Putting Together a Kid-Friendly, Bug-Free Picnic

By Vulcan Termite | June 19, 2014

Picnic season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the summer break with a good old-fashioned picnic! The only problem is that bugs think it’s a great idea too.

Don’t let insects ruin all the fun. Use these tips to plan out a kid-friendly picnic that will keep bugs off your blanket.

Picnic_basket

Choosing a Location That’s Less Likely to Have Bugs

It’s all about location, location, location. This choice has a huge influence on how many bugs will join your picnic.

Keep Away From:

Trash cans
Water sources that attract mosquitoes
Big bunches of flowers
Unclean areas that people have recently picnicked at

Throw Your Blanket Out At:

Shady spots that aren’t right against a tree
A clear spot that’s a short walk from the bathrooms. You want facilities to be handy, but bathrooms have trashcans that attract bugs.
Spots with a picnic table that keeps food off the ground

You’ll also need to do a careful inspection for ants. Even a few scavengers can lead a whole army back to your picnic site. Look all along the ground, up trees and on picnic tables.

Setting Up a Picnic That Doesn’t Invite Insects

Now that you’ve got a good location selected, it’s time to get everything set up. Here are a few tricks and products that will make your picnic more enjoyable.

Pack cups with lids. If you do have open containers be sure to not leave them lying around unattended, especially sweet drinks like juices and sodas.
A picnic basket is not only cute, it helps keep all the food contained so it’s not out attracting bugs.
A portable shelter is one of the most sure-fire ways to keep bugs away from your picnic. It also provides the added bonus of shade wherever you go.
Invest in food covers, which are domes made of mesh netting that can be placed over plates. They’re perfect for larger groups that are barbecuing.
Pack tin foil. It’s a versatile product that can keep food warm, cover food and even be used to cover drinks.

Portable Bug Repellent Options

Bug Sprays – This go-to bug repellant is a must for all picnickers. Some of today’s top performers include Off Deep Woods Sportsmen II, Off Family Care Smooth & Dry and Cutter Backwoods Unscented. If you’d rather have a DEET-free spray try Natrapel 8-hour with Picaridin.

BugBands – BugBand makes natural, DEET-free bug repellent products. Two items to try for a picnic are the wristbands and the portable diffuser.

Portable Fans – A few battery-powered fans will keep you cool and keep bugs from flying around the food.

Cornstarch – Put a line of cornstarch around the picnic area and ants won’t invade the space.

ThermaCell Mosquito Repelling Device – Thermacell makes a pocket-sized mosquito and black fly repellant device that runs on butane and will keep bugs away for up to 12 hours.

Garlic, Mint and Lemon – These wonders of nature have strong odors that deter bugs. Bonus: they can be used to flavor food and drinks.

Citronella candles aren’t recommended when little ones are part of the picnic party. There is just too much risk of injury or an accident, especially when there are other ways of keeping bugs from crashing the party.

Hosting a picnic in your own backyard? Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. can send insects running for the hills and keep them off your property all summer long so you can enjoy eating outdoors. Give us a call to learn more about summer pest control treatments.

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Picnic_basket_01.jpg

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-safety/putting-together-kid-friendly-bug-free-picnic/

Posted in Pest Safety