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According to insect specialist, entomologist dr. Eduardo Budrio, most insects are attracted to the smell of food, only ants, the taste.
“No one knows that ants are attracted to sugary drinks, not because of their smell, but because of their taste. Therefore, to avoid ants on the picnic table, it is important not to spill drinks on the ground or other surfaces, because these surfaces become attractive to ants, ”says Dr. E.Budrys.
Bumblebees and bees are most attracted to the smell of flowers and honey, so honey and drinks or foods sweetened with honey should be avoided on the picnic table. These insects also react to some perfumes, so it is recommended to breathe moderately while spending time in nature.
To prevent insect attacks, open drinks using a fermentation process should not be kept on the picnic table – their sour smells attract ferrets, flies, and most flying insects as they also feed on the sap of sour trees and spoiled fruit in nature.
Best packaged drinks
In addition to snacks and drinks, suitable dishes and packaging should also be provided when setting the table. It is better to serve snacks in nature not in open plates, but in jars with a lid, so that the smell of food does not attract insects.
“Same with drinks – maybe a jug of juice on the table and it will look more attractive, but an open container full of sweet drink will attract more insects, so you should think about how to cover the jug or choose a container with a lid.
However, it is more convenient to choose sealable juice packs or small juice packs, such as 200 ml, so that everyone can drink comfortably. Also, the small juice packs are equipped with straws, so insects will not get into the juice. After pouring the juice from a larger package, it must be tightly closed again; screw the cap on ”, advises Marius Gudauskas, CEO of Eckes-Granini Lietuva.
It is advisable to cover food or drinks not only because of the risk of insect bites, but also for hygiene reasons: insects can transmit various intestinal diseases.
“When spending time in nature, you should always close the juice packets, not leave the juice poured into open glasses. If, after all, the juice has been in an open container for a longer period of time, to drink, first it is worth seeing if any insects have fallen into the juice, – says M. Gudauskas and at the same time the time Pay attention to the storage temperature of the juice. “Although the packaging and pasteurization of TetraPak for Elmenhorster juice guarantee a long shelf life, it is recommended to keep the juice in the shade or at least in the shade when the package is opened and in hot weather.”
It is also advisable to wash your hands and face well after eating sweets or fruits to avoid any sweet traces that attract insects. Ice cream packets or disposable towels used to clean the table should be disposed of in a remote container or sealed in a garbage bag.
How to repel uninvited guests
According to dr. E.Budrio, since odors can attract insects, they can also repel them, so it is best to combat odors with hornets or other uninvited picnic guests.
“Some studies show that hornets are repelled by strong scents of mint, thyme, eucalyptus or geraniums, so deodorants with these scents can help during a picnic. Various wasp repellants are also characteristic of these scents ”, says the entomologist.
The interlocutor recommends not using chemical or mechanical means to kill hornets and wasps: “Hornets play an important role in our ecosystems as predators of populations of plant insects and pollinators of some temporary plants, so their destruction is incompatible with a respectful approach to the nature. It would be enough for everyone to act responsibly. “
