How to Keep Ants off Your Picnic Table
Picnics are a wonderful way to share yummy food in the great outdoors. Ants think so too! You can keep pesky ants away with just a few simple actions.
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You've waited all year and now it's here: summer vacation! We've got your checklist of must-do's.
You Will Need
- An outdoor insect fogger
- Soap and water
- A sponge
- Garbage cans
- Detergent or ammonia
- An outdoor ant and flying insect repellant
- Food containers with lids
Steps
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Step 1
Use outdoor insect fogger
Set off an outdoor insect fogger in the picnic area. The fogger spreads a preventative into the air and onto the surrounding trees, shrubs, and plants.
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Carefully read and follow the instructions on the fogger's label. A fogger should only be used a few times a year in seasons of high use.
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Step 2
Keep area clean
Keep the area clean by wiping the table with a soapy sponge and by keeping the area clear of food debris and litter.
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Step 3
Empty and wash garbage cans
Empty garbage cans often and occasionally wash them with detergent or ammonia to deter ants and insects.
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Locate your garbage cans at least 50 feet from your picnic table to reduce the chance of an ant attack.
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Step 4
Spray around picnic table
Spray the area around the picnic table with an ant and flying insect repellent at least 15 minutes before the planned activity.
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Step 5
Store food in closed containers
Store all picnic foods in containers with lids. Keep the food covered when it's not being served. This discourages food smells from attracting pests.
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Step 6
Clean up spills immediately
Clean up food spills as soon as possible – on the table and on the ground.
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Step 7
Clean area thoroughly after picnic
Clean the area thoroughly after your picnic. Wash and rinse the table and dispose of trash appropriately.
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Did you know? If not sufficiently controlled, Argentine ants threaten to wipe out native species in California.
