Summer BBQ’s and those PESTS

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green Pest Control Corp.

August 9, 2024

BBQs and pests can definitely be a troublesome combo! Here are a few tips to help you keep those unwanted guests at bay:

1. Clean Up Thoroughly: After cooking, make sure to clean up any spills and crumbs immediately. Pests are attracted to food residue, so keeping your BBQ area spotless is key.
2. Secure Trash: Keep trash cans tightly sealed and dispose of waste promptly. If you’re using a trash bin, consider one with a lid that closes securely.
3. Use Repellents: Natural repellents like citronella candles, essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender), or even a bowl of soapy water can help deter mosquitoes and flies.
4. Avoid Sweet Smells: Sweet and sugary foods can attract insects, so be mindful of what you’re cooking and how you store it.
5. Cover Food: Keep food covered until it’s ready to be served. This helps prevent pests from getting a taste of your delicious BBQ.
6. Create Barriers: If possible, set up physical barriers like screens or netting to keep pests away from your food.
7. Inspect for Nests: Before starting your BBQ, check for any nests or hives nearby and take appropriate measures to handle them safely.

Wasps can be a real nuisance during BBQs. Here’s how to manage them and keep your outdoor feast pleasant:

1. Avoid Sweet Foods and Drinks: Wasps are particularly attracted to sugary foods and beverages. Try to keep sugary items covered and avoid leaving them out.
2. Use Wasp Traps: Commercial wasp traps or DIY traps made from a soda bottle with a sugary liquid can help lure wasps away from your BBQ area. Place them away from your eating area to draw the wasps away.
3. Keep Food Covered: When not serving, cover your food with lids or wraps to minimize the chances of attracting wasps.
4. Clean Up Spills Promptly: Any spilled food or drinks should be cleaned up immediately to avoid attracting wasps.
5. Seal Trash: Ensure trash cans are tightly sealed to prevent wasps from being attracted to food scraps.
6. Use Wasps’ Predators: Some natural predators, like certain species of birds or hornets, can help keep wasp populations in check. Encouraging these predators might help control wasp numbers around your BBQ.
7. Be Cautious with Perfumes and Scents: Strong scents, including perfumes and scented lotions, can attract wasps. Opt for unscented products if you know wasps are a concern.
8. Handle Wasp Nests Safely: If you spot a wasp nest near your BBQ area, avoid disturbing it. Contact a professional pest control service to handle it safely.
9. Wasp Repellents: Some people use natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar solutions to keep wasps at bay. Spray these around your BBQ area to deter them.

Mosquitoes can definitely put a damper on a BBQ. Here are some strategies to help keep them away:

1. Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for effective protection.
2. Set Up Mosquito Traps: Use mosquito traps or zappers around your BBQ area to help reduce the mosquito population.
3. Use Citronella: Citronella candles or torches can help deter mosquitoes. They work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and providing a barrier around your BBQ area.
4. Avoid Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Check your outdoor area for any sources of stagnant water, like puddles or flowerpot saucers, and eliminate them.
5. Install Mosquito Netting: If you have a larger outdoor area or a tent, installing mosquito netting can create a barrier between you and the mosquitoes.
6. Use Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Setting up fans can create a breeze that makes it more difficult for them to land on you.
7. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help reduce mosquito bites. Light-colored clothing is also less attractive to mosquitoes.
8. Plant Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Plants like lavender, marigolds, and basil are known to repel mosquitoes. Consider planting these around your BBQ area.
9. Keep Your Yard Tidy: Overgrown vegetation can provide resting places for mosquitoes. Keep your yard well-maintained to reduce potential hiding spots.
10. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/summer-bbqs-and-those-pests/
11. https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/summer-bbqs-and-those-pests/
12. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/summer-bbqs-those-pests-randy-bilesky-1tmmc