Time to take the party outdoors! The temperature is mild, the jasmine is fragrant and the evenings are just lovely. That is, until you get attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.

So before your bash, don’t forget to douse the perimeter of your outside space with backyard bug spray. Get aggressive in the fight — burn citronella candles or torches too. And offer repellent spray or wristbands for guests and kids to help themselves.

Mosquitoes be gone. -alyce eyster

photo: fulton davenport