No one wants to spend their Labor Day BBQ fighting off pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and wasps. However, pests such as these are very likely to interrupt your holiday gatherings unless you undergo a bit of preparation to prevent this. Below are several helpful tips you can employ before and during your Labor Day gathering to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Tips to Use Before Your BBQ
You can use a few simple techniques to drastically reduce the number of biting and stinging insects that crash your party. Four helpful tips are outlined below.
Remove Stagnant Water
Mosquitoes love sources of water, whether large or small. They are especially drawn to stagnant water since female mosquitoes will lay their eggs near these areas. Even a water source as small as a puddle or a saucer left under a potted plant can be enough to draw mosquitoes to the area. Remove all sources of standing water in the days leading up to your Labor Day BBQ.
Mow Your Lawn
Keeping your grass short will reduce the number of ticks, bees, mosquitoes, and other bothersome insects you may see swarming around your guests. We suggest that you complete this task the day before your BBQ so that the grass is at its shortest and any allergens stirred up by the mowing process have a chance to die down.
Clear Yard Debris
Mosquitoes, wasps, bees, and many other types of insects can be attracted to sweet fragrances. If you have fruit trees that have dropped overripe produce, this can result in a significant number of insects in the area. Flowers and even some types of weeds can also attract these insects. It’s ideal to remove all such pest attractants the day before your BBQ.
Move and Cover Trash Cans
When your guests begin to place unfinished food fragments in your outdoor trash cans, these items can attract flies, bees, and other annoying creatures to the area. It’s recommended that you keep trash can lids tightly in place or place trash receptacles in an area away from where people are gathered.
Tips to Use During Your BBQ
Once your celebration is underway, you can use the following tips to help prevent bug bites.
Wear Protective Clothing
If it isn’t too hot, it’s recommended that you and your guests keep your arms and legs covered to protect them from mosquito bites and bee stings.
Use Mosquito Nets
In some cases, it may be possible to place mosquito netting or another finely knit material around outdoor gathering areas to keep bugs from getting through.
Burn Citronella Candles
While some fragrances attract mosquitoes and bees, others deter them. Mosquitoes despise the fragrance given off by citronella candles. These candles can be placed strategically around outdoor gathering areas.
Use Bug Spray
If it’s too hot to wear long sleeved clothing, a bug repellant spray can help reduce the number of bug bites you experience. These products create an odor that is offensive to mosquitoes, wasps, bees, and similar types of pests.
MosquitoNix has been serving the Alabama area for many years. We are experienced in several practical methods for removing and treating mosquito infestations. If you are concerned about mosquitos making an unwanted appearance at your holiday gathering, contact us at MisquitoNix today for a prompt inspection and a treatment plan targeted for your specific needs.
