It’s BBQ season, and while everyone loves a good grill-out, nobody enjoys the unwelcome guests that summer often brings: bugs. Pests like mosquitoes can be particularly irritating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy an outdoor gathering.
Did you know mosquitoes primarily use their vision to find humans, especially later in the day? And mosquitoes aren’t the only nuisance we face during summer. There’s an assortment of other pests that might crash your BBQ party:
- Wasps and bees: These stinging insects can quickly escalate a pleasant day outdoors, especially if a guest is allergic to their stings.
- Ants: Ants are notorious picnic spoilers. In the case of fire ants, they can be particularly aggressive and bite repeatedly.
- Ticks: Mostly found in tall grass or brushy areas, ticks latch onto unsuspecting hosts for a blood meal.
How can we outsmart these uninvited guests and enjoy a bug-free BBQ? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
Planning a Bug-Free Backyard BBQ: Key Strategies
1. Timing and Location
Most bugs have specific activity patterns. Mosquitoes, for example, are most active at dawn and dusk, while flies peak in the morning and just before dusk. Opting for midday to an afternoon BBQ can help minimize encounters with these common pests.
Consider serving food indoors, where fewer insects dwell, and allow guests to carry their plates outside. Having less food outdoors will significantly reduce the presence of bugs.
2. Pre-Treatment of the Area
About a week before the BBQ, inspect and treat the areas where you’ll be cooking and dining. Look for signs of insect activity, such as wasp nests or anthills. If your backyard has a significant pest problem, consider hiring an expert for a custom pest control treatment.
3. Declutter and Clean
Clear the area of clutter, mow the lawn, and weed the garden to eliminate potential hiding places for insects. Drain any standing water spots – a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes.
4. Use Fans
Fans don’t just provide comfort; their breeze also hinders bugs’ mobility. From overhead outdoor fans to handheld ones for guests, maintaining air circulation can significantly deter flying insects.
5. Wear Light-Colored Clothes
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors that absorb heat. Opt for light-colored clothing to make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes.
6. Go Fragrance-Free
Avoid fragrances from shampoos, soaps, and colognes, which can attract mosquitoes. Consider using ‘fragrance-free’ products and mosquito repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD).
7. Use Citronella Candles
Citronella candles provide a convenient and non-toxic way to repel mosquitoes. These candles are perfect for outdoor events, providing hours of protection.
8. Don Protective Headwear
For those with blond or red hair, consider wearing a hat, as mosquitoes are known to be attracted to these hair colors. A hat is a smart choice, considering some mosquito species favor the head.
9. Family Planning Considerations
Pregnant women exhale more carbon dioxide (CO2) and have higher body temperatures, making them more attractive to mosquitoes. If you want to spend your summer outside, you might want to plan your pregnancy for the cooler seasons.
10. Use Insecticides and Repellants
Insecticides like permethrin can kill landing mosquitoes when sprayed on clothing. However, remember it should never be applied directly to the skin. You can also find permethrin-treated apparel for both adults and children.
11. Mind Your Activities
Vigorous activity and the lactic acid released by sweat glands make you more attractive to mosquitoes. Relaxing and minimizing movement can make you less of a target.
12. Use Herb Smoke
Try tossing rosemary or sage on the grill; their pungent smoke deters many flying insects, including mosquitoes. Explore more plant-based repellents for additional protection.
13. Moderate Beer Consumption
According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, beer drinkers may be more appealing to mosquitoes. Even one beer could make you a target.
14. Set Mosquito Traps
Some mosquito traps mimic human odors and visual cues to trick and trap mosquitoes. Consider setting up a trap well in advance of your outdoor gathering to ensure an insect-free BBQ.
15. Use Food Cover Tents
These handy mesh screens keep pests off your dishes. Food tents are excellent for covering plates from the grill or buffet-style spreads.
16. Manage Trash Effectively
Keep trash cans with lids near the cooking and dining areas. Regularly clean up spills, wipe surfaces, and pick up used plates and cups to prevent attracting flies and ants.
When Backyard BBQ Hacks Aren’t Enough
For more serious pest problems like a close-by beehive or wasp nest, it’s safer to enlist professional pest control services. Attempting to remove these nests on your own can lead to severe injuries.
Clean as You Go
Leaving food and used utensils out in the open can attract bugs, so adopt a clean-as-you-go approach. You don’t need to wash the dishes mid-party, but promptly returning used utensils and dishware to the kitchen can help keep bugs at bay.
In conclusion, while bugs and pests can pose a challenge during summer BBQs, careful planning, targeted strategies, and consistent practices can ensure you and your guests enjoy a bug-free experience. Remember, the key is not just to repel pests, but also to create an environment less appealing to them. Happy grilling!
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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