What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

I admit I have a bugphobia but I cannot stand to be outside with all the bugs. People think I'm crazy when how you get rid of outside bugs but I don't think it's insane. I cannot enjoy the outdoors with lots of bugs.

Any advice for keeping the yard less buggy? I have 3 kids who want to be out there....I need something that will work so I can actually be comfortable outside.

TIA

Re: What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

the best way without using crazy chemicals or pumping propane fumes in the air is to try to create a healthy ecology system.
People never believe me when I tell them we hardly have any annoying bugs here, until they get there & see for themselves.

Try to encourage wildbirds that eat bugs, put up a bat house-they'll come out after dusk & eat 1000 mosiqitos a night.
Make sure there is no standing water in garabage cans & lids or anywhere else on your property.
It would be great if you could make peace with beneficial bugs like spiders, lady bugs & praying mantis...they all eat loads of annoying bugs.
Frogs & toads eat lots of bugs too, there are some really easy self contained pond & fountain kits that would make a great habitat for frogs, once they move in they'll survive on the bug population in your yard.

My last suggestion is probably too extreme, but chickens love bugs as snacks, they eat ticks, fleas, ants & lots of other bugs.

Re: What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

I wish i could do this, i really do esp for the sake of my kids but I don't see it happening. The idea of enbracing a praying mantis is not in my realm of thinking.

Any other suggestions...def perfer organic or homemade ideas, not the chem stuff.

Re: What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

I know Home Depot sells a bug repellent that you can hook up to your house and spray around your yard, my DH used it last summer, it helped a little. I think the best way would be to put up a netted tent type of thing, but that's of course only good for when sitting around a table, not when your kids are playing in the backyard. good luck!!! I hate bugs too!

Re: What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

I always thought bat houses were cool. I might get one some day.

Re: What do you do to keep your yard less buggy?

Remove any standing water and don't let your grass get long.