With the start of summer in a couple of weeks, people in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan are eager to enjoy the outdoors. There’s nothing quite like a summer BBQ, grilling delicious food, enjoying time with friends and family, and soaking up the warm weather; however, nothing ruins an outdoor gathering faster than uninvited guests like flies, mosquitoes, and stinging insects. If you want to keep your cookout pest free this summer, a few strategic steps can make all the difference. We’ve shared tips for having an insect free outdoor party before, but with the season finally here, it’s the perfect time for a refresher.
Keep Your BBQ Pest Free This Summer
Luckily, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep pests at bay so you and your guests can focus on good food and great company. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your BBQ pest free this summer.
Keep Food and Drinks Covered
One of the biggest pest attractions at a BBQ is uncovered food and sugary drinks. Flies, ants, and wasps are especially drawn to meat, sweets, and soda. To keep your BBQ pest free this summer:
- Use mesh food covers or keep dishes in sealed containers until it’s time to serve.
- Keep beverages in bottles or covered cups instead of open cans, which can attract bees and wasps.
- Wipe down tables and serving areas frequently to remove spills and crumbs that could lure pests.
Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, and standing water is their perfect breeding ground. Even a small amount of water can turn into a mosquito nursery. To keep your yard mosquito free:
- Empty and refresh birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and pet water bowls regularly.
- Make sure gutters are clear and draining properly to avoid water buildup.
- Check for puddles or areas where water collects, such as tarps, buckets, and old tires.
Set Up Fans for Airflow
A simple yet effective trick to keep your BBQ pest free this summer is using fans. Many flying pests, including mosquitoes and flies, struggle to navigate strong air currents. Position a few oscillating fans around your outdoor seating or food area to help keep bugs at bay while keeping your guests cool.
Use Natural Pest Deterrents
Certain scents and plants act as natural pest repellents. Incorporating these into your BBQ setup can make a big difference. Try:
- Citronella candles or torches to repel mosquitoes.
- Herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint placed around your dining area to deter flies and mosquitoes.
- Sliced lemons with cloves to keep flies and bees away from food.
Keep Trash Sealed and Away from Guests
Trash bins overflowing with food scraps are a magnet for pests and rodents. To avoid attracting unwanted visitors:
- Use bins with tight fitting lids and place them away from your main gathering area.
- Empty trash bags regularly, especially if they contain food waste.
- Rinse out cans and bottles before placing them in recycling bins.
Avoid Wearing Strong Fragrances
While you might love the scent of your floral or fruity perfume, so do insects. Bees, wasps, and mosquitoes are attracted to strong fragrances, so consider skipping perfume, scented lotions, and heavily fragranced hair products before heading to your BBQ.
Schedule Professional Pest Control Services
For persistent pest problems, professional pest control can provide long term solutions. If you’re struggling with mosquitoes, stinging insects, or other pests invading your outdoor space, Delving Pest Control offers discreet and effective pest control services to help keep your Northern Ohio or Southeast Michigan property pest free this summer. Contact us today to enjoy a worry free BBQ season.
