It's almost guaranteed that when the weather gets nice, you'll head outside to eat. Whether you whip out all the best grilling recipes for holiday weekend barbecues or simply have a family meal on the back deck, dining outdoors is pure pleasure for you and your guests... but sometimes, there are uninvited guests. No, we're not talking about your nosy neighbor. We're talking actual pests like flies, gnats, and bees.
If you want to keep your food clean and as far away from bugs as possible considering you still have to share the same space, we've found an easy, affordable solution for you with over 13,000 five-star reviews: mesh food covers! That's right, for only $10, you can purchase reusable pop-up tents to cover your food. The brand is called Simply Genius, and honestly, we couldn't have said it better ourselves.
In this set, you get three large tents that each measure 17-by-17-inches wide, which is the perfect size to cover a 16-inch platter of grilled ribs, a delicious layered cake up to ten-inches high, or practically any pasta salad you'd want to create. The fine mesh construction will easily get rid of mosquitos and even get rid of gnats and other itty-bitty critters. And all you have to do is pop them open like an umbrella and they're ready to go.
Since they also collapse down like little umbrellas, too, they store and transport easily. That means you can take them on a picnic, or add them to your list of camping essentials and pre-game tailgate essentials. If they get dusty or dirty, simply wipe them down and let them air dry. You can absolutely use them inside, too! When you head back indoors, so do the bugs, and they keep fresh food safe from whatever might be swarming around. (We're looking to get rid of you, fruit flies!)
And did we mention the work well in the garden? Pop them over your delicate perennial herbs or strawberry plants with ease. We just recommend having separate sets for planting and eating. But at these prices, you'll have no problem keeping the pests away no matter where they roam! They also offer larger packs of up to 12 so you can mix and match or you can opt for the bestselling jumbo mesh covers that are a whopping 46-by-27 inches if you're really into outdoor entertaining.
They all have the same internal steel construction to keep them sturdy on practically any surface, inside or out. And the delicate lace trim on the edges not only looks pretty, but helps prevent things like ants from crawling underneath as well. Your food will be nicely displayed and nicely protected. So go on, get yourself a set of mesh food covers that'll make your al fresco meals pest-free all summer long!
Shop Other Outdoor Food Covers
Crate and Barrel Food Tent
Neepa Hut Handmade Collapsible Woven Food Tent, Set of 2
Round Mesh Food Plate Net
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
