Barbecues are popular ways to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather of spring and summer. Unfortunately, the smoke and scent of cooking food outdoors can attract wildlife, from insects to scavengers like raccoons. Here are a few ideas to help keep animals at bay, so you and your friends can eat in peace without calling an animal control expert.

3 Ways to Avoid Wildlife at a BBQ

1. Clean Your Grill

Before you invite guests over for the first festivities of the season, make sure your grill is clean. Wildlife will often take shelter in unsecured grills in colder months. You may be able to gently remove an empty bird’s home, but rodents or hornet nests will require professional assistance to remove. Once your unit is animal-free, use a grill brush, sponge, and a solution of warm water and grease-cutting soap. Soak grates and metal components in a bucket of this solution until the debris is easy to remove. Wipe all parts down with a moistened cloth before drying them thoroughly. Do this again post-barbecue to avoid animal control issues later, since wildlife is often attracted to the scent of old, burnt food. 

2. Protect the Area

Animals will be attracted to dishes that are left unattended and exposed on the table. Keep dishes and beverages covered with lids or aluminum foil, especially if you’re busy getting ready and won’t be able to keep a close eye on them. Consider using preventive animal control methods, such as ultrasonic repellent devices that deter squirrels, skunks, raccoons, deer, and birds. Citronella torches will deter insects and add a splash of style to your patio or deck. Since most animals are frightened of human activity and noise, play music and lawn games. 

3.  Clean Up Garbage

Wildlife — especially scavengers like possums and raccoons — will be drawn to any food scraps. To make cleanup easier, dispose of unwanted food as you go. Keep lidded plastic bins or resealable plastic bags at either end of your table so it’s easy for guests to dispose of their leftovers. Bring all dishes back indoors promptly once you’re done with them. At the end of the night, no matter how much fun you’ve had, take the time to sweep up debris and place all trash in tightly lidded, heavy-duty waste bins. Preferably, they’ll be made of metal or thick, odor-combating plastic. 

If unwelcome guests crash your barbecue, turn to American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services. Located in New Milford, CT, they’ve ethically removed all manner of pests in Greater Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties for over 45 years. Call (860) 355-1231 to schedule an animal control appointment or visit their website to review their services.