How To Pest-Proof Your Grill This Summer

Surprises. Some people love them, some people hate them. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: opening your grill to find a critter inside is the last thing anyone wants. Best case scenario, you get a good jump scare and, hey, maybe a viral video. Worst case scenario? Your grill gets permanently damaged and goes to grill heaven. 

So don’t let your grill become a hot spot for pests this summer. Keep them out by following these critter-proofing tips. 

Why Do Pests Love Grills?

To understand how to keep critters out of your barbecue, it helps to know what attracts them in the first place. 

The most obvious reason pests love grills is the same reason we do: food. It can be easy to overlook grease drippings and dropped food while cleaning, and even the smallest morsels draw bugs and animals in. 

Even if your grill is sparkling clean, animals and insects still might be interested in making it their home. Because grills retain warmth, they can be a cozy shelter for animals looking to make a nest, such as wasps, rodents, or birds. Plus, all the hoses and vents make great nooks and crannies for insects and spiders to call home.

With tasty treats and toasty shelter all in one place, your grill is the ultimate pest bed and breakfast. 

Which Pests Like Grills the Most? 

The simple answer: nearly all critters love a good cookout. 

Grills can attract birds, mice and rats, chipmunks and squirrels, wasps, bees, flies, ants, larger animals like raccoons and possums, and even snakes.  

How to Keep Your Grill Pest-Free 

Do a Regular Deep Clean 

Giving your grill some extra love now and then is the number one way to keep bugs and animals away. First, heat your grill and close the cover for 10 to fifteen minutes to burn off food particles, making it easier to scrub. After it cools, clean the drip pan and clean off any remaining food. Then, check inside hoses and vents for dust and debris. Not only will your grill work better, but pests will like it less.

Check and Cover Hoses and Vents

The body of your grill isn’t the only place animals and insects enjoy. Depending on the type of grill you own, there may be tiny spaces like hoses, vents, storage areas, or gaps that bugs and small rodents can climb into. Keep them clean and cover openings with aluminum foil or chicken wire to prevent pests from coming in.  

Inspect Your Grill Before Cooking

There’s nothing worse than turning on your grill and smelling something… off. So before firing up the barbecue, do a quick check inside and underneath your grill for pests and their leftovers. Look for droppings, nesting materials, and sneaky snakes who might be resting in the shade under your grill on a hot day. 

Burn Off After Every Meal

No, we don’t mean calories. We mean food droppings! Simply turn up the heat on your grill and leave the cover closed for an extra 10 to 15 minutes after you’re done cooking to burn away leftover food. 

Cover Your Grill

The right cover goes a long way in keeping your barbecue pest-free. First, make sure your grill cover fits properly. It should be snug and secure to help prevent critters from climbing inside. Then, stay diligent about keeping it covered when it’s not in use.   

Take Extra Measures for Winter Storage

All good things must come to an end, including grilling season. When you store your grill for the fall and winter, consider keeping it indoors in a garage or basement if you can. Cover up any holes or gaps with foil or tape so critters can’t find their way in. Or else you might be in for a big surprise when you open your grill next summer! 

Got a Grill Infestation? 

If the above tips still don’t keep your barbecue critter-free, you might have a bigger pest problem on your hands. In that case, it’s best to call in the pros. Contact us for fast and friendly pest control.