Grilling meat, fish and poultry is a popular activity for many Americans in most parts of the country, particularly during the late Spring and Summer. Outdoor grilling is particularly common here in the Phoenix, Arizona area, because of our mild Winter temperatures and sunshine most of the year. Summertime temperatures in the Valley can reach the triple digits, but, some people still enjoy grilling. Unfortunately, the alluring smell of food (particularly food and beverages that are sweet such as watermelon, cantaloupe, soda, etc.) attracts bees, which can make an outdoor barbeque in your backyard problematic.

That said, you can still grill outdoor in your backyard, just follow a few simple rules that can help mitigate the attraction of bees to your food:

1. Secure your food inside an air-tight closed container (glass or plastic) or “Ziploc” type of food storage bag or plastic wrap.
2. Separate food from where you and your guests are gathered.
3. Set up a small pot or planter full of marigold flowers to place on the table where you and your guests are gathered. Why? marigold flowers have a scent that naturally repel bees and other insects.
4. Store trash bins (where you’ve thrown away any food) tightly closed when not in use and away from you and your guests.
5. Avoid using tablecloths and wearing bright colored clothing, especially those with floral prints.

What to do when bees show up at your outdoor barbecue

If bees should start appearing near your outdoor barbecue, it is imperative that you don’t start swatting them away. This could end up aggravating the bees, making them more aggressive towards you and your guests.

If the bees become a problem, do not try to kill them. This will likely exacerbate the situation.

Instead, when you have a bee problem at your outdoor, backyard barbecue grill, call the bee removal professionals at The Beehive, Bee and Wasp Removal today at 480-468-8763!