Garden bar pests: wasps, mice, spiders and slugs

A garden bar offers everything a wasp or a mouse could want: sugar, crumbs, shelter and quiet over winter. Most pest problems come from food left out and gaps left open, so most of the fixes are housekeeping.

Wasps

Late-summer wasps are drawn to sweet drinks and fruit.

• Cover drinks and serve from closed bottles and cans where possible.
• Rinse empty cans and bottles before putting them in recycling.
• Keep bins lidded and emptied.
• Wipe spills promptly.

If you find a nest in or near the bar, don't try to remove it yourself. Your local council or a pest control professional can advise.

Mice and rats

Rodents look for shelter and food as the weather cools.

• Store snacks and anything edible in sealed containers or take them indoors.
• Seal gaps around pipes, cables and the base.
• Keep the area around the bar free of clutter and long grass.
• Don't store bird food in the bar.
• Check for droppings and gnawing in autumn.

If you find signs of rats, your local council can advise on pest control services.

Spiders and insects

Spiders love quiet corners and festoon lights. Regular sweeping and cleaning keeps webs down. Close windows and doors when lights are on to reduce moths and midges.

Slugs and snails

Damp bases and gaps under doors invite slugs into the bar. Keep the base dry, fit a door seal and clear vegetation from the walls.

Birds and squirrels

Birds can nest under roof overhangs and squirrels can chew into roof spaces. Check roof edges and fascias and seal gaps outside the nesting season. Wild birds and their active nests are protected by law.

Hygiene

Clean glasses and surfaces after every use. Don't leave food out overnight. If the bar has a sink, keep the drain clean. See glass and storage.

Winter shutdown

Before closing the bar for winter, remove food, sweets and soft drinks, sweep thoroughly and check for gaps. See the maintenance calendar.

Walk round the outside of the bar with a torch at dusk and look for gaps you can see daylight through from inside. Seal them before the weather turns.