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A fire pit is a structure that burns fuel, holds fire, and is used to keep you warm. Its principal function is to invite your family, friends, and relatives to a warm-up and evening chat after a long day’s work. Unfortunately, even if not invited, some bugs/ mosquitoes will be attracted to the light of the fire pit or come to receive its heat. However, the fire pit did not take the responsibility for keeping them away, you have to do it.
However, whether it’s a gas fire pit or a wood-burning fire pit, you can’t keep mosquitoes away by burning ordinary fuel. Because, this fuel attracts ratter mosquitoes, not keeping them away.
Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Fire Pits?
If you are thinking of a fire pit to keep bugs or mosquitoes away, in a sense it is irrelevant. Unfortunately, while fire pits can be great for entertaining and relaxing, they generally don’t do much to keep mosquitoes away rather invite them. Here’s a look at why are mosquitoes attracted to fire pits?
First, the heat also attracts mosquitoes in extreme cold. When they find that, they crowd around or wander around the fire pit.
Second, fire pits don’t keep bugs or mosquitoes away is that they don’t produce enough smoke. Although smoke is not a means of keeping mosquitoes away, also you never want that. For a fire pit to be effective at repelling bugs, it would need to produce a large amount of smoke. This smoke would need to be dense and thick in order to create a barrier that would keep these pests from getting to you.
Third, fire pits don’t work well for keeping bugs/mosquitoes away is that they don’t produce enough heat. While the heat from a fire pit can help to keep mosquitoes away, it generally isn’t enough to deter them completely.
Fourth, fire pits can actually attract mosquitoes if have any water around them. This is because mosquitoes are attracted to standing water. If you have a fire pit that is filled with water or beside it, it can actually attract these pests.
Fifth, there are some wood or grass fuels that give off a kind of smell when burned, these attract bugs or mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will never leave your fire pit area if you practice burning them.
Six, according to scientists, mosquitoes can smell carbon dioxide from a distance of 50 meters. From sweat, shampoo, soaps, perfumes, scented lotions, blood group, (especially ‘O’), etc. detect the presence of any food in the vicinity and attract it.
Read More: Burned Grass From Fire Pits: Fix and Prevent
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Fire Pit Area?
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance to you when you are enjoying the heat of the fire pit in the backyard in the evening or overnight. However, this fire pit can be very effective in keeping bugs or mosquitoes away if you can use it properly.
The mosquito repellent effect of using fire pits in the backyard can be further enhanced by using certain types of firewood, plants, and sprays, which can help keep mosquitoes away. There are other options that you can try-
1. Burn Firewood
There are a few different types of wood that are effective at keeping mosquitoes away from your fire pit. Some of the most popular options include cedar, eucalyptus, pinyon, and lemon balm. These woods all contain natural oils that repel mosquitoes. You can get excellent results by adding any of the excellent alternatives to burning firewood. Insects, bugs, and mosquitoes do not like this wood. Besides, the smells of pinyon are pretty good, and most people like this.
2. Resistant Plants
Another acceptable way to repel mosquitoes from the fire pit area is some flowers and herbs, including geraniums, Sage and Rosemary, lemon thyme, Peppermint, lemon basil, and camphor trees. These are great all-natural defenses against mosquitoes.
However, there are many insects that do not pay attention to these plants. These are not resistant to them.
3. Bugs Suppression Spray
Bug spray contains ingredients like citronella and eucalyptus oil, which are known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Simply spray the bug spray around your fire pit area, and mosquitoes should stay away.
There are many types of bug sprays available in the market, including all-natural varieties, and use sprays that do not contain any harmful chemicals.
4. Use Mosquito-Repellent Candles.
Citronella candles are a popular option, but there are also many other scents that can repel mosquitoes. While citronella candles can help keep mosquitoes away from your seating area, you can also use mosquito-repellent candles to help keep the pests away from the fire pit itself.
These candles contain ingredients that are designed to repel mosquitoes, such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender. When burned, the candles release these scents into the air, creating a barrier that mosquitoes will avoid.
Not only will mosquito-repellent candles help keep the pests away from your fire pit, but they can also help create a more pleasant atmosphere for your outdoor gatherings. Citronella candles are a great way to enjoy your fire pit while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
5. Avoid Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so if you have any standing water near your fire pit, it will attract them. Be sure to empty any bird baths, kiddie pools, or other containers of water that are close by.
6. Plant Mosquito-repelling Plants
There are a few plants that are known to repel mosquitoes, such as citronella, marigolds, and lemongrass. By planting these around your fire pit, you can help keep the mosquitoes at bay.
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes away from your fire pit, try planting these plants around it. Not only will they help keep the mosquitoes at bay, but they’ll also make your outdoor space look and smell great.
7. Use an Electric Fan
An electric fan can help the fire pit to keep mosquitoes away by circulating the air and creating a wind barrier. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so a strong breeze can discourage them from hanging around. Set up a fan near your fire pit to help keep the air moving.
8. Install a Mosquito Net
A mosquito net can help the fire pit keep mosquitoes away by providing a barrier between the fire and the mosquitoes. The net will prevent the mosquitoes from getting close to the fire, and the heat from the fire will repel them.
9. Keep Your Fire Pit Clean
One of the best things you can do is to keep your fire pit clean. That means removing any debris, such as leaves or twigs, that may have fallen into the pit. You should also empty out any water that may have collected in the pit. After using try to not leave the fire pit burning overnight.
A messy fire pit is more likely to attract mosquitoes, so be sure to clean up any ashes or debris that accumulate.
Mosquito Repellent for a Propane Fire Pit
Summer evenings are the best time to gather around the fire pit with friends. But, mosquitoes can quickly ruin the fun. Keep the bugs at bay with these four mosquito repellent options for your propane fire pit.
Using Herbs to Repel Mosquitoes
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes away from your propane fire pit, consider using herbs. There are a variety of herbs that can be used for this purpose, and they can be effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Some of the most common mosquito-repelling herbs include citronella, lemon balm, lavender, and peppermint. These herbs can be used in a variety of ways, such as being placed in a pot near the fire pit, burned as incense, or even applied topically to the skin.
If you’re burning herbs near your fire pit, be sure to keep a close eye on the fire so that it doesn’t get out of control. And, if you’re applying herbs topically, be sure to test a small area first to make sure you’re not allergic to any of them.
With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy your propane fire pit without having to worry about pesky mosquitoes. So, go ahead and give it a try!
Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a classic mosquito repellent. They can be placed around the perimeter of your fire pit to create a barrier of protection. citronella candles will not only keep mosquitoes away, but they will also add a pleasant citrus scent to the air.
Outdoor Mosquito Traps
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor gathering is to make a mosquito trap. A mosquito trap is easy and inexpensive to make and can be placed near where you will be sitting or standing. All you need is a propane fire pit, a small amount of water, and a piece of mosquito netting or cheesecloth.
To make the trap, first, light the propane fire pit. Then, add a small amount of water to the fire pit. The water will cause the fire to produce smoke, and the smoke will rise and attract mosquitoes.
Next, drape the mosquito netting or cheesecloth over the fire pit. The mosquitoes will be attracted to the smoke and will fly into the netting or cheesecloth. Once they are inside, they will be unable to escape and will eventually drown in the water.
You can also add a small amount of insecticide to the water to kill the mosquitoes more quickly. However, be sure to use a safe, organic insecticide that will not harm people or animals.
Insecticidal Spray
Insecticidal spray can be used to directly target mosquitoes. Simply spray the perimeter of your fire pit with the insecticide to keep mosquitoes away. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle to avoid harming any plants or animals in the area.
ThermaCell Mosquito Repellent
ThermaCell mosquito repellent is a battery-operated device that emits a small amount of heat. The heat creates a barrier that repels mosquitoes. ThermaCell can be placed on a table near the fire pit or hung from a tree.
Conclusion
Here is a summary of all the ways you can follow to keep bugs out of your fire pit; Light a Citronella candle or incense, use a mosquito coil, or try to repel insects around the area. You can also run a fan near the fire pit to circulate air and repel mosquitoes. Lastly, be sure to keep your fire pit clean and free of standing water, as mosquitoes will lay their eggs in standing water.
