How to Get Rid of Mosquitos and Bugs at Your Outdoor Wedding

Your carefully curated wedding guest list certainly doesn’t include mosquitoes—or any other pesky insect—but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to crash your perfect party. The season, landscaping, and weather surrounding your day can all influence the bug population at your wedding, and you often can’t prevent them—but you can work around them. If you want to get rid of mosquitos at your outdoor party, it requires some strategic planning in advance to protect your food and yourself from bug bites.

“In general, planning around bug season is a fool’s errand and Mother Nature will do her thing,” says Virginia Frischkorn of Bluebird Productions in Aspen, Colorado, and Partytrick. “The best option is to work with what Mother Nature provides for the day and realize that many outdoor locations come with unwanted guests.”

But, while you can’t completely stop mosquitoes or other bugs from passing through your celebration, you can plan ahead to minimize their impact. “They can detract from the ceremony, dining, and dancing if not careful,” says Terrica Skaggs, chief planner and designer for Georgia-based event company Cocktails & Details. “As with many potential wedding mishaps, couples think it won’t happen to them. It is best to prepare—and then over prepare!”

Ahead, see tips of how to get rid of mosquitos at your outdoor party so your celebration can occur without any tiny party crashers.

Plan Ahead with Your Venue

If you’ve booked an outdoor venue for your ceremony or reception (or both), Skaggs recommends thinking about mosquito control well in advance. “When choosing your venue, it’s best to visit the same time of year you’re considering so that you can get an idea as to [bugs’]  presence,” she says. The specific spot you choose for exchanging vows or setting up your food stations can also influence how many bugs join your big day. “Choose a great location—florals and water are nice and picturesque, but can often attract flying friends,” says Skaggs. Ask your venue about their current pest prevention routine, what types of repellents they use, and their spraying schedule. If necessary, says Skaggs, “Check to see if your location can spray ahead of time to combat the amount [of mosquitoes] that RSVP to the ceremony.”

Take Control at Home

If mosquitoes are a major concern, look for a private property where you can tie the knot; this offers couples more control over prevention and mitigation techniques. David Price, associate certified entomologist for Neighborly’s pest control company, Mosquito Joe, recommends cleaning garbage cans, grills, and outdoor furniture to dissuade flies. Minimize gnats, which are drawn to damp areas, by making sure your mulch beds and soil aren’t too wet. Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water, like bird baths, rain-filled trash can lids, and puddles, and to overgrown landscaping. “All a mosquito needs is a bottle cap full of water,” says Price. “Trim all bushes and mow the lawn, as this will help dry out the area and reduce areas where mosquitoes hide from the heat and wind.” 

If you hire a pest control company to treat your backyard before the big day, Price suggests one that uses natural essential oil treatments—made with ingredients like lemongrass, citronella, and cedarwood oil—instead of pesticides. Treating the property with pesticides yourself can do more harm than good: One of the biggest pest control mistakes that homeowners make, says Price, is “using pesticides without reading the label, or [while] thinking, ‘more is better.’ The result will work the opposite and attract more bugs to the party. I suggest hiring a professional who knows the correct amount to be effective without harming the environment.”

Ban Bugs From the Buffet

Setting up fans to circulate air is one of the most effective ways to keep bugs from hovering over the buffet and the bar (and your friends and family), say the experts. “Movement is the key to keeping bugs away from food and drink,” says Frischkorn. “Whether that be servers in motion or a breeze that keeps the bugs away, passed versus stationery food and beverage often helps reduce the number of unwanted guests.”

If your location is predictably buggy, make sure your food stations are covered, and have your paper artist create on-brand drink covers. “Drink covers are great for guests!” says Skaggs. “It’s a wonderful way to carry through the design and is the perfect example of fashion and function.” You can also work with your florist to add subtle, bug-fighting blooms to your centerpieces, bouquets, and other arrangements. “Look at incorporating some natural solutions like florals and herbs that act as repellents in your decor or in strategic areas,” says Skaggs. “Things like mint, petunias, lavender, and chrysanthemums are wonderful options!”

Spray and Wipe

You’ve already tried to make your wedding day as fun and stress-free as possible for your guests with transportation options, hotel room blocks, and thoughtful details. Adding simple touches to your outdoor event can eliminate annoyances from mosquitoes and flies, too. “Offer both fans and bug spray or wipes to guests upon their arrival,” says Skaggs. “Some guests may have a preference, so offer them options.” To keep you and your partner from swatting through your vows, consider adding bug spray to your pre-ceremony beauty routine—but only before you don your formalwear. “Sprays work well prior to being dressed, otherwise you run the risk of spotting your clothing,” says Skaggs. “Wipes are great for after being dressed, but pay attention to perfumes, colognes, body sprays and soaps that can attract bugs later.”