All kinds of critters will build their homes in your grill if you’re not careful. Insects, squirrels, even birds — they’ll take over and potentially harm your grill. The best prevention is to use your grill often. But if you’re storing it for the winter or any length of time, there are a few things you can do to prevent infestation.
- Inspect
If you see insects or birds flying in and out of your grill, you probably have an infestation. Likewise cobwebs are another telltale sign. Even the tiniest spider can prevent your grill from heating properly.
- Uncover
Bugs love the control knobs, venturi tubes and inside the coupling nut of the regulator. Look underneath all grates and drip pans as well. Pull out everything and look before you store or start your grill up.
- Scrape Away Food
Old food and debris can attract insects and rodents. Scrape and clean your grill grates with a grill brush to remove anything that can be a meal for a critter.
- Fire it Up
Close the cover and let the grill heat for ten minutes. This will kill anything alive inside the grill and burn off excess grease that lures bugs.
- Clean and Store
Before you store your grill for the winter, clean the venturi and burner pipes and then wrap them with plastic, so insects can’t get in.
- Cover Your Grill
Grill covers offer the advantage of keeping the elements AND critters out of your grill. Those that have drawstrings at the bottom are your best bet.
Tip: Storing your grill for the winter? Cover the grill gas line opening with plastic or foil to keep bugs out.
