Tips to Keep Pests Away from Your BBQ This Summer

Summer is prime time for backyard barbecues with family and friends… and uninvited guests. You guessed it—insects! Not only do insects bite and bother us all summer long, but they’re also famous for buzzing too close to backyard grills and landing on prepared foods.

Luckily, there are some easy ways to prevent pests like flies, mosquitoes, ants, stinging insects and gnats from bugging you and your guests this season. If you need help with insect control in Alaska, you are not alone! Here are some tips for keeping pests away from summertime barbecue parties:

• Close door and window screens: While closing windows and doors is the best way to keep insects outside, you might decide to leave them open for ventilation. In that case, make sure to keep screen doors and window screens closed and check that there are no rips and tears for pests to get through. Repair any damage to screens beforehand, and ask your guests to shut door screens behind them to prevent bugs from entering the house or enclosed outdoor living space.
• Use insect repellent: Biting insects like mosquitoes are most active between dawn and dusk. If you’re hosting a barbecue party in the evening, provide insect repellent so you and your guests don’t get eaten alive. You might also buy some insect repelling candles to place around the outdoor party area.
• Remove standing water: The scary thing about mosquitoes is that they can easily breed in less than half an inch of water. Get rid of any standing water in your yard! Eliminate mosquito breeding areas like water in buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, holes in the ground and grill or patio furniture covers. Also refrain from watering plants right before your party guest arrive. Some water may remain on top of the soil or in pots through the evening, attracting mosquitoes and other bugs.
• Keep food inside: Pests like flies, yellow jackets and ants are lured to the delicious aroma of food sizzling on grills. Insects will bother you while you cook and won’t hesitate to haunt unprotected food. To avoid pesky bugs, serve party food and drinks indoors and use outdoor space for eating and relaxing. If you have to serve food outside, utilize lidded containers or mesh food covers.
• Grill away from entry points: Use your barbecue grill in a spot in your backyard that is not too close to your house. Otherwise, bugs may find their way inside. If you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen, place the stovetop or grill away from your home’s windows and doors. This keeps smoke and food smells and insects that are drawn to the food far away from open windows and doors.
• Clean up messes: Insects are attracted to messy areas, so wipe up spills and food debris on tables and floors as soon as possible. Collect dirty disposable plates and cups throughout the party, seal them in garbage bags and take out the trash as soon as the party is over.

Pied Piper Pest Control provides the most effective insect control in Alaska. Call to schedule service anytime!

Categorised in: Insect Control

This post was written by Writer