Preparing for Christmas Day lunch can be a stressful time. With so much to prepare and think about (and often many guests to cater for) the last thing you want is for the meal to be ruined by insects and other pests.

With many choosing to celebrate the day outdoors in the glorious Brisbane weather, families can be exposed to a number of annoying pests. As an exterminator Brisbane, we know all too well about the pitfalls which come with outdoor dining (as much as we also enjoy it!).

If you’re thinking of taking your Christmas lunch outdoors, check out our top tips to making sure it stays pest-free:

Invest in fly protection to help your Brisbane exterminator

As an exterminator Brisbane, we know just how persistent (and frustrating) flies can be around food. Just when you think you’ve swatted the last away from the cheese platter, the next lot appear all over the potato salad. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By simply heading to your local home gadget store, you can find any number of chemical-free fly repellants and barriers including mesh food covers and standing fly repeller fans. The biggest trick of all? Keep food covered (with products such as cling wrap) until it’s time to eat.

Clean the BBQ (properly!)

As much as Australians love a good barbecue, a gas barbecue is also a perfect shelter for rodents (as provides a few little snacks for them too!). By taking time to properly clean your outdoor barbecue you can deter any unwanted guests.

While there are a number of techniques for getting your BBQ super clean, one of the best things you can do is use a very wet, disposable cleaning rag (like Chux) at the end of your spatula after every time you use the barbecue (while it’s still warm).

Choose your mosquito repellant wisely

There are a number of options to staying mozzie bite-free during your outdoor Christmas lunch.

Some chemical options include personal insect repellents (like Aerogard), bug wipes, or a clip-on repellent (Like Off! Clip-on). If you’re looking for non-chemical options, try an electric zapper (away from the main eating area), citronella candles or torches.

And if all else fails, there’s nothing more Australian than the smell of burning citronella coils in the summertime!

Be snake savvy

As an exterminator Brisbane, we also offer snake catcher/relocation services. That’s because we know that snakes can be a major problem for Brisbane in the summertime. According to the Environment Department, 27 species of land-based snakes can be found in the Brisbane area. The most common include Carpet Pythons and Tree Snakes which aren’t venomous. However, Brisbane also plays host to a number of extremely dangerous snakes including the Coastal Taipan, Tiger Snake, Rough-scaled Snake, Eastern Brown Snake and Death Adder.

And whilst a venomous snake bite is quite rare, it pays to stay vigilant:

• Ensure you reduce a build up of rubbish (such as palm fronds) where snakes could shelter
• Use gloves when tidying up areas of your lawn
• Check the insides of your shoes if left outside (or in the shed) before putting them on
• Don’t let children run in to bushes to retrieve things such as balls etc.
• Be aware of your surroundings

If your pest problems are causing you headaches over the holiday period, contact David and the team at Progressive Pest Management to discuss how you can be rid of pests through our integrated pest management techniques, including our snake catching/relocating services.