Summary: Tailgating season should be about football and fun—not pests. Learn how to prevent bugs at tailgates with smart food storage, trash management, and outdoor pest control tips from Romney Pest Control. Stay pest-free from kickoff to the final whistle.
Tailgating is one of the best traditions in football. Whether you’re parked outside a college stadium or watching your favorite team from a backyard setup, the energy is unbeatable. But when pests crash the party, your setup can turn into a picnic gone wrong.
The key to enjoying football season is preparation — not just for the team, but for your tailgate. Let’s tackle the best ways to prevent pests at tailgates and keep your food, drinks, and good times safe from unwanted visitors.
Pack Smart: Store Food and Drinks Properly
Bugs love open containers and sugary drinks just as much as we do. Before leaving for the game, store all food in sealed, airtight containers or coolers. Cover your dishes as soon as they’re served — even a few minutes of exposure is enough to attract flies, wasps, and ants.
Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
- Use mesh food covers or foil to shield dishes between servings.
- Keep coolers closed tightly when not in use.
- Avoid leaving trash bags or plates sitting out — pests can smell them from yards away.
These small steps make a big difference when you’re trying to keep bugs away from food and drinks.
Choose the Right Location
Before setting up your grill and folding chairs, scan the area. Look for signs of ant mounds, wasp nests, or standing water nearby — all of which invite pests. Choose a spot with pavement or gravel rather than grass when possible, since pests are less likely to crawl up from below.
If your tailgate happens in a grassy lot, keep your setup a few feet away from shrubs or bushes. This distance reduces the chance of ants and mosquitoes finding their way to your table.
Keep the Trash Tight
Every tailgate produces trash, but how you manage it determines whether pests stick around. Bring a lidded trash can or heavy-duty bag holder to keep garbage contained. Make sure everyone knows where to toss scraps so food waste doesn’t scatter across the site.
At the end of the event, tie up the bags and place them in a designated dumpster area — don’t leave them next to your car, where pests can easily find them.
Use Subtle Pest Barriers
If you want to take your pest prevention game to the next level, there are a few simple tools that help maintain a pest-free zone:
- Battery-powered fans to keep flies and mosquitoes away.
- Citronella candles or torches to discourage biting insects.
- A quick spray of bug repellent around your seating area (but never on food).
These easy additions help create an invisible defense against uninvited bugs, making your outdoor pest control for games a no-brainer.
Clean Up Like a Pro
After the last touchdown and before heading home, give your setup a quick sweep. Wipe down tables, pack leftovers, and remove any open containers. Cleaning up right away keeps pests from returning to the area — and saves you a mess to handle later.
If you host frequent tailgates at home, routine pest maintenance can go a long way. Romney Pest Control provides reliable outdoor pest solutions to protect your yard or patio before game day even begins. Check out our residential pest control services or locations across Texas for year-round protection.
Win the Tailgate with Romney Pest Control
A little planning can make a big difference in your tailgating experience. By storing food properly, managing trash, and using repellents, you can ensure your football gatherings stay bug-free all season long.
Whether it’s ants, flies, or mosquitoes invading your event, Romney Pest Control has your back. Our team of trained technicians offers tailored solutions that keep your property and outdoor gatherings pest-free, even after football season ends.
Contact us today for a free quote and enjoy your next tailgate without the uninvited guests!
Citations
Harney, C. (2024, September 24). 6 tailgate pests that ruin the party. Pointe Pest Control. Available at https://www.pointepestcontrol.net/6-tailgate-pests-that-ruin-the-party/ (Accessed on October 21, 2025).
