Nothing can kill the vibe of an epic backyard BBQ faster than a swarm of irritating wasps.
These buzzing party crashers pose a real threat to those who react badly to their stings.
But don’t fret, here are 7 effective methods for keeping these buzzkills away from your BBQ area so that you can chill with your friends and family in peace.
1. Choose the Right Location
The location where you set up shop for your barbecue could be the game changer when it comes to dodging wasps.
Steer clear from areas close to blooming plants, fruit trees or still water bodies – basically anywhere sweet nectar or sugary stuff is available as wasps are like kids in a sweet shop around these things.
Instead, choose open spaces far away from their go-to grub spots making your area less attractive to wasps.
2. Keep Food and Drinks Covered
Wasps have a knack for being drawn towards the scent of food, especially if it’s sweet or savoury. So keep your food and drinks covered when you’re not munching or sipping on them.
Use mesh covers or containers that seal tightly to keep wasps from gatecrashing your mealtime. And don’t forget to clean up any spills or crumbs right away, as even tiny bits can attract wasps like magnets.
3. Use Natural Repellents
There are heaps of natural repellents out there that can help you fend off wasps without resorting to harsh chemicals. Things like citronella candles, peppermint oil, and lemongrass work wonders in keeping these unwelcome guests at bay.
You can arrange these deterrents strategically around your BBQ zone to create a sort of invisible shield that wasps would think twice about crossing over.
4. Employ Wasp Decoys
Wasps hate other wasp squads hanging around their turf. So, we can use this to our advantage and hang up some fake wasp nests or decoys. This will make them think twice before crashing your BBQ party because they’ll believe the area is already claimed by a rival gang of insects.
5. Build a Wasp Trap
Grab a plastic bottle, chop off its top third and fill the bottom bit with sugar water or some sort of fruit juice – whatever sugary concoction you have on hand really.
Then flip that cut-off section upside down and stick it back into the bottle like a funnel. The sweet scent will lure those wasps in, but they’ll struggle to find their way back out again.
6. Plant Wasp-Repelling Herbs
There’s an eco-friendly and aromatic way to keep those pesky wasps away from your BBQ party – plant herbs.
Basil, mint, thyme; they’re all natural wasp repellents and they smell great too. Plus, you can pluck a few leaves for the grill.
7. Maintain Cleanliness
You don’t want any leftovers hanging around that will attract uninvited guests like wasps at your next BBQ bash.
Regular clean-ups are key; toss out trash promptly and scrub down those bins so no lingering smells tempt wasps into spoiling your gathering.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a wasp-free zone around your BBQ and enjoy you’re the outdoors without the unwelcome presence of these stinging insects.
Remember to be consistent with your efforts, as prevention is key to keeping wasps away.
With the right approach, you can have a safe and enjoyable BBQ experience free from wasp disturbances, and without the need for professional wasp control services.