As you’re making the guest list and planning the menu for a barbecue, pest control is likely the furthest thought from your mind. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are often prevalent during barbecue season. If you’re worried about mosquitoes crashing your summer social, here are a few tips to keep these uninvited guests out. 

3 Pest Control Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away

1. Create a Breeze

Mosquitoes weigh anywhere between 2.5 and 10 milligrams, which means it doesn’t take much of a breeze to knock them off course. Wind disrupts their ability to fly and lock onto targets. Since you can’t always make your barbecue plans based on wind patterns, make your own. Place fans around the barbecue for a natural pest control method. The mosquitoes will steer clear of the festivities, and your guests will enjoy the cool breeze on a warm day.

2. Know the Location

Take a look around your backyard before setting up the seating. If you notice any standing water, you’ll want to avoid that area; mosquitoes reproduce near water, so this is prime real estate for them and a potentially unpleasant place for you and your guests. You should also stay away from any areas where water may have collected, such as wheelbarrows or other outdoor equipment, gutters, or kids’ pools.

Keeping up on your yard is another effective pest control method, as mosquitoes enjoy tall grass, weeds, and overgrown areas. Like people, mosquitoes prefer shady spots, and overgrowth provides plenty of shade for insects. Mow your lawn before the barbecue, and make sure the hedges and shrubbery are trimmed back.

3. Think About the Timing

With 176 species of mosquitoes in the United States, all with different activity patterns, it’s safe to say that the majority of mosquitoes are primarily active at dawn and dusk. Of course, there will always be exceptions. That being said, hosting your barbecue during the day will likely reduce your chances of mosquito problems. 

The best way to keep mosquitoes away from your barbecue is with the help of an experienced extermination service. If you live in the Cincinnati, OH, area, Select Pest Control is your go-to exterminator. With over 30 years of pest control experience, this skilled team has the products and equipment to tackle any pest problem you may have. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (513) 352-0080 to request a quote.