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YARD AND GARDEN

Don't be bugged at summer picnics

What would summer be without picnics, swimming holes and family fun? Maybe more insect-free, but that's one of the downsides to the outsides.

In most cases, humans, picnics and family fun don't mesh with insects. The results can be unpleasant and memorable in less than a positive light.

The big summer pests are probably ants, mosquitoes, picnic bugs and yellow jackets. There are others, but these four will keep you hopping, swatting and drenched in repellents. And in the insect world, they are probably the most unique.

David Robson

Ants are probably the most common picnic pests, partially due to their innate sense of smell and ability to quickly spread the word that a food source has arrived. In reality, they leave a scent trail that other ants follow. Since they usually live in large colonies, one ant can quickly become hundreds. Also, they work diligently, carrying many times their body weight. Fortunately, they are fastidious at cleanliness and don't carry diseases. It's just disgusting to see ants on your food, but remember than many people in the world eat ants.

Common sense is the key word. Keep food covered until it's time to eat. Don't allow spills on the table or ground to remain. Clean up the area quickly after eating. If you find an ant around the food, move it to another location.

Picnic beetles are small, black beetles about 1/4 inch long with four yellowish spots on their backs. They're winged, which means they'll fly from place to place. They feed on decaying plant matter or substances with lots of sugars or pleasant odors. Fruit, fruit drinks and sodas, salad dressings and beer are particularly favorable food, which is a reason not to let these items sit around unconsumed for an extended length of time.

You usually find picnic beetle, sometimes called the four-spotted fungus beetle, feeding on blackberries and raspberries. If present, pick the fruit more regularly so there's nothing to feed on. The good news is the crunch between the berry seeds and the picnic bugs is indistinguishable. Washing the berries will cause the beetles to float to the top.

Picnic beetles usually hang out around trash cans or barrels. Locate these items far enough away so you won't be bothered. Fifty feet is enough.

Yellowjackets are wasps that like the same type of food — high sugar, decaying or rotting meat and produce. Their yellow-striped narrow bodies make them obvious, until they slip into your beverage can. Sanitation is the best bet.

Mosquitoes do carry disease and pose serious health risks. And unlike ants and picnic bugs, these insects will bite. Well, the female does. The male just sucks nectar.

Mosquitoes are attracted to brightly colored and/or perfumed objects. Wear darker colors, which will make you hotter, and avoid colognes, perfumes, scented soaps and deodorants. Of course, you'll be hot, sweaty and smelly, and no one will stand next to you, but you won't have a mosquito problem. Repellents are the best bet for you. There are many on the market, and all need to be reapplied regularly. Read and follow the directions. Avoid contact in the eyes and on tender skin.

Reduce mosquito problems by reducing standing water in old tires, gutters and birdbaths. Avoid picnicking or hiking in areas with stagnant water or areas with little air movement. While taking a fan to a picnic doesn't seem practical, breezes do cut down on the mosquito problems.

There are no plants that currently work to repel mosquitoes. Remember that the insect can fly right over the plant. The plants don't create a magic barrier or force field.

You can buy foggers that create a barrier to some degree around shrubs, trees, or other vegetation. They aren't long term solutions, and shouldn't be used regularly. Make sure to read and follow the label directions.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, University of Illinois Extension. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: robsond@mail.aces.uiuc.edu

18 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JULY 1999