You finally roll up the cover after months of winter storage—ready to fire up the grill for the first time this season. You’re suddenly greeted by something quite unsettling: a mouse nest tucked in the cabinet, cobwebs in the burners, and a trail of ants exploring your side shelves.
It happens to even the most careful grill owners. When left unused, your BBQ becomes a cozy hideaway for pests seeking warmth, shelter, and maybe a few leftover crumbs. Below are some expert tips that will help you keep your BBQ pest-free, safe, and ready for every backyard feast.
Why Pests Love Your BBQ
Grills are like five-star hotels for insects and rodents—quiet, warm, and full of leftover food scent. Even if you clean often, traces of grease, sugar, and protein attract everything from ants and flies to mice and wasps.
Add in sheltered corners, cozy gaps, and sometimes a whiff of propane—and you’ve got an open invitation for pests looking for a winter home.
Common culprits include:
🐜 Ants & carpenter ants
🕷️ Spiders
🐝 Wasps & flies
🐀 Mice or rats (especially in stored grills)
The good news? A few simple habits can turn your grill into a no-vacancy zone.
🧽 Step 1: Keep It Clean, Always
Clean grills don’t attract pests. It’s that simple.
After every cookout:
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Turn burners on high for 10 minutes to burn off residue
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Brush grates while warm
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Wipe down shelves, knobs, and exterior surfaces
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Empty and replace the grease tray regularly
✨ GrillTown Pro Tip: If you grill frequently, deep clean your BBQ twice a year—once before summer, once before winter storage. (See our guide: How to Deep Clean Your BBQ Like a Pro.)
🐀 Step 2: Block Rodents Before They Move In
Mice and rats love grills for their warmth and leftover crumbs. Here’s how to show them the door:
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Cover it tight: Use a high-quality BBQ cover with a snug fit.
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Seal openings: Plug small gaps (like hose holes) with steel wool—just don’t block air vents or manifolds.
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Store smart: If possible, keep your BBQ in a garage or shed during winter, raised off the ground on patio stones.
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Scent deterrents: Rodents hate the smell of peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender.
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Mix 30–50 drops of essential oil with witch hazel or vodka in a spray bottle.
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Spray around the grill area (away from pets).
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🧺 Keep garbage, compost, and old rags far from your grill—those make perfect nesting materials.
🦟 Step 3: Keep Bugs Away from Your Grill Area
Flying insects are drawn to moisture and food scents. These simple tricks help keep them at bay:
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Eliminate standing water: Empty planters, bird baths, and low spots in the yard.
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Use outdoor fans: Flying insects can’t compete with moving air.
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Set up natural repellents: Burn citronella candles or sage bundles near your seating area.
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Clean as you cook: Keep sauces and juices wiped up from side tables.
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Wear light clothing: Dark colors attract bugs, especially mosquitoes.
💧 DIY Natural Spray: Combine ½ cup witch hazel, ½ cup water, and 10 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oil. Spray lightly around your grilling station.
Step 4: Plant a Pest-Repelling Garden
Your garden can do more than look beautiful—it can defend your BBQ area naturally.
Plant these around your patio or outdoor kitchen for long-term pest control and pollinator appeal:
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🌿 Lavender
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🍋 Lemongrass / Citronella
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🌸 Marigolds
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🌼 Bee Balm
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🌿 Mint
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🌿 Sage
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🌸 Catmint
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🌸 Allium
They repel unwanted insects and attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies—making your backyard both beautiful and balanced.
🧤 Step 5: What to Do If Pests Have Already Moved In
Found droppings or a web inside your grill? Don’t panic—you can fix it safely.
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Wear gloves and a mask.
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Scrape off debris with a putty knife.
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Disassemble and wash all removable parts using hot water, dish soap, and baking soda.
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Rinse and dry completely.
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Run burners on high for 20 minutes before cooking again to sanitize.
If the infestation was heavy, replace disposable trays and check all burners with a Venturi brush before your next use.
💡 Bonus: Year-Round Prevention Checklist
✅ Keep your grill covered when not in use
✅ Store food indoors, not on prep tables
✅ Clean drip trays every few uses
✅ Keep garbage sealed
✅ Trim vegetation near your grill area
✅ Inspect for nests before lighting
Final Thoughts: Make Clean Grilling a Habit
A pest-free BBQ isn’t luck—it’s consistency. By cleaning regularly, sealing entry points, and using natural deterrents, you’ll protect your investment and keep every meal safe and delicious.
At GrillTown, we know your backyard is more than a cooking space—it’s where memories are made. Keep it fresh, clean, and pest-free so the only guests you’re hosting are the ones you actually invited.
🔥 Ready to Take Your Outdoor Kitchen to the Next Level?
Protect your grill and elevate your setup with GrillTown’s premium covers, cleaning kits, and natural BBQ care products.