The outlet is always hot, and the switch controls only the light. If you don't have an outdoor box to tap into, consider installing an outdoor outlet in your house.

Installing a wireless light switch is a simple upgrade that you can accomplish in an hour or less. You can control lights from as far as 100 feet away without running any wires through the walls.

Next, cut a hole to accommodate the switch box you’re planning to add, and then cut a one- to two-inch tall slot a few inches wide below the outlet to allow access to fish the wire through.