How Jenny Marrs Creates A Screened-In Patio To Keep Summer Bugs Away

There's a certain energy when the air starts to warm up; you feel lighter, happier, and excited to do outdoor activities. However, the downfall of warm weather is dealing with bugs, especially when trying to enjoy the warmer evenings. Instead of admiring the sunset, pesky bugs swarm around you, ending your night early and causing you to run inside. While using bug repellent is supposed to keep bugs away, it doesn't always work. The best way to make your backyard bug-free is with a screened-in patio. HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" co-host, Jenny Marrs, created a screened-in patio for homeowners Mike and Kelly Burton. The couple moved from California to Arkansas, with a barn on their property surrounded by many trees, small ponds, and streams.

Living in a natural location can be relaxing and enjoyable, but with nature comes insects and bugs, which aren't always thrilling to have around. You want to enjoy an outdoor meal with family and friends without worrying about bugs landing on your food or biting you, so building a screened-in porch is an ideal barrier.

Screened-in patios are excellent for homes that get unwanted visits from bugs throughout the year. They can benefit every type of home, whether they're situated on open land or have a larger fenced backyard. You might think screened-in patios aren't the most attractive part of a home, but HGTV's Jenny Marrs gave Mike and Kelly Burton a slight twist. Instead of using aluminum ceiling panels, Marrs installed clear, corrugated ceiling panels over a wooden structure. Marrs claims, "It looks like a big skylight. This used to be a rickety old lean-to that was really terrifying, so this is a total change," per Realtor.com.

The upgraded patio is designed with an all-black interior, from the railing to the screens to the top structure. The wooden roof contrasts the black structure, perfect for filling the space with bright, natural light. Marrs' goal was to create a space that could keep bugs away for more time spent outdoors. She states, "It just helps the space to be useable for more of the year." The couple will be able to enjoy every night peacefully, knowing they're protected from pests.

Having a barrier around your patio can sometimes only do so much to prevent bugs from entering. If you have a screen door connected to the rest of your backyard, then you might still get a bug or two trapped inside. So, it's always best to take a few extra precautions to prevent them from entering your home. For example, install a patio ceiling fan to make the area cooler. Bugs will have a hard time flying through a gust of wind, so they'll try to find the exit quickly. Always use the highest speed when you're hanging out on your patio at night.

However, if there's a chance that the bugs like flying in the wind, opt for a natural method like hanging bug-repellent plants; lavender, rosemary, marigold, and basil are a few plants that will scare bugs away. Lavender, in particular, is a more potent aroma, especially for bugs, so hang a few stems along the walls or from the ceiling. If you're not a plant person, essential oils work wonders. Use lavender or rosemary essential oils around your patio. Or, add the oils to a spray bottle with some water to create a solution you can spray around the area. One whiff of the oils and the pests will turn the other way.