7 Ways to Keep Ants Away from Your Picnic

The last thing you plan for when preparing for a picnic is ANTS and other bugs. There are several things you can do to keep these pests from bugging you and ruining your festivities.

1. Use fans. If you’re planning a cook-out around your deck or patio, turn fans on high outside to keep small flying insects away.
2. Don’t wear heavy perfumes or scents that might attract bugs.
3. Choose foods that are neither sticky nor sweet. Insects are particularly drawn to foods like melon, grapes, fruit juices, and soda – to them, they’re like flower nectar. They can easily detect these foods and will be persistent in their pursuit. While they may be terrific summer foods, avoid them at outdoor meals, or keep in well-sealed containers that you open only when everyone is ready to have some.
4. Keep lids on sweet drinks and food bowls.
5. Smoke repels mosquitoes and flies. Tiki torches and citronella candles add ambiance to outdoor entertaining, plus they’re affordable, effective and have a pleasant scent.
6. Here’s one you may not have thought of: to keep ants off your table, put table legs in pie tins of water!
7. Cover up with a colander. A simple wire-mesh colander can be used to keep bugs off dinner. If you are setting up a buffet-style meal, an upside-down colander over a plate of food protects it while keeping the dish on display. You can also buy domed food covers or nylon netting.

Have pest issues? Call us at 800-650-PEST!