Every time we had a picnic when I was a kid, I remember my Dad telling the same bad Dad joke which was ...
Why did the fly go to the picnic?
To bug everyone!
I hadn't thought about it for years, but it was also the first thing to come to mind when I was looking for article ideas for the picnic blog and my kids mentioned that I should write about how to keep pesky bugs away from the tasty picnic fare.
Australia, while being an amazingly beautiful place to live and enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors, is also home to many different insects and pests, who also love a picnic.
So it can be challenging to enjoy a el fresco meal without encountering some (or a lot) of these creatures. So in this article I wanted to share a few handy tips you can use to make sure your picnic is as insect and pest-free as possible.
1. Choose The Right Location.
When looking for a spot to have your picnic it pays to look for a spot that is away from known insect and pest habitats. We all know mozzies love them a still, wet area, so avoid this if you want to avoid mosquitoes. Flies are a little harder to avoid, but an open area, away from rubbish bins ideally with a breeze is usually the best option to avoid eating with flies.
2. Pack the Bug Spray.
It sounds like a no brainer, but there has been so many times we have meet friends and family for picnics, and everyone has forgot to pack the insect repellent. So my big tip here is to have a designated Picnic Bag and buy your favourite bug spray (remember there are natural / organic options) that stay in the bag, so you are never without them and you can "Avagoodweekend".
3. Keep Food Covered.
Foods left uncovered is an invite for every insect and pest within a 10km radius to come join you for lunch. So having a good set of containers is a great tip here, so they can be opened when needed and remain shut when not.
4. Use Citronella Candles.
Candles are a must when planning a romantic picnic but there are also fragrant candles that are effective in repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. There is also a product called Thermacell, which I haven't personally tested but have heard are quite effective and maybe a little safer for young families.
5. Pick your Time.
This tip suggests time of day, but can also include time of year. Some insects are more active at certain times of the day and at certain times of the year, so try to plan your picnicking for times when insects are less active in the location you wish to picnic in.
Hopefully by following these tips, you can enjoy picnic anywhere in Australia without having to worry too much about pesky visitors.
If you are looking for the perfect place to host your next picnic, here are some links to our other articles where we share our favourite spots.
Picnic at Forresters Beach NSW
The Best Picnic Spots in Melbourne
