There is almost nothing more fun to me than summer time and outdoor eating. I love barbeques, picnics, eating at the beach, making food over a camp fire etc. I don’t know if it gets better than eating a grilled burger or munching on a piece of watermelon while the kids are running around the backyard, throwing a football around.

With these lovely outdoor meals usually comes an uninvited guest or two. And no, I’m not talking about that super chatty uncle that loves to share his political opinions. I’m talking about bugs. Outdoor meals are the prime place for flies and other pesky bugs to hang out and try to share in the fun.

Here are 5 great ways to get rid of these unwelcome guests for good. Sorry, there’s not much I can do about that uncle. Good luck with that one! :)

1. Eliminate the breeding grounds.

Flies breed in decaying fruit and veggies, compost, and manure. We're guessing you don't have a lot of “manure” around unless you have a pet that doesn’t get cleaned up after, but the other two could pose a problem.

If you have garbage cans outside, keep them far away from your patio, empty them regularly, and seal them shut if it'll be a few days before sanitation drives down your street. If you have a vegetable garden, pick the ripe ones right away or consider relocating the garden to an area of your yard that's far away from the patio.

2. Set up some fans.

Flies of course can't fly super well in the wind. If you have a covered patio, think about installing a ceiling fan. Otherwise, just set up some portable outdoor fans. Even those battery powered fans attached to spray bottles could offer some degree of protection.

3. Make an herbal centerpiece.

There are a few herbs with essential oils that repel flies (and other insects!), and it happens that they also look pretty in a jar. Fill a vase with a mix of basil, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, or mint for a bouquet that will keep the flies away and smell great, too.

4. Wear natural bug repellants.

The same essential oils that work in herb form will repel flies from your skin, too. Look for natural bug repellants with essential oils like lavender, rosemary, mint, and basil to wear while you're outside.

5. Hide the drinks.

Flies love sugary and yeasty things, so the more wine, beer, and soda you have on the table, the more attractive it will be to them. You don't have to cut out your favorite beverages altogether — just consider drinking out of cups with lids, store the bottles or cans in a sealed cooler in between pours, and wipe up any spills right away.