There’s nothing worse than settling in for a great game night only to have ants marching across your poker table or a spider dropping onto someone’s cards. Trust me, I’ve been there – it kills the vibe instantly.

Whether you’re hosting a casual board game session or getting ready for some serious US poker action, keeping bugs out of the picture is crucial. Nobody wants to deal cards while swatting flies, right?

Here’s what actually works to keep your gaming space pest-free without turning it into a chemical wasteland.

Tip 1: Clean Up Your Space (But Don’t Go Crazy)

I’ll be honest – clutter is like a welcome mat for bugs. Those stacks of old magazines? Perfect spider condos. That pile of random stuff in the corner? Ant paradise.

Before your friends show up, do a quick sweep. You don’t need to deep-clean everything, but get rid of obvious hiding spots. Wipe down surfaces where you’ve had snacks before. It’s amazing how even tiny crumbs can turn into a pest highway.

The bonus? Your space looks better, and you can actually find your dice when they inevitably roll off the table.

Tip 2: Block the Entry Points

This one’s huge. Pests are basically tiny home invaders looking for any crack they can squeeze through.

Check your windows and doors for gaps. That little space under the door? Seal it. Cracks around windows? Caulk them. It takes maybe 30 minutes, but it saves hours of frustration later.

And here’s a game night-specific tip: during your poker sessions, snacks are everywhere. Store everything in sealed containers, and clean up spills immediately. Seriously, that one drop of soda can attract ants from three rooms away.

Tip 3: Go Natural (Your Guests Will Thank You)

Chemical sprays right before game night? Bad idea. Nobody wants to smell pesticides while playing poker.

Try peppermint oil instead. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and hit the baseboards, windowsills, and doorways. It smells great, and bugs hate it. Lavender works too, though some people find it too relaxing for competitive gaming.

I started doing this after a friend complained about the “chemical smell” during one of our monthly games. Now the room actually smells better than before.

Tip 4: Time It Right

Don’t wait until an hour before guests arrive to deal with pest issues. Plan ahead.

If you’re calling professionals, do it at least a week early. Those treatments need time to work and air out. For DIY stuff, weekends work best when you can take your time.

Set traps earlier in the week, then remove them before people come over. Nothing ruins the atmosphere like a visible mousetrap next to the snack table.

A little preparation goes a long way. Your friends want to focus on the games, not on dodging insects. Get ahead of the problem, and everyone has more fun.