Keep bugs off patio furniture.

How to Get Rid of Bugs on Patio Furniture (Naturally)

So, you need to keep bugs off your patio furniture.

Are you finding spiders all over your patio chairs?

Or beetles hiding in your wicker?

How about finding a wasp nest under your patio table?

Are they freaking out your guests?

Don’t worry. Let’s talk about how to clean up your patio set and keep the bugs away so you enjoy your BBQ ribs and champaign in peace.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • Various DIY home remedies to get rid of bugs on your patio furniture naturally
  • How to get rid of spiders, wasps, beetles, mites and more
  • Controlling ants in your outside deck box
  • Ways to repel bugs from your outdoor furniture
  • And more

Sound good? Let’s get your patio furniture pest free.

Does wicker furniture attract bugs?

Wicker furniture attracts pests.
Wicker furniture DOES attract bugs.

Wicker furniture itself doesn’t attract bugs because of the material, but rather because of the many fine holes and cracks.

These attract spiders, mites, and beetles because they provide plenty of nesting sites for them to forage for food. The design of wicker naturally allows plenty of burrowing areas and hiding places from predators, which spiders and beetles are favorable to.

Sadly, most patio furniture does include some sort of wicker design and this is just a haven for bugs.

The tightly woven wooden fibers allow hiding places for spiders to deposit their egg sacs and make weaving webs very easy.

The problem with wicker is that it’s difficult to clean because it requires gentle cleaning. Metal, aluminum, and glass furniture are a lot less prone to bugs and easier to clean.

Wicker furniture has been known to attract spiders, mites, woodworm, beetles, fleas, ants, nesting wasps, termites, and other pests that nest.

However, with some effort, you can use home remedies to control the pests in your wicker furniture even with the disadvantage the design has by default.

Just be patient and keep at a pest control plan.

Common signs of pests on outdoor furniture

You may easily come across visible bugs on your patio furnishings, or you may just notice debris or remnants left behind.

There are telltale signs of a bug problem that you can recognize:

  • Spider nests
  • Abandoned webs
  • Debris caught in webs
  • Wasp nests
  • Clumps of muds or dirt
  • Wasp combs
  • Wood shavings
  • Feces or frass
  • Stained furniture
  • Pigment streaks
  • Leaf litter or plant foliage

Since many different bugs are commonly found on patio sets, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact pest without solid evidence. And some are nocturnal so you only see them at night.

But any kind of debris or dirt left behind is a sign that SOMETHING is infesting your outdoor furniture.

How do I keep bugs off my outdoor furniture?

Bugs on patio furntiure.
There are many home remedies you can use to keep bugs off your outdoor furniture.

Here are some DIY home remedies you can use to get rid of bugs on your patio furniture.

Depending on the design of the furniture, construction material, and the severity of the pest problem, it can be very easy or extremely difficult to control, manage, and eradicate those bugs.

You may need to call in a professional exterminator to control difficult pests like nesting wasps and bees.

But for everything else like spiders and beetles, you should be able to control them at home without too much difficulty.

Regardless, try a few different home remedies and see which ones work for you.

Don’t rely on a single technique. Use a bunch of them in tandem for best efficacy.

Vacuuming

Not surprisingly, vacuuming works very well to manage pests on your patio furniture.

Just like indoor furnishings, a vacuum cleaner can suck up even the smallest bugs, eggs, webs, and other debris that insects may feed on.

You should regularly vacuum your furniture outside just as you would for your indoor couch, bed, tables, etc. It’s easier to use a handheld shop vac for handling patio furniture because you don’t have to mess with cords and can just quickly get it done.

Regardless, make it a habit to suck up crevices and cracks throughout your patio sets to fully clean them.

Here are some key areas to look out for:

  • Under-seat cushions
  • Between cushions on outdoor sofas
  • Under tables
  • Within wicker
  • Crevices and cracks on the furniture
  • Umbrellas
  • Umbrella mounts on tables
  • Inside of patio construction (tubes, PVCs, etc.)

All of these areas harbor bugs like spiders, mites, wasps, ants, bees, lizards, and more. You should clean them out regularly to prevent further bugs on your outdoor sets.

You can also use a steam cleaner or power washer.

Both of these can blast away bug eggs or kill them by heat. Just make sure your furniture material can withstand the heat.

Since most patio sets are made for the outdoors, they’re laminated with a finish that can handle the elements (sunlight UV rays and rain), you may be able to use a powerful cleaner to kill the bugs.

Use bleach

Although bleach is far from a natural approach, you can dilute a bit of chlorine bleach and water to kill bugs that have crawled into your cushion stuffing.

Rinse it out and then toss them into the dryer to dry if it’s safe for the material.

Avoid using the sun because the damp cushion will attract bugs like mosquitoes.

Cover your patio furniture

There’s a reason why patio covers are sold, but people don’t buy them.

They’re not just for protecting your furniture from rain and sun, but they also keep bugs out. Most covers are made from fabric or vinyl, both of which are natural deterrents to pests and keeps bugs off your furniture.

You should invest in a fitted cover that extends over the furnishing completely. There should be tie-downs or secure mounting points for you to fully enclose it. This should prevent a large majority of flying pests, spiders, and lizards.

Note that if you put the cover on wrong, you may do more harm than good. If the cover doesn’t fully cover the set, you could be creating a protected haven for bugs to live in that shields them from predators and the elements.

So make sure you use the cover correctly.

Attract lizards

Green anole yard.
These lizards are commonly found in the garden.

Sometimes, it’s better to have a bunch of lizards in your yard rather than spiders.

Many have turned to using the process of luring in predators of whatever pest you’re dealing with to help control them.

Spiders are very common in patio furniture. This includes brown recluses, black windows, daddy long legs, and more. They spin webs under the table.

They hide under the patio seats. And they lay eggs between cushions on the patio couch.

They’re terrible and will hide until you accidentally touch them.

Thankfully, if you live in an area that has some kind of lizard, you can attract more of them to help get rid of the spiders on your patio set.

Of course, you’ll have to do research and find out what kind of reptiles are native to your area. Lizards are found all over the US and they’re not too difficult to bait into your yard.

Here are some common lizard species in the US:

  • Green Anoles
  • Western Fence Lizards
  • Desert Iguanas
  • Side-blotched Lizards
  • Zebratail Lizards
  • Spiny Lizards
  • Leopard Lizard
  • Fringe-toed Lizards
  • Sagebrush Lizards
  • Whiptail Lizards
  • Collared Lizards

Do some research and see which ones exist near you. Then find out how to attract more of them to your yard to help get rid of the outdoor pests.

They can climb, jump, and stalk prey, so they have no problem getting on your patio table.

For example, green anoles are commonly found in the backyard in the southern states like California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other humid environments. They eat a variety of bugs and will work for you 24/7 for free.

Typically, all lizards need are a hiding place, water, and food. You can use decorative rocks, get a small pond, and place your furniture nearby. The lizards will come into your yard and set up shop.

Then they’ll bask in the sun during the day and hunt bugs to eat all day long. If they come across spiders hiding in your patio furniture or in your yard, they’ll gobble them up.

Attract ladybugs

Ladybug on plant eating eggs.
Ladybugs on your porch or deck can help eat up larvae and eggs.

You can also use ladybugs which are known for their effective ability to eat young larvae and eggs.

Ladybugs can be ordered online and released into your yard (check local regulations first), or you can attract ladybugs if you’ve already seen some buzzing around in your area. Ladybugs eat spider eggs, ants, aphids, etc. And also won’t damage your plants.

They won’t eat up your wicker furniture, don’t chew the fabric, and will leave on their own when the job’s done. Just be careful not to sit on one or smush one on your furniture because they may leave a stain.

Keep your patio clean

Keeping your yard clean and free of debris is the number one way to get rid of patio bugs

The only reason there are bugs all over your patio set is that they’re attracted to your garden. They came for shelter, food, or both.

And your set just happened to be a favorable object for some species to nest in. The first step is to clean up your yard.

Here are some common pitfalls that end up attracting bugs to your patio furniture:

  • Long, tall grass
  • Weedy plants
  • Overgrown foliage
  • Backed up or excess water from poor drains
  • Excess plant food
  • Excess watering
  • Water features like birdbaths and fountains
  • Debris and clutter
  • Storage units, cardboard, etc
  • Leaf litter
  • Plant litter

Set aside some time and clean up your yard. This will do wonders for keeping it pest free, which ultimately should clear up the problems on your patio set.

A lot of those pests are there to hunt other pests, but if you keep your outside area clean, then they have nothing to eat.

Turn off lighting

Patio lights attract bugs.
Turn off or dim your patio lights.

Your lights are the main attractant of flying pests at night.

There’s no reason to leave your patio or deck lights if you’re not using them.

The light bleed just brings in a bunch of flying insects, which draws spiders to spin webs. If you have outdoor lighting near your patio set, consider turning them off at night.

You can also swap the bulbs for yellow lights because they don’t attract bugs. If you need the lights for security or other purposes, you should consider swapping the bulb.

And watch out for your indoor lights also. They leak light through your windows and door gaps. Get curtains or blinds to block the light from going outside.

Use essential oils

Essential oils keep bugs off patio furnishings.
Essential oils can help spiders, beetles, wasps, ants, and more from your patio set.

Essential oils can be very effective in creating a pest-free environment outdoors.

The problem is that most oils will wash away with rain or lose efficacy with sunlight shining on them. This means you need to constantly reapply them every other week or so depending on your local weather.

Regardless, they can be used to create an unfavorable environment for bugs, rodents like skinks and possums, and even animals like coyotes.

There are many different oils you can use, but here’s a good starter list:

  • Peppermint oil
  • Neem oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Citrus oil
  • Basil oil

All of these are very strong and should be diluted with water.

Depending on the oil you choose, the recipe to make it varies. You can search online for a specific recipe, but generally, you’ll just add a few drops into a liter of water.

You can also add some dish soap to coat the oil and make it stick so it has a residual effect. This will make it last longer outdoors and you don’t need to reapply as often.

Some people and pets may be sensitive to essential oils, so be wary of that. Use as directed.

You can spray the under patio chairs, under tables, into the construction (openings in the chair legs, table legs, etc.), and any other crevices you come across.

As long as your paint finish and fabric doesn’t seem to be damaged from the oil, you should be okay to apply it. If you see damage, stop usage and dilute with more water or try a different oil.

Always test it on a hidden spot to see how your fabric reacts.

Plant herbs or spices

Peppermint spider repellent.
Peppermint can help keep jumping spiders away from your property.

There are plenty of pest-repelling plants you can grow outdoors.

Some of the most popular choices are basil, peppermint, marigold, citrus, onion, garlic, lemon, lime, jalapeno, tea trees, and thyme.

Place them strategically around your patio furniture to create a barrier of protection. Some of the most popular choices are.

Plants can be an organic method to keep bugs off your patio sets and don’t require anything but regular TLC.

The best part about using plants is that guests won’t even know that you have a bug problem- they’ll just think the plants are there for garden decor unless they have a keen eye.

You can repel all sorts of common bugs in the garden like bees, spiders, aphids, ants, snails and slugs, and even wasps.

Don’t overlook what plants can do- especially herbs or spices that release a strong aroma in the area. This scares away a bunch of pests and keeps them away. It’s a natural way to get rid of outside pests.

Spray vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective home remedies you could use for pest control.

Mix vinegar and water in equal parts, and then spray it on hard surfaces like patio tables, PVC chairs, and laminated wicker resin.

You can dilute the vinegar if you notice that it’s damaging your finish by adding more water or using less vinegar. It is acidic and will damage sensitive furniture, so you should test it on a small part of your set first.

Additionally, you can use it to kill bugs like spiders and mites instantly upon contact.

Vinegar also has a residual effect and will last for a few days as a natural repellent. This stuff is cheap, homemade, and safer than using dangerous pesticides to protect your patio furniture.

Plant mint

Mint is a powerful pest repelling plant because of its overwhelming aroma.

Consider growing mint plants around your garden or using potted mint on your patio set.

You can get a small mint plant, place it in a pot, and put that directly next to your set or even on the patio table. Mint has been reported to repel a variety of insects.

Sprinkle cinnamon

Cinnamon keeps bugs off patio sets.
Don’t overlook the power of cinnamon as a natural pest repellent.

Believe it or not, cinnamon makes a powerful repellent for many backyard bugs.

People find the scent of cinnamon pleasing (well, most people), but bugs are the contrary. And the best part is that you can easily buy cinnamon powder, sticks, or both depending on the setup you have.

The cinnamon powder can be sprinkled around the yard as a false barrier to keep bugs out. If you have a high concentration of them around your patio set, consider sprinkling the cinnamon directly into the wedges between the sofa cushions.

You can also put some directly under the cushions to prevent bugs from crawling under there and depositing eggs.

Note that cinnamon may stain fabrics, so if you’re worried, put it in a double-layer of pantyhose and make sure that none leaks out. This can contain the powder while keeping its bug-repelling properties.

Cinnamon is an all-natural and easy home remedy to keep bugs off your furniture.

You can also buy cinnamon sticks and do the same thing. The sticks can be wedged into the cushions, taped under patio chairs, or stuck under patio tables.

Again, the cinnamon sticks may end up staining your furniture, so you can place them into a pantyhose or sock to protect your furnishings. The sticks can also be directly inserted into the soil as a natural deterrent stake.

Burn citronella

Citronella plant repels mosquitoes.
Citronella oil can keep mosquitoes away, among many other bugs.

Citronella has scientifically proven pest-repelling properties.

And you can utilize it in your yard to keep pests away. This is especially useful for when you have guests over and you’re doing a party or picnic outside.

Any outside gathering can be ruined by bugs, but you can help mitigate the number of pests outdoors by using citronella oil and candles.

You can buy these candles at most hardware stores. They look like tiny metal tins with a fresh-scented wax inside.

There are also citronella torches, which accomplishes the same thing but they’re a lot more decorative (I also find that the torches seem to work better, probably because they’re much larger of a flame and surface area than the candles).

The torches literally burn citronella-infused oil with an open flame while the candles are much more controlled with wax and a small flame.

Regardless, choose the right one for your garden and use it as directed. Anything that involves fire should be handled carefully.

Citronella oil also exists. You can make your own pest repellent by adding a few drops of the oil with a large amount of water. Find a recipe online and make it.

Here’s one, for example:

Then spray it around your yard, preferably nearby your furniture and the area where you see the most spiders, flies, or other pests that you’re dealing with.

Some people and pets may be sensitive to citronella oil, so always use as directed.

You can find this oil sold by the bottle, or you can buy it in a patio torch form. They also sell tabletop versions that you can pick up for just a few bucks.

If you have a lot a severe infestation, you may want to buy citronella oil in bulk to save you money. Or else you’ll be making a lot of trips to the hardware store because the fire burns up the oil quickly.

Use diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth DIY pest repellent.
Diatomaceous earth is an awesome pest killer and repellent.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular solution for pest control. It’s a natural crystalline powder that’s commonly used in pools, but there’s a food-grade version of pure DE powder you can buy to use as a pest control agent.

This stuff can be sprinkled around your entire yard to keep all sorts of crawling bugs from entering.

Think of it as building a barrier of powder around the perimeter of your whole yard. You can also add a second layer of protection around your home’s foundation. DE can be applied to nearly all surfaces and will remain effective as long as it doesn’t get wet.

After rainfall, wind, or snow, you’ll have to reapply it. Exposure to sunlight MAY affect the efficacy.

Buy a pack of pure DE and sprinkle around your patio furniture, cushions, and make a barrier around your outdoor picnic area.

The powder keeps bugs away like spiders in your room, millipedes, house centipedes, common houseflies, worms, beetles, and more. Keep people and pets away from DE.

Disturbing it may reduce the efficacy and you don’t want to have people or pets ingesting or otherwise coming into contact with the stuff. Read all warnings and use as directed.

Apply talcum powder

Talcum powder.
Talcum powder can be sprinkled around your deck or patio.

Talcum powder can be used as a natural deterrent for outdoor pests similar to diatomaceous earth.

You can buy pure talc powder by the container, or just use some baby powder.

Sprinkle it around your furniture and garden to keep the pests away.

You can make a perimeter around your patio which forces bugs to crawl over it to get to your furnishings. This obviously only works on bugs that stay on the surface.

But it’s very effective for what it is and you can get a lot for cheap. Check your local dollar store.

Although talcum powder is generally safe as it’s used in common products (deodorant, makeup, baby powder, etc.), you should keep people and pets away from it to prevent any harm.

Use borax

Borax mix for outdoor pests on deck and patio.
Borax can help keep hard-shelled bugs away, like beetles and roaches.

Borax is a very effective home remedy for cockroaches, which may be running around your yard eating the scraps from your barbeque earlier.

Many exterminators claim that it’s THE DIY pesticide to kill roaches or any other hard-shelled pest for that matter.

You’ll find that borax is very cheap and a small box goes a long way. It’s also a lot safer than commercial sprays. You can find borax in the laundry aisle- you just need a small box to cover your entire property.

Put on a face mask and gloves, and then sprinkle a fine layer of it around your garden.

You can also sprinkle some under seat cushions, within cracks and crevices, around fence edges, and your lawn edges.

Borax will remain effective unless wet.

After rain, wind, or other natural weather conditions that disturb it, you’ll have to reapply it.

You only need a thin layer where it’s barely visible for it to work. Using excess mounts does more harm than good because some bugs will avoid it.

Here are some key areas to cover with borax:

  • Patio furniture
  • Outdoor edging, islands, or pools
  • Water features, ponds, and birdbaths
  • Your home’s foundation
  • Outdoor fencing perimeter
  • Cracks within walls
  • Crawl spaces or voids
  • Decks and patios
  • Baseboards
  • Behind electrical outlet panels
  • Around plumbing
  • Patio doors
  • Windowsills
  • Door gaps

Basically, sprinkle some borax anywhere that you suspect a pest may gain entry into your home or garden.

This stuff will kill many pests like palmetto bugs, household beetles, mold mites, and keep them off your outdoor furniture AND stop them from coming inside.

Of course, make sure you know what you’re doing and avoid anything that can be dangerous (such as dismantling electrical outlets) and consult a professional when you’re unsure.

Also, keep pets and people away from borax after you apply it as it can cause some adverse effects that can be avoided.

How do I keep bugs off my patio at night?

Keeping bugs away from your patio during the night can be tricky because you can’t see them to pinpoint what exactly they’re eating or doing.

So the best solution to this is to use passive approaches that don’t require you to be around to keep them away.

You can start by using some natural repellents like essential oils, cinnamon powder, diatomaceous earth, borax, and simply keeping your yard clean.

Additionally, you can add in sticky tape, fly traps, and spider traps to double down on securing your patio.

These approaches work 24/7 and don’t rely on you to be present or constantly monitor them.

Note that many pests, including spiders and flying pests, are nocturnal.

This means they’re active during the nighttime hours when there’s no sunlight.

They’ve adapted to this lifestyle to shield themselves from daytime (diurnal) predators and will only show themselves after dusk. You may never actually SEE bugs on your patio furniture, but they’re there at night.

And they may leave behind webs, dead bugs, or feces. If you constantly see some kind of organic debris left behind on your patio fabric, this may be due to some kind of nighttime pest.

You should start by setting up those natural defenses and see if you can get rid of the pest.

How to keep ants out of my deck box

Ants crawling around on deck box.
You can keep bugs out of your deck box by using a combo of repellent and sealant.

Ants getting into your deck box are the last thing you want to deal with on a Sunday morning.

You’ve got things to do. And an ant problem shouldn’t be a problem.

So you’ll need to do some basic tasks to keep ants out so you have no more infestations.

Clean out your deck box

The first thing is to simply clean it out.

The only reason ants are in your deck box is because they’re eating something in there.

Or they’ve made a colony out of it, which is highly unlikely.

Find out what they’re eating and get rid of it. Do a thorough cleanup of your storage box.

Sticky substances will leave residues behind that ants may eat.

You’ll also want to check for other food sources, like dead bugs that they could be eating. If there’s some other pest living in the box with the ants, they could be feeding off each other in some symbiotic fashion. Clean it out of all living species completely.

Use a deterrent

After it’s 100% clean, you can use an ant deterrent to kill any scouts that find their way into your deck box.

There are many natural home remedies you can try such as vinegar spray, essential oils, cinnamon powder, mint, lemon powder, and diatomaceous earth. The sprays can be used directly in the deck box. You can spray around the rim of the deck box so any ants will have to touch it to enter the box.

Mint plants and sprays can also be used next to the container to repel ants. And the diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled along the perimeter of the bottom and on the outside lip.

Sprinkle borax

Borax is an effective ant killer that’ll wipe them out when they carry it back to their nest.

You can mix equal parts borax and sugar and some water to make a paste. Then smear it on the inside of the deck box- preferably at the bottom or around the rim.

Also, use it to cover up any holes or cracks that ants are using to get into the box.

How to keep bugs out of outdoor storage

 

If you have bugs getting into your outdoor storage (sheds, outhouses, boxes, etc.), there are some steps you can take to keep them out.

For starters, I’d suggest switching over to plastic or airtight storage containers.

These are slightly pricier than using cardboard boxes, but there is a multitude of benefits.

Plastic containers can withstand heat, rain, wind, snow, and pretty much all weather conditions while cardboard will break down naturally over time. If you’ve ever opened up a box and got hit in the face with a billow of dust just to see silverfish running around, you know what I mean.

Those pests can squeeze through the smallest cracks or even chew through cardboard, so you should avoid using boxes to store your stuff.

Plastic containers also offer a complete seal. You can use any old Rubbermaid container or plastic storage crate to keep your stuff safe and stop bugs from getting in.

They’ll have a much harder time chewing through a thick layer of plastic, and your stuff will be protected from all elements outdoors.

Note that sunlight CAN make plastic brittle and break it down over time, but this is a slow process and you shouldn’t be storing your stuff directly in the sunlight, to begin with. Use a tarp to protect them (and to act as a double layer of protection).

If you’re really paranoid about bugs eating your old books, CDs, movies, films, magazines, antiques, or whatever else you keep in storage, get airtight containers.

These will keep even the smallest airborne pests out which can stop them from getting in and hatching from airborne eggs, such as dust mites and spider mites. Airtight containers also block out water and moisture, which can be an attraction to pincher bugs, pillbugs, and more. They’ll wreck paper goods.

Lastly, don’t use boxes because they’re not secure.

Other than being directly chewed through, no cardboard box is fully enclosed unless you tape it. Plus, some bugs actually EAT the cellulose from cardboard, like tree termites and book mites.

You can also add an additional layer of defense for bugs that may sneak in by using mothballs, essential oils, or diatomaceous earth inside the container.

Of course, make sure it doesn’t damage your stored goods.

And mothballs will leach toxic fumes over time, so take notice of this and use it with caution. Follow the package label as directed at all times.

How do I keep spiders off my patio furniture?

Spider on patio set.
Spiders are one of the most common bugs in the yard.

Spiders are one of the most common pests you’ll find on your patio furniture.

You can use an assortment of home remedies to naturally manage and control them found throughout this page.

But for spiders specifically, you can use a combination of essential oils, vinegar spray, sticky traps, and regular cleaning.

Tarping your furniture to keep spiders out and cleaning it with a vacuum to suck up all the eggs helps. It also destroys their web and forces them to migrate elsewhere.

Continuing these practices can help keep them off your outdoor furnishings.

Note that spiders are especially tricky because they hide upside down- under your patio chairs, tables, BBQs, trash cans, and more.

Do a thorough evaluation and see if you can find their hiding places.

Abandoned webs, debris, and spider eggs are all common signs that spiders leave behind. Since they’re nocturnal, they only come out at night which makes it even more difficult.

You should start with regular cleaning.

Combine that with some equal parts vinegar and water and spray it into the hiding places on your future. Vacuum regularly and do a complete cleaning.

Keep it free of debris and webs. Watch out for damage on the fabric because vinegar is acidic, so always test it on a small portion first.

You can keep spiders away by using a patio cover that’s snug and placing sticky traps around your patio set in a rectangle.

This way, they have to walk over it to get to your furniture. If you don’t want the sticky tape to be visible, consider taping it around the chair and table legs.

When spiders try to crawl up, they’ll get caught in the trap.

Also, don’t use patio lights or deck lights when unnecessary.

These just attract flying pests and spiders will spin webs nearby because they’ll catch them at night. If you have lights indoors that bleed outside, use a curtain or a set of blinds to block any light leak.

You can also switch to yellow lights, which are known to naturally repel flying bugs.

You may come across spider mites, clover mites, bird mites, cellar spiders, recluses, black widows, and more.

All of these can be controlled using home remedies.

Spider mites on outdoor furnishings

Spider mite on leaf outside on patio.
Spider mites will leave behind a pigment when crushed.

Spider mites are the tiny red spiders you may see on your furniture.

You don’t want to squish them because they leave behind a pigmented streak. These tiny red spiders can be controlled similarly to regular spiders by using a combination of keeping the patio set clean.

The best way to remove them is to use a handheld vacuum cleaner.

This way you don’t squish them and ruin your furniture’s finish.

Additionally, you can use a wet sponge and soak it in a mixture of soapy water (a few drops of dish detergent and a cup of water) to wipe them off. Don’t press hard.

After you remove them, use diatomaceous earth around your patio set. Plug it into the tiny holes and cracks you set has for nails and screws.

Use the powder around the legs of your chairs and table to stop them from crawling up onto the furniture. Put the DE in a rectangle formation around your entire yard as a perimeter barrier to keep spider mites out.

They seek out vegetation and don’t usually nest in patio sets.

So if you see any, they’re most likely foraging for food. Remove or relocate plants that you have nearby the set. Plants that are unkempt and poorly maintained with harbor spider mites.

How to get rid of nesting wasps on patio furniture

Wasp nesting on patio set.
Wasps may nest within your patio furniture, so be careful if you suspect them.

Wasps that nest within your patio furniture is another common pest.

They like to establish a nest in the strangest places, like under chairs and tables. There isn’t much to do other than to professionally have the wasp nest removed.

This will require a licensed exterminator in your area.

After you get it taken out, you’ll want to prevent future wasp infestations. You can use wasp repelling plants and place them out around your patio set to prevent them.

Additionally, wasps hate peppermint oil which you can spray around your patio set to keep them away naturally. Just mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil and water and spray it on.

Dish soap also seems to work well against wasps. Never spray a wasp directly and never remove them without protection.

Hire a professional to handle wasp infestations on your patio set, deck, or even in your deck box. These buggers will sting when provoked.

What are those tiny bugs on my outdoor furniture?

Clover mite macro.
Clover mites are everywhere during high season.

If you have tiny bugs on your patio furniture, these are likely some kind of mite.

Common backyard mites are clover mites, flea beetles (technically not a mite), and those tiny black or red mites. If they’re extremely small to the point where you can barely see them, chances are the bugs are mites.

They may look like small black or red specs that are slowly moving across your furniture outside. And when you crush them, they leave behind a red streak. If so, this is likely a mite.

Don’t crush them because the pigment they leave behind can stain your outdoor furniture permanently.

These tiny bugs are a nuisance because you don’t really notice them until you accidentally smear your furniture with them.

You can control them using a variety of home remedies, namely essential oils, regular maintenance, and a mixture of vinegar and water.

They can be difficult to kill because they show up in large numbers during the warmer months.

But you can reduce their population and manage them with some effort on your part.

Further reading

Here are some references you may find useful on your quest to rid these bugs:

Did you get rid of the bugs on your patio furniture?

How to get rid of bugs on patio furniture.
You need to be patient, but with some effort, you can achieve a pest-free patio set. Or at least fewer bugs.

By now, you should have a solid start to keeping bugs off your patio furniture.

Defending on the pest you’re dealing with and how severe the infestation is, you may be able to control, manage, and eradicate bugs easily.

But if you live somewhere that’s heavily forested or running amok with bugs, you’ll have a more difficult time.

Regardless, you should be able to use some of the home remedies in this guide to do some DIY pest control for your outdoor furniture.

Do you have any tips to share? Did any specific method seem to work best for you? Or if you have any questions for me, drop a comment below.

Please let me know if you found it somewhat helpful!

Consider telling a friend who also has outdoor furniture. Chances are if you live in the same area, they may be dealing with a pest problem just like you.

Thanks for reading.

3 thoughts on “How to Get Rid of Bugs on Patio Furniture (Naturally)”

  1. Andrena kelly

    Hi I have wooden garden table and chairs had it for years but alway brought it in on night then started leaving them out at night bought a cover noticed the earwigs, then stopped doing that then cse I bring chair in put in the cupboard are they now there omg then last night saw under the table washed the hole lot completely soap water put insect powder out last night, obviously switched off all the lights odd 1 got rid but today not sure what to do it’s sunny do I put my table bk out my patio still white and bring bk table to night or just put it out put powder around all legs help thank you

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  3. Hi , I have an un usual problem . I have a stainless steel propane barbecue. I keep it covered when not in use . Last summer I had a terrible time with these tiny bugs. They look black in color . They do crawl on my barbecue as well as on the cover . I realized my barbecue cover was loaded with them ( a fairly new cover , less than 6 months .) these bugs are fast moving , and dart thru the fabric of the cover . I scoured my bar b q . And left it open to air . I got so frustrated I even sprayed the entire thing , with Raid ( not the cooking grills.) I do not see them going after food . Nothing near the burners etc . I’m at my wits end . Any suggestions ? Btw I sprinkled diatomaceous earth all around it and on the cover. Still no help . I’m thinking something came in the new cover and I should throw it out and start fresh . They are the tiniest black bugs I have ever seen… thank you

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