Stinging and biting insects can ruin even the best and most fun of outside gatherings. With increasing concerns regarding diseases spread by everyday pest around the world, everyone’s least favorite pest can be more than just a nuisance; mosquitoes may pose a serious health risk, especially to pregnant women.
While no one wants to get bitten by mosquitoes, or stung by wasps and hornets, these may be more concerning for people with insect allergies as a sting can be life threatening. Keeping insects away from your outdoor gathering is an important way to make sure everybody stays healthy and has a hell of a time.
1. Guests will be coming in and out of the house throughout the barbecue, so be sure that the doors close securely behind them. Prior to the party, check screens for holes and repair any you find; small holes in screens can allow insects to get inside.
2. If it is possible, plan to serve food and beverages indoors. Food left sitting out on the patio or picnic table is more likely to attract a horde of insects, so reserve outdoor spaces for eating, entertaining and fun.
3. Check around your backyard to make sure there are no standing water. Birdbaths, wading pools, garden ponds and puddles that collect in low spots in the yard can serve as convenient breeding locations for mosquitoes.
4. If the barbecue is intended to last beyond dusk and after dark, it would be wise to have plenty insect repellents or bug sprays on hand for your guests. Choose one with an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin.
While the mosquitoes a that carry the Zika virus are mostly active during the day, most mosquitoes at active at dusk and dawn, so consider using fans to keep them away from the seating area. Adorn your deck or patio with citronella candles that can help minimize the presence of mosquitoes in the area and advise your guests to wear long sleeves or pants to avoid bites.
5. Use sealed coolers and containers to store and protect all food and beverages. The containers will not only keep bugs out of your food, they would reduce the aroma that attracts insects.
6. If spills occur, wipe them up immediately from tables and other surfaces to reduce the chance that they would attract ants and other lurking insects.
7. Resist the temptation to let use dishes and eating utensils sit for a while as you chat with guests. Take the utensils and dishes indoors right away to reduce the chance that the smell of the left overs will attract unwanted insects.
Clear trash away from your entertaining area immediately. And store them in sealed airtight receptacles and trash bins away from the entertaining area. Rinse all beverage bottles and cans before disposing of them in the closed recycling or trash containers.
Follow these seven steps accordingly and enjoy a pest free barbecue with your friends and family. With these steps, rather than worry about invading insects and their diseases, you worry about what embarrassing childhood stories your mother is about to tell your guests. You can end your summer holiday with the traditional pest free backyard barbecue.
