How to Have a Picnic Without Bugs

Bugs and picnics seem to go hand-in-hand, but it doesn’t have to be that way. To have a picnic without bugs, carefully choose the picnic’s location, time of day, food storage options, and items to pack to deter bugs. While the details in this guide are geared toward a backyard setting, they can be modified for any picnic, anywhere.

Get ready for a bash that’s fun for you and your guests – not for the bugs.

Choose the Right Picnic Locations

Certain conditions attract bugs. Knowing these can go a long way toward figuring out how to deter those pests. To summarize, the best spot for a picnic is an open area, away from a pest’s favorite water, food, and shelter sources (detailed below). Airflow is also essential, so if you can feel the breeze, you’ve found a good spot.

There are five rules to follow when picking a location:

• No standing water: Standing water like puddles, dog bowls, and bird baths attract mosquitoes and other bugs.
• No trash: Trash usually means “food” to bugs and other pests. Keep your picnic away from trash bins or litter.
• No thick, overgrown shrubs: Overgrown shrubbery offers a damp, protected spot for mosquitoes and insects.
• No wet grass: Not only is it uncomfortable to have a picnic on damp grass, but the moisture also attracts mosquitoes, which thrive in damp environments.
• No enclosed areas: Enclosed spots might seem like the perfect solution for a picnic, but these areas also have less airflow, which makes them more attractive to flying insects.

Related Content: Plants That Help to Repel Mosquitoes

Schedule Wisely

It’s also important to plan the timing of your picnic. Mosquitoes are the least active during the middle of the day, so the best time of day for a picnic is typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, it depends somewhat on your area, recent weather, the species of mosquitoes present, and whether there’s standing water or overgrown plants nearby. Choosing the right place at the right time will go a long way toward keeping your picnic bug-free.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, as well as at night. So, while a sunset picnic sounds lovely, you might spend most of it swatting at mosquitoes.

If you want to host your picnic anytime and anywhere in your yard without worrying about bugs, consider mosquito barrier treatment services from Mosquito Squad. Your local squad will help keep mosquitoes away from your yard for up to 21 days!

Make Your Picnic Area Less Attractive to Bugs

Here’s how to keep mosquitoes away from a picnic once you’ve chosen a beautiful location and time:

• Use fans. A corded or battery-operated fan will keep you cool, and the steady breeze will also keep flying insects away.
• Spread out an insect repellent picnic blanket. You can buy these blankets at nearly any outdoor brand retailer. They’re infused with odorless insect repellents that will keep flies, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes away so you can kick back and relax.
• Use scent to your advantage. Several scents repel mosquitoes and other bugs. Use candles, essential oil sprays, or body lotions that incorporate these scents to keep bugs away. Which scents repel mosquitoes? Mint, lemon, citronella, and lavender are the best ones to try.
• Avoid decorating with bright colors. These colors often attract bees, which may mistake the vibrant shades for flowers.

Keep Food and Beverages Sealed

The scent of food – including meat, dairy, and sugary items – is like a magnet to many insects. Flies, wasps, bees, and mosquitoes are all drawn by the scent of certain foods, so keeping dishes and drinks covered will make the area less attractive to pests. It will also ensure that you, rather than the bugs, get to enjoy the food you prepared!

Set the Mood (And Keep Bugs Away) with Fire and Candles

Smoke is a great temporary solution for backyard bug control. Whether you choose to use outdoor citronella candles or torches or a small campfire (if it’s allowed!), the smoke will help deter bugs from spoiling the fun.

If you can light a small campfire, you can also add items to it that will give the smoke additional bug-repelling properties. Burning certain herbs like lavender, sage, and rosemary can help. If you use these fresh herbs in cooking, use the leaves and then save the stems to burn in your campfire—nothing goes to waste, and you end up with flavorful food and a fragrant, bug-less picnic.

Bugs Spoiling the Party? We Can Help!

Sometimes, even the best planning won’t be enough to keep bugs from crashing the party. Need a hand figuring out how to keep your backyard bug-free so you can enjoy it? Contact your local Mosquito Squad today or give us a call at (877) 332-2239 to learn more about our barrier treatment options.