How to safely keep insects from my backyard barbacue

Backyard - lights - smell of meat, etc. - people

Boy, that's a bug's delight. You can plant lemon grass and lavender, use citronella, use lights that not so many bugs are drawn to. But remember, they outnumber us a million to one. Good luck.

if you mean by 'Safely' not to use any chemically toxic sprays - keep all containers that could contain water emptied - tires, kids toys, the tray to flower pots, etc;. use 'Mosquito Dunks' in fish ponds; adding a recirculating pump will help; keep grass cut short; and if possible use fans! especially around the immediate eating/sitting areas; https://www.laskoproducts.com/electric-fans-designed-for-outdoor-use-are-loaded-with-features-2/ and good property maintenance

http://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/268-585.pdf There are some 'sprays' that may be temporarily effective - or not! most DIY repellants, like Listerine, Avon SkinSoSoft, Johnson's baby creme, etc. are anecdotal with no real scientific authentication.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/keeping-flies-and-pests-off-the-patio