Pest-Proof Your BBQ Party

Now that we have kicked off summer with Memorial Day last month, it is time to start inviting friends and family over for weekly fire pits, BBQ meals and, of course, the occasional cocktail. There is so much to look forward to during these summer months, and outdoor entertaining is one of the big highlights. Unfortunately, your friends are not the only ones who enjoy wanting the sunset from your deck or love the smell of the meal cooking on your grill! Pests are out there lurking. They are waiting to join the party and ruin the fun for all. Here are some of our suggestions that can keep your party a no-pest-zone.

Serve Food Indoors

I know, I know, it defeats the purpose of an outdoor party. The food is one of the largest draws for pests of all kinds including mosquitoes, flies, bees, and later, rodents. We suggest either keeping main food indoors for serving buffet style or have guests use net coverings over the platters that you do bring outdoors.

Be Wary of Drinks

Bees especially love the sugar found in soda and beer. Be aware that bees and other insects could fly into your drink while you are not looking. Tap on the glass or can prior to drinking or try keeping your hand over the drink. When drinks, including can and bottles are empty, wash them out before you put them in the trash or recycle bin. The few drips may still attracted unwanted pests.

Store Garbage Away from the Party

There is nothing like a BBQ to pile up the trash whether it is paper plates, cups, or even uneaten food. Keep the trash away from the main guest area. Try to keep it in a plastic bag that can be tied shut and placed in a barrel. Open trash cans are just an invitation to pests of all kinds.

Clean Up the Yard

We all clean before a party, but try cleaning your yard with pests in mind. Mosquitoes love standing water so make sure to remove all toys that could allow for water where pests can breed. Rake up the damp leaves and treat for ticks and mosquitoes with Pest-End. Along with having a pest treatment for your yard from our specialists, leave out a few cans of bug spray with 20-30% DEET. Many people forget to put this on before they leave the house so having some available can help keep the bugs away. Along with these suggestions, we also maintain that the time of your party is important as well. Try not to hold parties right at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you need Pest-End's help keeping your party pest free call us at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.