You’re all ready to enjoy the lovely spring and soon to come summer with friends and family out on your deck when party crashers arrive and ruin everything. They bite, sting and annoy your guests destroying the relaxed atmosphere you are trying to create. We’re referring, of course, to mosquitoes which are the bane of every outdoor gathering for not only are they nuisances; certain types are capable of transmitting a whole list of dangerous diseases to their victims. So how do you protect your family and friends from these perennial menaces? Here are some tips for keeping these pests away from your outdoor gatherings.

• Empty free-standing water: Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever,  Japanese encephalitis and Zika fever to name but a few. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you keep your gutters clean and your birdbaths, old tires, wheelbarrows, and swimming pool covers clear of standing water. Mosquitoes leave their larvae in water. Drop a larvicide, such as bleach, into stagnant pools of water that cannot be emptied.
• Correct drainage problems beneath your deck: As Chatham, NJ deck builders we know that in the area beneath your deck, indentations can sometimes form. In these indentations, water can collect. We recommend that you fill these areas in with sand to prevent mosquitoes from depositing their larvae.
  
• Install potted mosquito repellent plants: Plants like Citronella, Mint, Rosemary, Lemon Grass and others naturally repel mosquitoes and can make your deck look more attractive.
• Use mosquito repellent incense: Citronella candles and incense can be found in many kinds of brick and mortar stores and online. They are generally quite effective at repelling mosquitoes and gnats.
• Maintain your landscape: Mosquitoes seek refuge in overgrown grass, weeds and hedges. They take shelter amongst the cool vegetation during hot summer days. Regularly cut the grass and hedges around your deck in order to prevent them from hiding there.
  
• Consider adding an enclosed deck: It is much easier to control the environment on an enclosed deck than it is to control the environment of one that is not. As Westfield, NJ deck builders, we build sturdy deck enclosures too.
  
• Apply repellant: The active ingredient in Off™ is DEET. Spray a little on before going outside on your deck.

Finally, don’t let mosquitoes and other flying insects doom your outdoor gathering. Try some or all of the above methods and you will increase the enjoyment of your deck and provide a safe, healthy environment for your friends and family.

​Summer 2017 is rapidly approaching and for those us who enjoy entertaining outdoors it is once again time to play host to our friends among a setting of games, food and conversation. In fact, this is one of many advantages of owning a pool deck. Anyone, with the right preparation can play host to spectacularly memorable, outdoor gatherings. But because it has been awhile since most of us have had our friends and neighbors over to sit out under the stars with our glow-sticks, brightly colored lanterns and tiki torches – at least eight months – we would like to refresh you on pulling off the perfect pool party.

• Check the forecast: When planning a day for your party, make sure to check and re-check the forecast. Not checking to be sure that your party is not ruined by rain or high winds says to your guests that you lacked the forethought to guarantee that they would have good time.
• Prepare the furniture: Clean off your old sofas, chairs, benches, etc., that have been in storage during the winter months.
• Invitations: Send out cute, tropical-themed invitations to friends and family who you wish to attend your party. You can find summer themed E-invites online or you can go old school and send out paper invitations.
• Supply plenty of games: Pool parties for children are very different from adult pool parties but people of all ages enjoy playing games. Consider buying games like Giant Jenga, Slide and Toss, bean bag ladder toss and water balloon dodge ball.
• Bring floatables: Not everyone will want to dive right into the pool and play games like Marco Polo. For those who prefer to sit on the side of the pool or float nearby its edge supply inflatable rafts for food, drink, magazines, etc.
• Set the mood: The proper lighting is an absolute must for outdoor pool parties that are held at night. Use floating tiki torches, lanterns, etc. to give the party a warm, cozy atmosphere.
• Let the music play: Sync your Spotify, Pandora or Live365 Internet Radio account with quality Bluetooth speakers to supply your guest with music.

 
Yes, there is a reason our pool decks are so popular. Summer is the time for outdoor parties and nothing is more relaxing for guests and friends than a pool party held upon a spotless, meticulously decorated deck. Our custom deck builders in NJ have experience building decks that will add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. If you currently do not have a pool deck, our custom deck contractors in Cranbury can consult with you every step of the way as they build you a deck upon which you will be able to hold pool parties for years to come.