As a means of bringing open flames to such gatherings, fire pits have grown more popular. Furthermore, people commonly employ citronella oil in candles or oil lamps to keep bugs away. Place citronella oil lamps within the fire pit instead of wood or other fuel for a simple solution.
Because the oil is flammable and volatile, it will first ignite in a couple of seconds and burn out completely. So, to answer the question, the answer is Yes.
Mosquitoes are, to put it mildly, irritating. Not only can they carry illnesses, but they also spoil a lovely evening outside by constantly biting you and forcing you to keep smacking them off of you. You could try to build up a fire pit in your preferred area to keep them away. Although gas fire pits are a perfect complement to any yard, do they keep mosquitos away?
Do propane fire pits keep mosquitoes away?
Carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes, particularly female mosquitoes. That’s how they go about finding blood and pinpointing their prey. No matter how vast your house is, they can detect the carbon dioxide you exhale and come directly to you.
Propane, on the other hand, is a hydrocarbon. It means that releasing carbon dioxide into the air produces more carbon dioxide. As a result, when you light a propane fire pit, the carbon dioxide will draw mosquitoes instead of repelling them.
To keep mosquitoes away from your propane fire pit, add some strong-smelling herbs to the fire. Mosquitoes despise the strong herb odor and will avoid the fire pit.
What can I put on my propane fire pit?
For a long time, burning plants have carried cultural and spiritual importance. Several plants are burned for therapeutic purposes and to deter insects and mosquitoes from dwellings. Thus the tradition still has utility.
Let’s look at some of the most effective plants.
- Citronella — Most mosquito-repelling candles on the market now include citronella as a constituent. Mosquitoes are kept away by the smoke and lovely smell of this plant. Start your fire using citronella fire starters to keep the mosquitoes away. Each easy-to-light fire starter pod lasts around 30 minutes, giving your firewood plenty of time to catch fire. From the minute you light your fire, the citronella in these fire starters keeps mosquitoes away!
- Lavender – Whether it’s English, French, or Spanish lavender, the lovely fragrance it emits when burned is good at repelling flying insects. It is extensively utilized since the majority of people enjoy it. Also, lavender oil impairs the capacity of mosquitos to smell. Once established, this plant is extremely hardy and drought-resistant, requiring simply full light and adequate drainage. Despite being able to survive in a broad variety of temperatures, lavender prefers warmer environments.
- Mosquitoes detest the fragrance of species of the mint family, such as peppermint. The powerful scent of burning mint will both calm you and assist you in combatting your mosquito issue. Also, if you do get bitten, peppermint leaves applied straight to the skin provide effective bite relief.
- Lemon balm has a faint citrus scent that mosquitoes don’t like. It successfully repels them as well as other flying insects. Lemon balm is a tough plant that can withstand drought and thrives in the shade. Because it is a fast-growing and occasionally aggressive plant, you may wish to confine it to a pot where you can relocate it to avoid it taking over your landscape. You can dry the lemon balm’s leaves and use them to produce an excellent herbal tea.
- Mosquitoes are deterred by burning cedar logs, particularly the cedar log bark. Consider preserving the bark from cedar trees to use as fuel in your fire pit. If you don’t have access to cedar trees or don’t want to chop your firewood, shredded cedar bark chips can be added to your outdoor fire pit, campfire, or fire bowl to help keep pests at bay.
You can also use shredded cedar bark as a landscape mulch in your yard to keep mosquitoes at bay. Cedar bark is an excellent mulch for locations where you don’t want mosquitos, such as around your deck or fire pit.
- Sage is a wonderful choice for your nighttime outdoor experience because of its smoke, often utilized for aromatherapy. It effectively repels mosquitoes, allowing you to not only rest your mind but also be free of irritating insects.
Can you add citronella to propane?
Yes. For individuals who want a more natural mosquito repellent than chemical repellents, citronella is a good alternative. Citronella has a fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like; therefore, it keeps them away from the area. Citronella oil is frequently used in candles and is even integrated into a wearable bracelet. Please bear in mind that citronella oil degrades faster than chemical repellents and, as a result, does not last as long. If you’re planning on entertaining for a long time, have a backup supply of citronella candles and wristbands on hand.
Do citronella fire logs work?
The citronella logs are non-toxic, natural fire logs scented with citronella oils. For a mosquito-free fire, burn citronella logs. They deter mosquitoes as well as other flying insects. You’ll need less fuel for the evening around the fire because they give up to three times more heat than regular wood. Citronella fire log’s flame is bright and warm. This log burns for 3 hours. Citronella scent is sweet and citrusy. It is simple to light; ignite the wrapper in the designated area. Cleanup is a breeze. Ideal for campfires, fireplaces, and outdoor firepits. It’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing next to the fire. It’s easy to use and an awesome alternative to firewood. Citrus smells such as orange and lemon are similar. It may be used to replace outdoor candles.
Mosquito repellent for a propane fire pit
- Repelling Bugs with Herbs
Using various herbs or fragrances that mosquitoes detest is to keep them away from a propane fire pit. Herbs, including lavender, sage, mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, and citronella, have an intense flavor that they dislike.
You may already use candles or torches with these smells to repel mosquitoes in your garden, but you can also put fresh bunches of these herbs into your gas fire pit for extra protection if you’re lighting a fire. The odor is usually faint and pleasant to people, but it is too powerful for mosquitoes, who will fly away rather than stay around your fire.
- Mosquito Traps for the Yard
If herbs don’t work or if you’re allergic to scents, you might want to consider investing in an outside mosquito trap. These odorless traps operate in various ways, so you may need to experiment with a couple to find the one that works best for you.
UV lights attract and capture many types of pests, including mosquitos, in certain unscented insect zappers. Other traps entice and trap bugs by using a mix of heat and moisture that mimics human breath. Whether you have a fire blazing or a significant insect problem, they can be effective approaches to dealing with it.
- Mosquito Control in General
If you have a gas fire pit in your backyard, some standard mosquito control techniques will help keep the pests away from your fire. Mosquitoes love standing water, so if you have a swimming pool, a gardening bucket, a decorative fountain, or a birdbath, place your fire pit well away from it.
Chemical insect repellents can also be used to keep mosquitoes at bay while sitting around a fire. Before spraying near your propane fire pit, read the directions or cautions on the bottle. Because certain repellents include flammable chemicals, it’s best to add the spray well away from the fire and wait for it to settle fully before sitting near it. Ideally, by combining these techniques, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the fire without any bugs.
- Attract Insects Natural Predator
Because insects make up such a large part of their food, birds are natural enemies of many insects. If pests are a frequent annoyance at your gatherings, try attracting birds to your yard.
Not only would an increase in your property’s bird population result in fewer insects, but it will also provide a sense of vibrancy and color. Birdhouses, feeders, and baths are simple to include in the beautiful arrangement of your yard or garden. They will attract a variety of gorgeous birds to help keep your yard free of pesky insects.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes will be attracted to a gas fire pit, not kept at bay. Indeed, propane will burn without emitting any odors and release carbon dioxide, attracting mosquitoes. However, with a few tweaks to your gas fire pit, it can double as a mosquito repellant.
Mosquitoes don’t have to ruin a great family bonding moment spent toasting marshmallows and conversing beneath the stars. Thankfully, your propane fire pit can assist in keeping them at away. However, there are some measures you can take to increase its efficacy.