DIY Log Stools

These DIY log stools were created as part of a sponsored post for Orkin.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We have one more week of school left {we can do this!} and then we’re heading into a summer full of fun!  After recently updating our back yard fire pit, we’ve deemed this the summer of s’mores, and we plan to sit outside and enjoy lazy summer evenings, most often with toasted marshmallows in hand!  And we’ll be perched on these colorful DIY log stools!

Ever since I relocated and jazzed up our fire pit spot with upturned flower pot stools, I also wanted to add painted log stools for more seating.  I hauled some stumps over from my neighbor’s stash, washed them down, and then painted the tops in shades of blue.  They turned out so cute, didn’t they?

They’re the perfect finishing touch for this spot!  Nestled alongside the flower pot stools, they add a really quaint and whimsical touch … and whimsical is my favorite!

We’ll be breaking in the new stools this weekend with a roaring fire and ooey gooey s’mores.  And the best part?  We won’t be fighting off mosquitoes the whole time!

We’ve had a lot of rain this spring and summer, and it set the stage for a plentiful mosquito season.  With our fire pit sitting right under a large tree that serves as an attractant for these pests, any outdoor time ended with itchy mosquito bites until Orkin treated our yard a couple of weeks ago and put an end to the mosquitoes!

Our summer days and evenings are so much better without mosquitoes.  Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying.  They pose a health threat, too.  It’s important to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Having Orkin treat your yard is a great step but it’s always a good idea to take other precautions as well, especially during the summer months when mosquitoes are most active.

Use EPA-registered mosquito repellants containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.  Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in light colors.

Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.  Watering cans, gutters, buckets, and toys all need to be kept drained.  Change water in bird baths, fountains, potted plants, and other containers weekly and keep pool water treated and circulating.

In your home, eliminate entry points for mosquitoes {is anything worse than a mosquito buzzing around while you try to sleep?}.  Close gaps around windows and in walls, install and repair window and door screens, and seal around air conditioning window units.

Watch this video for more great ways to keep the mosquitoes at bay {most of these seven tips were a total surprise to me, and I’m implementing them all!}.

If mosquitoes are ruining your summer fun, contact the licensed pest professionals at ORKIN at 877-778-2497!  Use my offer code Zero Bite {0Bite} for $50 off your first mosquito service!  Offer is good via phone only.  Expires July 14, 2017.