Pesky bugs may make your barbecue an uncomfortable gathering.
Summer barbecues signal the nature of the season: friends, family, outdoor activities and fun. There's almost nothing more annoying than trying to enjoy your food alfresco while a pesky mosquito, yellow jacket or fly lands on your food or buzzes about your face. It's nearly impossible to completely prevent these pests from joining you during the barbecue, but there are few precautionary steps you can take to help ease the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Keep trash bags closed or place trash in a tight-closing trash bin.
Keep the area clean to prevent the bugs from finding your food. Yellow jackets, flies and picnic beetles will be attracted to your food. Keep your food covered and garbage tightly sealed.
2. Bring the fan outside for a cooling breeze and added protection.
Place a medium- to high-powered fan near your barbecue and gathering area. Create a moderate breeze to blow mosquitoes and smaller insects off-track.
3. Mosquito bites are more than a nuisance; they can be dangerous.
Fog your barbecue area with a mosquito fogger or insecticide fog a short time before your barbecue begins. Spray bushes near your barbecue area for added protection.
4. Tiki torches with citronella oil can be effective and set the mood.
Place tiki torches, citronella candles or insecticide candles around the perimeter of your barbecue area.
5. Don't screen yourself; get screened tents for your guests.
Set up a portable screened tent, or a few. Mosquitoes, yellow jackets and flies will have difficulty getting in, protecting your food and your guests from bites, stings and nuisances. Consider having one tent for food, and one or two with tables and/or chairs for your guests.
6. Keeping your food outside is just asking for trouble.
Keep the food inside.
7. Provide bug spray to your guests.
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