Keep Bugs Away from Your Favorite Santa Clarita Picnic Spots
The summer heat is here and that means it’s time for picnics, barbecues, and pool parties! Central Park, Chesebrough Park, and William S. Hart Park are some of the most popular and beautiful locations in Santa Clarita for outdoor gatherings. Or maybe you want to host a get-together with friends and family in your backyard? Either way, you should take preventative measures to protect your food and guests from pesky insects.
Are you ready to enjoy summer picnics in your backyard or around town without the hassle of battling ants in the cooler, bees circling the desserts, and scary spiders under your chair? The Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs are here with 5 simple tips to keep those thieving insects away!
Feel welcome to contact the No Bugs office at (661) 294-0260 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a treatment that protects your property from ants, cockroaches, springtails, and other common summer bugs.
What Attracts Picnic Bugs?
This is the #1 question people ask when preparing their picnic defense strategy. And like most equations, we need to examine the problem before determining a solution.
If you’re experiencing an influx of pests on your property, it could be a natural reaction to the summer heat or the state of your yard – or, unfortunately, your neighbor’s yard.
For example, standing or pooling water can be a major breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes. Overgrown bushes and plants that grow up against your home also tend to attract insects. These bugs may be lured to your sweet-smelling desserts, tasty sodas, and splashing pool water. Or, in the case of mosquitoes, any dark clothing and your blood.
Whether you’re picnicking at home or in a park, the first rule is to be mindful of where you place your blanket!
5 Ways to Keep Your Perfect Picnic Pest-Free
1. Pick the Right Spot
Avoid soggy grass and standing water when looking for the perfect picnic spot. Despite water California water restrictions, many parks overwater their grass to ensure an aesthetic green landscape during the summer season.
Insects like mosquitoes and gnats hang around these areas and tend to attack anyone in biting vicinity. After all your careful planning and hopeful expectations, mosquitoes gatecrashing the party to eat your guests can quickly ruin your picnic.
2. Bring Candles
Flying bugs drive everyone crazy and can quickly infest your picnic display. Lighting an outdoor candle, such as a Citronella candle, is one of the easiest ways to drive these pests away. Citronella is amazing because it combines two things that are kryptonite to bugs: citrus and smoke.
A second option is lighting a tiki torch. Once the flying insects notice the smoke, they are out of there and stay clear from you, your guests, and your food.
That said, be mindful of local regulations when at a park or public space.
3. Cover Your Dishes
This may seem super obvious, but it’s still a helpful tip! Place a food covering or mesh net over your dishes to prevent insects from hovering and crawling over your food. You can purchase cost-effective options from Amazon or brick-and-mortar stores like the Dollar Store.
4. Try a Portable Fan
Portable fans are an effective option for hosting a picnic. Fans create steady currents of wind that can impede flying insects and keep them away from your spread. It can also keep you cool on a hot sunny day. That’s what we call a win-win!
5. Clean As You Go
Keeping your picnic spot clean and free of leftovers is a great way to avoid insects.
One helpful tip is to pick the location in advance and give yourself time for a little pre-picnic cleaning. In a worst-case scenario, you can always pick a different spot to get away from an area that may have more bugs.
But don’t forget to clean during the event! Sticky residue and piles of leftovers are an open invitation for bugs. As soon as you finish your meal, place any scraps in a sealed trash can instead of leaving them on the table or ground.
If something spills, especially sodas or sweet beverages, clean up the mess quickly and efficiently. This is very important if you want to avoid ants. These pesky bugs love any sweetness and sugars left out for them.
Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Picnic. Call No Bugs Today!
Want to host barbecues without having to look under your seat for spider webs? Tired of spraying ants and jumping at roaches? Protect your outdoor summer experience by contacting the Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs Termite and Pest Control Inc. today. We’re the company to call when the bugs get unbearable. Our award-winning team offers year-round and one-time treatments that are effective, affordable, and more organic – plus they smell great and are pet friendly!
Dial (661) 294-0206 to schedule a free evaluation with the Santa Clarita pest control team at No Bugs. We can inspect and treat your property to create a safer space for you, your family members, and your pets.
