How to keep your BBQ or outdoor party pest-free

Unwanted guests can spoil a party, so don't let your next BBQ or outdoor event fall prey to pesky pests. While bug sprays are effective, they don't exactly add style or flair to your event. By opting for more natural options, you can do your bit for the environment and your guests by keeping bugs at bay.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• wasp traps
• citronella candles
• mint
• peppermint essence
• spray bottle
• oranges & lemons
• cloves
• lavender
• saucers or plates

1. Wasp traps are essential, whether you are entertaining or not. A variety of styles are available nowadays that can suit your backyard's decor or party theme.
2. Citronella is the ultimate deterrent for mosquitoes and other flying pests. Candles and torches of all shapes and sizes are available and if used creatively they can be functional as well as stylish. Rather than setting up a fortress of tiki torches around your dining table, why not create gatherings of torches at various heights to create a feature?
3. Fresh flowers can provide color to your table as well as combat those pesty critters. Mint and lavender are bug deterrents. By including them in your centrepieces your guests can benefit from their scent as well as a lack of bugs.
4. In a spray bottle, dilute peppermint oil in water. By spraying this on your tablecloth, you can provide your guests further protection from bugs.
5. Consider including pomanders in your centrepieces. Studding lemons and oranges with cloves will keep pests at bay as they detest citrus smells and cloves.
6. To keep ants at ground level, place a saucer filled with water underneath each table leg. Ants are unable to swim, so this will keep them from climbing onto your dining area. Terracotta plant saucers and brightly painted large cans are just a few alternatives that can create a more stylish look.