"Might give peppermint spray a shot next... sounds easy enough and I wouldn't mind the smell either."
Have you tried lemongrass spray yet? I gave peppermint a go last summer, and it was nice, but lemongrass seemed to work even better for me. Plus, it smells pretty fresh too. Definitely agree about the fan though—it's amazing how something so simple can make such a difference. Glad your outdoor setup is finally coming together nicely... feels great when everything clicks into place, doesn't it?
Lemongrass is pretty good, but weirdly enough, I've had the best luck with lavender. Tried peppermint too, and it was decent, but lavender seemed to keep the bugs away longer... plus, it kinda matches the vibe of my old porch, haha.
Lavender definitely has that cozy, vintage porch vibe going on. I've had decent luck with citronella candles too, but honestly, nothing beats lavender for the combo of scent and bug-repelling power. If you're into DIY stuff, you could even make your own lavender sachets or candles—super easy and adds a nice personal touch. Have you tried mixing lavender with other herbs or scents? Curious if anyone's found a good combo that works well together...
"Have you tried mixing lavender with other herbs or scents? Curious if anyone's found a good combo that works well together..."
I've actually had great luck mixing lavender with rosemary—it creates this earthy, calming scent that's perfect for evenings outdoors. Last summer, I planted them side by side in pots and noticed fewer mosquitoes buzzing around. Plus, the combo looks pretty charming on the patio. Mint works nicely too, but it tends to take over everything... learned that one the hard way, haha.
I've actually had great luck mixing lavender with rosemary—it creates this earthy, calming scent that's perfect for evenings outdoors. Last summer, I planted them side by side in pots and notic...
Lavender and rosemary is a solid combo for sure, but I've personally found lavender paired with lemon balm to be really lovely. It gives off a fresh, slightly citrusy scent that's relaxing yet uplifting at the same time. I planted them together last spring, and they've thrived without any issues. Mint though... yeah, learned my lesson there too! It smells amazing but seriously takes over everything if you're not careful.
