Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tips – 7 ways to Pest-Proof Your Home
Bug free backyard BBQ tips! Summer is prime time for hosting friends and family – but you are not the only one excited for a BBQ. Ants, flies, wasps, and mosquitos love outdoor gatherings too, especially when food and drinks are involved. If you are planning a summer BBQ, a little pest prevention can save you a lot of swatting, spraying and frustration.
Here is how to pest proof your home and yard before your next backyard BBQ.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tips: #1 – Clean up your yard
Pests thrive in overgrown or cluttered outdoor areas. Before your guests arrive:
- Trim Grass, Hedges, Trees – tall grass is a mosquito haven
- Remove yard debris – like sticks, leaves, and empty plant pots where bugs love to hide
- Tidy up trash and compost bins – seal them tightly and move them away from gathering area
Check for standing water in buckets, flower pots, or clogged gutters which can become mosquito breeding ground.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #2 – Prep Your Food and Drink Area Smartly
Insects are drawn to the smell of food – love sugar and protein
- Cover dishes with lids or have a mesh food tent
- Serve drinks in closed containers or cups with lids and straws
- Clean up spills immediately especially sugary drinks like soda or juice
Set up foods indoors or screened areas if possible, and keep trash bins with lids nearby for easy clean up.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #3 – Use Natural Deterrents Around Space
Certain smells naturally can deter bugs
- Add fresh herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary to patio decor
- Burn Citronella candles or torches
- Place lemon slices with cloves on tables to keep flies away
Essential oil sprays (like eucalyptus or lavender) can also deter flying insects.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #4 – Seal Entry Points to the House
Keep the party outdoors and the keep the pests out of your house
- Close doors quickly and avoid propping them open
- Check windows and door screens for holes or tears
- Place a door sweeper or weather stripping on patio doors if bugs tend to sneak in
If moving in and out frequently, consider installing a magnetic door screen for easy use without leaving gaps.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #5 – Check for Nest and Hives
Before the party, do a quick scan for wasp nests, mainly under leaves, patio furniture or play structures
- If you find a nest, DO NOT DISTURB IT. Call a pest professional to safely remove it
- Keep sugary drinks and trash covered all the time to avoid attracting wasps during the party
Wasps are very aggressive in the late summer so stay alert.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #6 – Offer Bug Protection for Guests
Make it easy for guests to protect themselves
- Set out insect repellent (DEET or natural sprays)
- Offer citronella wipes or bracelets as a fun party favor
- Consider setting up outdoor fans
Mosquito’s are weak fliers and tend to avoid breezy areas.
Bug Free Backyard BBQ Tip: #7 – Schedule a Preventive Pest Control Treatment
If you frequently entertain outdoors, a professional pest control treatment can dramatically reduce the number of flying and crawling insects around your yard.
At Martin’s Pest Control, we offer:
Your BBQ should be about great food, good company and good weather, not fending off pests. With a bit of prep work and support from Martin’s Pest Control, your outdoor gathering can stay comfortable and bug free. Book a pest control treatment with Martin’s Pest Control for a bite free summer party. Call or schedule on line today!