders are a common attractant that may draw in unwanted creatures. To avoid this situation, it's best to take preventive measures and keep pet bowls indoors when not in use while also avoiding using bird feeders altogether. 15. Use a fan Fans help keep mosquitoes away because they make it more difficult to detect the carbon dioxide and other compounds that we naturally release when we breathe, which they are attracted to. As a result, the chances of us getting bitten by mosquitoes while relaxing on our balcony are significantly reduced when a fan is present. 16. Avoid perfume Perfume is often overlooked as a source of unwanted bugs on your apartment balcony. However, it can be one of the main attractants. To avoid swarms of unwelcome pests, make sure to be mindful of wearing heavily scented products while out on your balcony. This includes perfumes, soaps, lotions, shower gels, and other cosmetics or hair care products. Our recommendation is to make a shower after physical activity to reduce any sweat-related odors, wear clean clothes with no fragrances, and apply a mosquito repellant to all exposed skin areas. You can find more information here about why avoiding perfume is a good idea when going to nature. 17. Use a commercial spray Commercial sprays are one of the most effective ways to keep bugs away from the apartment balcony. Our recommendation is a plant-based natural solution containing the oil of lemon eucalyptus. The name is Repel. You can find it here online or at any Walmart store. If you want another bug spray, I recommend checking on this government website first; EPA-approved bug repellent. Frequently asked questions Q: Are there any natural ways to repel bugs from my apartment balcony? A: Yes, there are several natural and safe methods for repelling bugs from your apartment balcony. You can try using a fan, as this will make it difficult for mosquitoes to detect the carbon dioxide released when you breathe. Additionally, dryer sheets contain linalool, a plant-derived ingredient that can help repel garden pests. You can also use a netting enclosure to provide full coverage around the perimeter of your balcony. Finally, you should avoid perfume or heavily scented products, which can attract bugs. Q: Why are flies attracted to my balcony? A: Flies are attracted to dirty areas and will lay their eggs in garbage cans on a balcony that is not cleaned daily. If pets or birds habit littering on your balcony, that could invite the flies. Q: What smell will keep all bugs away? A: The most commonly cited essential oils for repelling bugs are citronella, eucalyptus, and catnip oil, but other oils, including clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium, may also be effective. Q: What can I spray on my deck to keep bugs away? A: Eucalyptus oil and lavender oil can both be used to keep mosquitoes away. Eucalyptus oil has a concentration of 30%, which usually keeps mosquitoes away for up to two hours. Lavender oil is also effective in keeping mosquitoes away. The oils can be mixed with water and dispersed in a spray bottle to spray on your deck. Q: Does vinegar keep bugs away? A: Vinegar is effective in pest control as it repels and sometimes kills insects. It is most commonly used against ants, spiders, and mosquitos. Vinegar can be sprayed around a property's perimeter and entryways to keep spiders from entering. Q: Why are there so many flies outside my apartment? A: Flies are attracted to organic matter such as feces, dead animals, or decaying plant life. This is because the adults need a place to lay eggs, and these places provide a plentiful food source for the developing larvae. Q: Does peppermint oil repel bugs? A: Peppermint oil repels a variety of pests, including ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. It can be used in sachets near doors and windows or made into a diffuser or spray. Conclusion So, there you have it - 17 ways to keep bugs away from your apartment balcony. Some are more obvious than others, but hopefully, this gives you various solutions to try out so that you can find the one(s) that work best for you. Keep in mind that some tactics may be combined for extra protection. For example, using a fan and mosquito repellent together is a great way to ward off any unwanted guests. If all else fails and the bugs are too persistent, don't hesitate to contact professional help. A good pest control company can rid your outdoor space of any pests and advise you on how to prevent them from returning in the future. 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