How to keep flies away from your picnic table
One of the nicest joys of summer is eating outside, but once you leave the protection of your screened windows and doors, flies can be a real annoyance. They are largely bothersome (all that buzzing and landing on your arms! ), but they are also rather disgusting since they spend so much time flying from surface to surface (raw hamburgers to fruit salad, etc.), spreading whatever pathogens they come into contact with.
There are many ways to scare flies and other insects away from your picnic, but are they all safe for humans?
If you read the compositions of insect repellents, they, to put it mildly, will not appeal to you. The issue of safety becomes especially acute when children are with you at a picnic.
Today we have prepared for you 9 effective, and most importantly – safe ways to rid your picnic table of flies.
Read also our article on how to save your picnic from the invasion of ants here.
Special plants
Did you know that bay leaves are a natural way to protect your party from flies? Although we like this balsamic smell, this perfume repels flies. Some other plants that are a natural deterrent are:
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
Thus, a lavender bouquet is able not only to decorate your table but also be very effective in repelling insects.
Cover nets
Today, the market is full of such funny devices. You can find similar “lids” in every tourist store. Mesh folding tent covers are one of our favorites because they allow the heat to escape and the food remains visible and protected from flies.
Yellow light bulbs
Maybe it may sound ridiculous now, but yellow light bulbs have proven to be effective in fighting flies. These bulbs can fit instead of a regular light bulb, but instead of attracting flies like white light, yellow bulbs … completely unattractive to flies. Did you know that before?
Fly Zappers
Flycatchers are an effective way to naturally repel flies. We recommend this method by comparing it to fly fishing tape. You know, fly fishing tape catches not only flies but sometimes our own hair. It’s very frustrating to tear it away from ourselves. Besides, we want to protect our birds and lizard friends.
Also, no one wants their view of nature to be interrupted by hanging strips of dead flies! You can buy ready-made products for flies or make them yourself, such as in this video:
Use the fans and blow away
Outdoor ceiling fans are actually a great way to not only keep things cool but also to repel flies. The downward flow knocks down the flight path of the flies and sends them to another landing site. So if you’re eating a barbecue on a covered terrace, turning on the fans will kill two birds with one stone!
Today there are even special fans for insects! They look funny, but they are also quite effective, and most importantly – safe!
Make a sweet trap
If you’ve ever barbecued in a park, you’ve probably noticed that the flies appear to have been taught to hang out around the covered patios. There are instances when you may have to concede and declare a ceasefire if the flies outweigh you. Usually, all it takes to entice them is a few drips of pure honey (or sweet tea!) on the edge of a nearby table. Keep covers on all of your sugary beverages as well!
Light up citronella scented candles
Setting the tone for a romantic picnic date with scented candles may be quite effective. The addition of lighting is soothing, and the citronella aroma tells flies to go on to another gathering. There are several smells that tell flies to stay away, including:
- Rose-geranium
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Citronella
The most prevalent fly-repellent candles are often citronella-scented. These are frequently available on Amazon or in the gardening department of your neighborhood home improvement stores.
Use a Buzz-killer
One of the best methods to keep flies at arm’s length socially is using bug spray. Traditional insect sprays are an option, as well as more natural alternatives. If you enjoy doing things yourself, you can pick from oils like:
- geranium rose
- spearmint
- Oils of lemongrass,
- peppermint,
- eucalyptus,
- mint,
- lemon cloves
A pleasant-smelling no-fly zone can be created by spraying the surrounding area. Or, if you want to go on a trek in the wilderness, you may follow the instructions to combine and dilute a variety of oils that can be used topically. This is a tactful method to get back your personal space by telling flies to “buzz off”!
Add a cover to it
When having a picnic, tip-lids are a terrific method to hide the alluring aromas of your sauces and dressings. They won’t be killed by something the flies don’t know!
These condiment bottles with tip-lids are a great way to close it up, reduce buzz, and guard against adding extra fly flavor to your sauces.
Removing the red cups and switching to bottles with lids is another excellent idea. The fewer flies that know about your delicious delicacies, the better for everyone!
Also, read about it here.
FAQ
Can you use fly spray around food?
Fly spray: While effective for killing flies, sprays can easily cause chemical contamination of food if they’re used near open food or food preparation surfaces. This means you must only use fly sprays when the whole area is not in use (e.g. after closing) and move all utensils, equipment or food out of the way first.
What smell do flies like the most?
Common house flies are attracted to decaying organic filth such as feces and rotting meat, whereas fruit flies seek sugary substances and feed more commonly on overripe fruit, spilled soda, and alcohol.
How long does fly spray stay in the air?
The odor of Raid stays in the air for 15-20 minutes, when the room is ventilated. The ventilation is key to letting the Raid chemicals out!
