5-Star Pest Prevention and Removal Tips for Elevating Outdoor Dining

As eating al fresco at restaurants continues to gain popularity, it’s important to wine and dine the patrons without doing the same for outdoor pests. Try these methods to enhance the outdoor dining experience by reducing the presence of unwanted regulars — insects. 

1. Take Out the Trash

Many common outdoor pests, like flies, ants, and cockroaches, are drawn to the stinky scent of garbage. If you can do without one, removing trash cans entirely from the outdoor dining area is ideal. However, if your restaurant encourages guests to clean up after themselves, ensure that the trash can has a properly closing lid and is placed where diners are not directly seated to limit the amount of hovering nuisances. Additionally, routinely emptying and thoroughly cleaning any outdoor trash cans will reduce the odors that attract pests and repel guests.

2. Keeping It Clean

Properly cleaning all surfaces, utensils, and other restaurant equipment is not only essential for the health and safety of your patrons but also for discouraging pests’ presence. Cleanliness includes removing any cutlery or dishes promptly after food has been finished, and wiping down tables and chairs after guests leave. Sweeping up food scraps that have fallen on the ground is also key to the cleanliness of an outdoor dining space. Take special care to swiftly clean up any spills that involve sugary substances, as these can attract bees, wasps, and mosquitoes in an instant.

3. Fan Them Off

Flying pests such as bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and flies can easily be deterred by the breeze from an outdoor fan. Installing fans in an outdoor space also provides the dual benefit of cooling customers and restaurant staff, making the dining experience more enjoyable on a warm day. 

4. Lighting with Purpose

Lights are one of the biggest attractions for lots of pests. Limiting the number of light fixtures like lamps and angling the beams away from the restaurant can help prevent pests from swarming where customers are dining. The brighter the light, the greater the likelihood bugs will be attracted, so using dimmer bulbs can help reduce insects and set the overall mood. Try using sodium vapor bulbs or warm-toned bulbs.

5. Wipe Out Standing Water

Stagnant or standing water is a magnet for outdoor pests, especially mosquitoes and flies. Make sure you’re regularly checking places like gutters, downspouts, and flower pots that might have gathered excess water and emptying them out. Additionally, if your restaurant’s outdoor dining area includes water features like ponds or water fountains, it’s important to properly maintain and clean them to avoid becoming a breeding ground for pests.

 

6. Attack with a Zap

Bug zappers offer a simple and effective solution to prevent and eliminate any flying pest problems. Available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, there’s sure to be one that suits your outdoor dining space’s look while discreetly taking care of business. Setting up a bug zapper requires minimal effort and maintenance, which makes it a valuable solution.

7. Use the Scent of Citronella

Citronella is a natural bug repellant, originating from a type of lemongrass. Strategically placing and burning citronella candles in outdoor dining spaces can be especially effective in repelling mosquitoes. Candlelight also adds to the overall dining ambiance, creating a distinct mood for diners.

Pro Tip: Contact Arrow Exterminators 

If pests are showing up without a reservation and disrupting your outdoor dining areas, contact a professional today for your free pest inspection and quote.