They scare the kids, sting your guests and pets, and act as an overall nuisance at family gatherings. Whether they’re flying around to munch on your sugary snacks or inhabiting a nest near your patio table, no one knows how to ruin a party like wasps. By utilizing the proper pest control methods, you can keep these party crashers away from your Milwaukee, WI BBQ.
Don’t Feed the Wasps
Most wasps are busiest during the summer, and they tend to buzz around backyards and even sting if threatened. Yellow jackets specifically scavenge for food. Anyone who has hosted a barbecue in hot, humid Milwaukee, WI knows that no uncovered dish is safe outside from any bugs, let alone wasps. Keep lids on all food between servings, especially desserts – wasps crave sugary foods. If all else fails, consider putting the table inside and eating outdoors. Fix any screen tears or holes, and ask everyone to close doors behind them.
Preparing for a Wasp-Free BBQ
Make wasp prevention part of your BBQ preparations. If you’re worried about their presence around your home, set traps to eliminate them and put up fake nests to get them to move elsewhere. Remove any fallen fruit, trash cans, or other food sources that might tempt them. Further in advance, grow plants like wormwood or eucalyptus that deter wasps. If nests become a major or recurring issue, call in experienced exterminators to treat your property.
Keep it Clean
Place trash cans as far away from the party and your house as possible, and use a garbage can with a tightly sealed lid. Stay on top of food and drink spills, and toss paper plates and plastic cups that need to be thrown away. Make it easier for guests to clean up messes by placing paper towels and disposable wipes at every table. Make bug repellent available in case a stray wasp makes it onto your property. Be careful about swatting at wasps, though, as they may sting in defense.
Call in the Experts at Terminix Anderson
You work hard to throw a great party. Make sure your guests remember it for the right reasons, not because they dealt with stings or had to visit the ER after an allergic reaction. In addition to providing these summer BBQ pest control tips, the experienced team of exterminators at Terminix Anderson can help keep your Milwaukee, WI home insect-free all year round.