Ants at Outdoor Barbecues: Prevention and Control158

Outdoor barbecues are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and spend time with friends and family. However, one common problem that can arise at these events is ants. Ants are attracted to the food and drinks that are often present at barbecues, and they can quickly become a nuisance. If you're planning on having a barbecue, there are a few things you can do to prevent ants from becoming a problem.

Keep the area clean.

One of the best ways to prevent ants from coming to your barbecue is to keep the area clean. This means cleaning up any spills and crumbs, and keeping the area free of food debris. You should also avoid leaving food or drinks out overnight, as this will attract ants.

Use deterrents.

There are a number of natural deterrents that you can use to keep ants away from your barbecue. These include cinnamon, vinegar, and citrus peels. You can sprinkle these around the area where you're cooking, or you can place them in small bowls. You can also try using essential oils, such as peppermint or tea tree oil. Ants dislike the smell of these oils, so they will avoid areas where they are present.

Create a barrier.

If you're having a barbecue in an area where ants are a problem, you may want to create a barrier to keep them out. This can be done by using chalk, diatomaceous earth, or petroleum jelly. Draw a line around the area where you're cooking, and the ants will be unable to cross it.

Use ant traps.

If you're having trouble keeping ants away from your barbecue, you may want to use ant traps. These traps are baited with food that ants find appealing, and they will lead the ants away from your food and drinks. There are a variety of different ant traps available, so you can choose one that is best suited for your needs.

Call a professional.

If you're having a major problem with ants, you may want to call a professional. A professional pest control company will be able to identify the type of ants that you're dealing with and recommend the best course of treatment.