Keeping rodents off your BBQ is extremely important. You see, these pests are completely disgusting. They carry all sorts of bacteria, viruses and other nasty organisms. This means that if rodents get onto your BBQ, you and your family could become seriously ill. This may include developing things like food poisoning, or even worse becoming infected with something. With this in mind, here are a few tips for keeping rodents off your BBQ this summer.
Why should you keep rodents off your BBQ kit?
What you have to understand is that your BBQ is almost like an open buffet for rodents. It gets covered with tiny particles of food, and also grease. This is heaven for rodents. In fact, grease is one of their favourite foods. Among al the pests that ruin al fresco dining, rodents are right up there with insects.
The problem here is that rodents continually urinate and defecate. This also happens when they are feeding, or have just fed. What this means is that they may very well urinate all over your BBQ. They will also defecate around it. If this happens, it could make anyone who subsequently uses it unwell. Yes, heat may help to kill the bacteria, but don’t bet on it.
So, what you want to do is thoroughly scrub your BBQ after using it. Clean every inch and make sure that it’s sparkling clean. You’ll want to do this with steel wool or scouring pads. Using soapy water or other degreasers with these is really the only way to get rid of residual fat. When doing this, also clean your outside dining area. Cleaning the grill itself is pointless if your patio and outdoor furniture is dirty too. Be sure to clean the BBQ again before the next usage. This will additionally help to stop summer BBQ insects too.
Consider storing your BBQ in a garage or shed
Keeping your BBQ indoors when not in use is a good idea. Keeping it in a storage area will give it some degree of protection from rodents. If you’re leaving it outside, then at least cover it up with tarpaulin or a dedicated covering.
Take note, however, that your BBQ may not be completely safe from rodents in your garage or shed. You may need, in addition, to repel rats and mice from your shed or outbuilding. There’s a good chance that rodents can still get at your BBQ equipment if you have rodents in these places and are unaware of it. The best policy is to keep it under wraps whether the BBQ is kept inside or out, it can also be placed in a plastic bag.
It might be a good policy to leave rodent traps near your BBQ. This will help to capture any pests that wander nearby. Something else you can do is use natural rodent repellents around your kit, which may help to deter these pests. Any good London pest control technician will be able to recommend several products that are effective for keeping rodents off your BBQ.