DIY Embellished Outdoor Umbrella

This DIY embellished outdoor umbrella was created as part of a sponsored post for Orkin Pest Control.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you seen the trend toward decorated umbrellas this summer?  I’ve seen them with fringe and pom poms and crocheted edges and I’m loving them all!  I knew an embellished outdoor umbrella would be the perfect update for our outdoor living space but decided to DIY my own version for a fraction of the price!  It was so simple to make, looks so stinkin’ cute {because pom poms!}, and will get piles of use over the next few months as we live outside!

Our backyard is an extension of our indoor living space.  When I bought this house last fall, one of the things that I fell in love with was the big backyard with so much space for playing and living.  The kids hang out outside and play basketball and soccer, we entertain friends and family, we sit outside to watch TV, and we grill dinner numerous times a week.

The last thing we want is to be pestered by mosquitoes all summer long!  We live next door to a greenbelt and have large trees in the yard as well as lots of decorative bushes. 

While they look beautiful and provide shade and ambiance, they also attract mosquitoes that are looking for the same thing!  Controlling the mosquito population in my yard is hugely important so Orkin Pest Control is providing mosquito control treatment for our yard again, just like last summer.

Orkin will show up monthly to spray around trees and bushes, areas that attract mosquitoes.  The licensed pest professionals at Orkin design a custom treatment plan that fits your yard’s needs.  Check out their special offer for Mosquito Control Service in your area.

Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance.  When they bite, they’re able to transmit dangerous diseases like Zika virus, chikungunya virus, West Nile virus and more.  While Orkin treatments are very effective at reducing mosquito populations, mosquitoes aren’t deterred by fences or property lines and can easily fly in from neighboring yards.  It’s important to talk to your neighbors and work together to eliminate conditions where mosquitoes can breed.

Mosquitoes thrive in conditions with warmth and moisture so our Texas spring with all its rain and heat makes summer prime breeding season.  In warmer climates, mosquitoes can actually stick around all year long {gross}.

Besides treating the yard, there are other ways to protect yourself as well.  Between dusk and dawn {prime mosquito activity time}, use EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.  Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.  Did you know mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing?

Eliminate standing water from around your home and change the water weekly in bird baths, fountains, and other containers that hold water.

Installing outdoor fans can keep mosquitoes away and using fluorescent lights instead of incandescent lights can help too.

Now that the pests are under control in the yard, I’m ready to be outside as much as possible … which is where my latest project comes in.  Let me show you how easy it was to embellish this outdoor umbrella!

Start with an umbrella that matches your outdoor decor.  Many big box stores carry really affordable outdoor umbrellas.

Buy coordinating trim.  Long fringes would be fun or cute pom poms.  Find something that matches your style and personality.

I bought ten yards for a standard nine foot umbrella and had just a bit left over.

Use a hot glue to attach the trim along the inside of the umbrella edge.  It’s easiest to set the umbrella in a stand and partially open it for this step.

That’s all there is to it.  I’ll bring the umbrella inside during extreme weather but it should hold up just fine to regular rain and heat.

Now my space is set for the season!  I plan to pour many glasses of iced tea and enjoy the great outdoors,  mosquito-free, this summer! 

Before the heat of summer hits, have your yard treated for mosquitoes by Orkin … and enjoy a mosquito-free summer with this special offer for Mosquito Control Service:
Orkin is offering $50 OFF your initial service for mosquito control.  Sign up here or call 877-778-2497 and mention Zero Bite [0bite].