Nothing disrupts a relaxing evening outdoors like the persistent buzz of mosquitoes or the surprise of a wasp at the dinner table. In Atlanta, where warm evenings and lush landscapes are a way of life, bugs can be more than just a nuisance—they can keep you from fully enjoying your outdoor space.

At Outdoor Makeover, we believe your backyard should be a retreat, not a battleground. The good news? A comfortable, bug-free backyard doesn’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or constant spraying. With thoughtful design and strategic landscaping, you can naturally reduce pest activity while enhancing the beauty and function of your outdoor environment.

Here’s how we create high-end landscapes that offer more peace, more comfort, and fewer pests—so your backyard becomes the destination it was meant to be.

Understanding What Attracts Bugs to Your Yard

Before you can reduce bugs, you need to know what draws them in. Most biting and stinging pests are attracted to:

Standing water (mosquito breeding grounds)
Dense, unkempt vegetation (shelter for bugs like ticks and fleas)
Overripe fruit or flowering plants (aphids, bees, and wasps)
Improper lighting (certain wavelengths attract moths, flies, and mosquitoes)

By addressing these triggers with smart design, we transform the landscape into one that’s as low-maintenance as it is low-irritation.

1. Eliminate Standing Water with Proper Drainage

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap’s worth of water. That’s why effective drainage is the first step toward a more comfortable yard.

At Outdoor Makeover, we design custom drainage solutions that ensure water flows away from your home, patios, and planting beds—including:

French drains
Dry creek beds
Grading and slope correction
Subsurface drainage for turf areas

Not only does this prevent pest buildup, but it also protects your foundation and keeps your lawn healthier year-round.

2. Choose Pest-Repelling Plants with Purpose

Some of nature’s best defenses against bugs are already growing in the ground. We strategically incorporate pest-repelling plants into your design for natural protection—without sacrificing beauty.

Popular Plant Selections:

Lavender – Repels mosquitoes and adds calming scent
Lemongrass – A natural source of citronella
Marigolds – Keep aphids and mosquitoes at bay
Basil, mint, and rosemary – Great for cooking and pest control
Catnip – Surprisingly more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes

We use these plants in borders, containers, and outdoor kitchen gardens to provide natural scent barriers while enhancing the landscape’s texture and color.

3. Keep Things Trimmed and Tidy

Overgrown vegetation creates shady, damp areas where bugs like to hide. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes especially love long grass and dense undergrowth. Our maintenance-conscious designs minimize clutter and create clean, breathable spaces.

Our Approach:

Space out plantings to encourage airflow
Use ground covers and mulch to prevent weeds (but avoid thick, moist mulch in shaded zones)
Regularly trim back shrubs and ornamental grasses
Maintain clean edges around patios and walkways

This results in a refined look that’s easier to maintain—and much less appealing to pests.

4. Install Hardscapes That Disrupt Pest Habitat

Bugs aren’t as drawn to well-designed hardscapes. By incorporating more stone, decking, and paved surfaces into your outdoor living space, we limit the areas where pests can nest, hide, or reproduce.

Pest-Reducing Hardscapes Include:

Stone patios and pathways instead of large turf expanses
Elevated decks or pavilions that reduce ground-level interaction
Gravel or decomposed granite between planting beds
Built-in fire pits (the heat and smoke can help deter bugs)

Hardscaping not only adds structure and elegance to your backyard—it also makes it less hospitable to unwanted guests.

5. Use Smart Lighting to Minimize Insects

Many insects are drawn to artificial light, especially cool-toned LEDs or white bulbs. But with the right lighting strategy, you can maintain ambiance without inviting a swarm.

Our Lighting Recommendations:

Install warm-hued or amber-toned LED lights
Use low-voltage path lighting to minimize intensity
Avoid placing lights directly near seating or doors
Incorporate motion sensors or timers to reduce unnecessary exposure

Our lighting designs prioritize both function and mood—creating an inviting glow without attracting nighttime pests.

6. Add Airflow with Fans and Water Movement

Still air is a bug’s best friend. Adding movement through airflow or water features helps deter flying pests and makes the space feel more refreshing in Atlanta’s humid summers.

Ideas to Enhance Comfort:

Ceiling fans in pergolas or covered patios
Misting systems that cool and disrupt bug flight paths
Waterfalls or fountains that keep water circulating
Strategically placed oscillating fans in open-air zones

These features serve dual purposes—cooling the space while minimizing bugs—and add sensory richness to your retreat.

7. Create Bug-Free Zones with Screens and Enclosures

Sometimes, you want a truly pest-free space. That’s where our custom enclosures and screening solutions come in. We design screened-in porches, gazebos, and pavilion enclosures that preserve the views while keeping insects out.

Bug-Free Retreat Features:

Retractable or permanent mesh screening
UV-blocking shades to reduce light attraction
Screened outdoor dining rooms and kitchens
Enclosed lounges with ceiling fans and lighting

These spaces allow you to enjoy every hour outdoors, even at dusk, when pests are most active.

8. Focus on Pet- and Kid-Safe Solutions

Many families want to avoid pesticides or chemical repellents—especially in play areas and edible gardens. Our design solutions offer organic, non-toxic strategies that protect your loved ones while keeping pests at bay.

Kid- and Pet-Friendly Design Tips:

Use essential-oil based repellents in garden beds
Install artificial turf in play zones for pest resistance and durability
Choose pavers over mulch in heavy-use areas
Add raised garden beds for better pest control and accessibility

Everything we design is built around your lifestyle—so safety, comfort, and aesthetics go hand-in-hand.

Build a Backyard You Can Actually Enjoy

At Outdoor Makeover, we don’t just build beautiful spaces—we create outdoor environments where comfort comes first. Through intentional landscaping and design, we help you reduce pests naturally while enhancing the usability and serenity of your property.

From planting plans to hardscapes, lighting to airflow, our team combines creativity and science to make sure your backyard is as livable as it is luxurious.

Ready for a Backyard That’s Beautiful—and Bug-Free?

Let us transform your outdoor space into a retreat where the only things flying around are compliments. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing yard, Outdoor Makeover brings expertise, craftsmanship, and eco-conscious strategy to every design.

Call us at 404-301-8340
Or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation.

Let’s build a space that keeps the bugs away—and brings the best of outdoor living to you and your family.

The Secret to a Bug-Free Backyard: Landscaping for Comfort