Although we enjoy our barbecues for grilling up tasty meals, some unwanted visitors - such as rodents, raccoons and other animals—also adore them but not for the same reasons.
Unfortunately, animals are attracted to leftover food scraps, grease, and the warm, comforting environment that the inside of a grill can provide. Not only can their presence harm your grill, but it also poses a hygiene and health issue.
Check out this video one of our technicians captured of a raccoon nesting in the cabinet of a grill he was about to clean. This video went viral on our social media platforms reaching over 10.8 million views!
To avoid the unpleasant surprise of discovering an animal nesting in your BBQ, here are some helpful strategies for keeping them away so you can enjoy your grilling experience to the fullest!
1. Clean Your Grill After Every Use
The best defense from keeping animals from visiting your barbecue is to keep it clean. Pests like raccoons and rodents are drawn to oil, sweet sauces, and leftover food that can be left after you use your grill. Make sure to give your grates a good clean and empty out the grease trays after each use.
For a deep cleaning, contact Grill Hero. We will ensure that the barbecue is safe to use after you find any signs of animals in it while being sure to remove any grease and grime attracting animals to the grill. We recommend a deep cleaning at least two times per year to keep the critters away and your barbecue clean.
How: While the grates are still warm, scrape them with a grill brush. Then, empty the grease tray and wipe it down to get rid of any food particles that could attract rodents.
2. Use a Grill Cover
A durable, snug grill cover is a simple but efficient way to keep animals out of your barbecue. Look for a heavy-duty cover made of weather-resistant material that fits snuggly around the grill. The cover not only protects your grill from the outdoor elements, but it also creates a barrier that prevents pests from entering the grill.
Hint: Some grill covers include tie-downs or fasteners to attach them snugly, making it more difficult for animals to raise the cover.
3. Store the Barbecue Indoors or in a Secure Location
If you don’t use your grill all throughout the fall and winter, you can store your grill indoors to prevent critters looking for refuge from the cold elements inside your grill. If you have the space in your garage, shed, or outdoor storage area, try storing your BBQ indoors during the off-season or after each usage.
6. Use Natural Animal Deterrents
Certain scents can deter animals from approaching your barbecue. For example, many animals dislike the smell of vinegar, peppermint oil, or citrus. You can spray these around the base of your grill or use soaked cotton balls placed nearby to keep pests away.
Another natural option is cayenne pepper. Sprinkling it around the grill area creates a spicy boundary that animals will avoid, though you’ll need to reapply it after rain or wind.
8. Inspect the BBQ Before Use
Before firing up your grill, always check for any signs of animals. Look for droppings, nesting materials like twigs or leaves, and any unusual smells. If you spot evidence of animals, clean and sanitize your grill thoroughly before cooking to ensure no bacteria or contamination is present.
Tip: During the off-season, open your grill periodically to check for pests if it's stored outside. Keeping an eye on it can prevent unwanted surprises later.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your barbecue without worrying about animals taking up residence in it. Regular cleaning, keeping it securely stored away, and natural deterrents go a long way in keeping pests away from your grill. Protecting your grill from animals not only preserves its functionality but also ensures that your next grilling session is hygienic and safe.
If you've already had an animal problem, consider hiring a professional from Grill Hero to sanitize and deep clean your grill before using it again.
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