Bug Defense For Your Next Barbecue

Bug Defense For Your Next Barbecue

In the summer months, there’s scarcely a better time to gather family, friends, and neighbors alike for some good old-fashioned cooking and fun in the sun. The last thing you want on your guest list is ants and mosquitoes, but don’t fret and cancel your barbecue party plans just yet; we have some information for you on ways to keep pests from spoiling your day.

Read on to get the scoop on scooting your bug of choice away from your grill session, whether it’s with friends and family or just to cook a summery lunch.

Mosquitoes

Not only are these blood-sucking pests irritating, but they can also pose a threat to you and your family’s health by carrying and spreading disease – that’s why we’ve put them at the top of the list for pest prevention.

Most every yard offers some sort of spot that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as they only need about a half inch of standing water to make themselves comfortable. Before your next backyard event, remove moisture and water wherever you can.

Take a look at some of these water-gathering spots and make sure you’ve emptied them:

• Birdbaths
• Kiddy/Baby Pools
• Pet Bowls
• Non-working Fountains and Water Features
• Covers on Grills, Cars, and Boats
• Lawn and Gardening Equipment
• Childrens’ Toys and Playsets
• Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

Ants

The classic picnic pests that seem to parade themselves wherever just a single one of their buddies has found food and water. Like mosquitoes, ants are attracted to moisture, so one way to reduce the amount of them coming to your table is by doing the same thing you would for mosquitoes.

They are also attracted to foods that have high concentrations of sugar, so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re setting out cake, watermelon, fruits, or punch bowls.

Flies and Barbecue

No one likes the unappetizing look and feel of having to swat flies away from your drinks and plates. These common nuisances are very annoying and detract from being able to have an enjoyable meal – and you can never be sure where they landed before landing on your food. Ick!

The best way to keep flies at bay is to cover your serving dishes and make sure all drinks are in containers with lids. There are plenty of options on the market for outdoor food coverings, but even just bowls and colanders turned upside down or plastic wrap can help.

Wasps

Soda cans and bottles are common at summer outdoor gatherings, and wasps love them. But you don’t want you or your guests to get a nasty surprise, which to some can even be life-threatening due to allergies.

To wasp-proof your outdoor get-together, buy beverage can covers or lids that have screw caps – which can be bought online if you’re having trouble – before your event and make sure that they’re supplied to your guests. You can even buy them in different colors, which has an added bonus of helping your party goers keep track of which drink is theirs.

Extra Tips for Barbecue Defense

Here are a few nonspecific extra tips that help at keeping all sorts of pests away.

• Lots of pests are weak fliers, so aim fans at a central gathering area.
• Give guests tips before the party, like not wearing heavy cologne or perfume and to wear light clothing.
• Keep food away from the ground, and clean tables regularly of crumbs and spills.
• If you choose to serve drinks in plastic cups, make sure discarded ones are rinsed and put in a tightly sealed trash bag.
• Make sure garbage cans are located far from where you’re serving food.
• Don’t use real flowers for decoration.

Or, for a better pest resolution, contact or experts at Total Pest Solutions.