2009 Year in Review

Insect Control at Picnics

Summer is the time for picnics and other outdoor activities and also the time for insect activity, but when insects and picnics meet, the outing can be a disaster, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"There are a variety of insects that may be bothersome to people trying to enjoy a picnic," said David Robson. "Among these are ants, picnic beetles, and mosquitoes. With a little planning and the practice of good sanitation, these pests may be noticed, but should not be a major problem."

Ants are probably the most common picnic pests. These colonial insects will appear anywhere food is present. Individual ants will discover the food that your picnic is providing to them and return to the nest, leaving a scent trail that will allow other ants from the nest to find your food.

"Thus, what started as a couple of ants soon turns into a hundred ants," he said.

"Reduce your ant problems by keeping food covered until it is time to eat and then re-covering the food and cleaning up any waste as soon as possible. If an ant is found near the food, either squash it or carry it several yards away from the picnic so that other ants do not find out about your picnic."

Picnic beetles are small, black beetles about one-fourth inch long that have four yellowish spots on their backs. These insects feed on decaying plant material and are attracted to your picnic by its odors. The odor of mayonnaise, salad dressing, ripe fruit and beer is particularly attractive to these beetles.

"Control is achieved through prevention," he said. "Keep food tightly covered before it is consumed and clean up thoroughly after the meal is finished. Since these insects are then attracted to the trash barrel that contains the waste from your picnic, locate your picnic at least 50 feet from the nearest trash barrel."

Mosquitoes become a problem at picnics as dusk approaches. They don't go after the food, but after the humans.

"If the picnic can be moved into a screened porch or other screened shelter at dusk, most mosquito problems can be avoided," said Robson. "The breeze produced by an electric fan can greatly reduce mosquito problems by blowing these insects off course when trying to attack.

"Picnic areas can be treated with a fogger or spray before the picnic begins to reduce the mosquito problem for several hours. Spray or fog shrubs, trees, and other masses of vegetation to achieve the best control. These insecticides should not be used routinely, but should be appropriate a few times a year when major outdoor functions are planned."

Repellents can be used on exposed skin and clothing, provided the material is labeled for such use. Take care to avoid getting repellents in eyes and the mouth.

"Make sure to always read and follow the directions on the insecticide's label," he said.

"Contact your local University of Illinois Extension office for more information on pesticides to use to control ants, picnic beetles and mosquitoes."

by  Editor, theCity1.com
May 21, 2009