This is a question that most people, especially those who plan to install the pits in their home ask for the first time. The answer is yes. Propane fire pits keep bugs and mosquitoes away if you do some modifications. This is because propane fire pits attract mosquitoes and bugs naturally due to its no smell and CO2 release. So, what is the best way to use propane pits to keep mosquitoes and bugs away?
How to Keep Mosquitoes and Bugs Away
The summertime is the perfect time for bugs and mosquitoes to roam in your outdoor space. These insects will disturb your peaceful evening and give you sleepless nights. With over 176 species of mosquitoes in the U.S., it’s impossible to keep all the mosquitoes away. With the constant biting, you’ll have to keep clapping your hands with the intent to kill them.
A typical propane fire pit attract bugs and mosquitoes. They are attracted to light and carbon dioxide, because that’s how they hunt for food. They can identify the carbon dioxide, and trace the direction to your location. Since propane is a mixture of hydrocarbons, it will attract these mosquitoes and bugs.
Propane fire pits, with strong-smelling herbs, are the best and simplest ways to get rid of these bugs. A burning propane fire pit will get rid of bugs. Insects hate strong smells, such as lavender, mint, sage, and will avoid any area with it. If you intend to keep mosquitoes out, you can burn eucalyptus or rosemary. The active ingredient in the plant, eucalyptol, is a common insect repellent. The smell chases the mosquitoes away, so your outdoor space stays peaceful and rid of any insect that will disturb you.
Why People Choose Propane Fire Pits Over Natural Gas Fire Pits
Typically, propane fire pits are designed to keep you warm. This is the sole reason for installing them in the home. However, there are other reasons others install them, such as to provide light, aesthetics, ambiance. Since fire pits use propane, expect a decent amount of heat production, regardless of the size. Some people, especially the newbies tend to get confused between propane fire pits and their natural gas counterparts.
Although both are similar, construction and quantity of heat produced at a given time differs. While propane is expensive than natural gas, propane fire pits generate more heat at a fraction of the cost of natural gas fire pits. In addition, they are less expensive to construct due to the fact that with propane fire pits, you don’t have to install a dedicated gas line.
Apart from the construction and quantity of heat, propane fire pits don’t leave messy ashes to clean up, unlike wood-burning fire pits. Propane fire pits use fire tables, which makes it easier to clean the fire pits. In addition, you can use propane fire pits with or without the fire. This is one benefit of the table version. If the weather is too hot, you may not need to put the fire. Fire tables are useful, and you get more value for your money.
Propane fire pits are movable, and this gives it the edge over other types of fire pits. Whether it’s a special event or you are simply re-arranging your backyard, a portable propane fire pit is important.
You may not realize this, but you can profit hugely from selling your fire pit, especially the table. Propane fire pits, especially the table hold their value well. So, you will not have any issue getting good pay for your table.
It’s also environmentally safe. Burning propane releases CO2 into the air and burns completely, leaving no harmful residues. Propane burns calmly with no embers, so the risk of fire hazards are minimal. Plus, lighting the fire and controlling temperatures is easy.
Other Types of Fire Pits
If you are looking for options other than propane fire pits, you can consider the wood-burning fire pits and the natural gas fire pits. Determining which produces the highest amount of heat depends on the fuel type and the size. Let’s look at each type below.
Natural Gas
Compared to propane, natural gas has a lower BTU-per-cubic-foot rating. This implies that natural gas fire pits will utilize more gas to produce the same amount of heat as propane. Although natural gas is less expensive, the level of heat you intend to generate at a given time will consume as much gas as propane, if not higher. Small natural gas fire pits will produce between 30,000 – 40,000 BTUs, while a larger one can do up to 60,000.
Wood-burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits produce the highest amount of heat. However, the heat level produced still vary depending on the type of wood. Seasoned wood and firewood burn more heat than green wood. Oak wood also produce more heat than Walnut and Pine woods.
Wood, the main fuel for wood-burning fire pits, is measured per cord in the millions. A cord of seasoned oak wood will generate around 27.5M BTUs. If you want a wood-burning fire pit to generate more heat, all you have to do is to add more wood to it. So, if you are looking for more heating power, this type of fire pit is the best option.
Conclusion
Propane fire pits can keep bugs away if you burn strong-smelling plants. Bugs, mosquitoes, and insects generally are tricky and attracted to light and ordinary smoke, but a strong-smelling one can keep them out completely, allowing you to enjoy your space comfortably.