Pests love summer almost as much as people do. They thrive in the warmer temperatures, and they become more active than any other time of the year. Some of the most notorious pests, like mosquitoes, bees, wasps and fire ants, can be found in droves at the time people enjoy being outdoors the most. So, how can you avoid pests when you’re planning an outdoor event like a summer barbecue? Here are some tips:
Clean the Yard Before and After
While you may feel that pests are pestering you during outdoor activities, remember that you’re technically in their home when you’re outside. One way to make the barbecue area less appealing to them is by cleaning up before and after you have people over. Make sure the area is free of debris before the first guest arrives, and pick up any trash or spills when the last one leaves. Keeping clean is your first line of defense against pests.
Properly Store Food and Trash
Keeping food and trash sealed up lowers the chances of pests crashing your party. Pests end up at barbecues with the intention of getting a snack. Unlike people, pests aren’t picky about where their food comes from. Making sure any trash or leftover food gets into the trash can keep pests away from you and your family. Similarly, you want to make sure food is sealed and stored away before and after it’s eaten. Otherwise, you’re tempting any pests that see or smell it.
Use Natural Repellents
No matter how solid your strategy, there’s always a chance that stinging or blood sucking pests will show up to your barbecue. Consider wearing bug repellent to avoid attracting insects, especially if you’re outside during cooler parts of the day like the early morning or evening. Consider burning citronella candles to repel mosquitoes in the immediate area.
Maintain Your Yard
The best way to keep pests away is by consistently maintaining your yard. Avoid leaving standing water around, as it’s the best place for mosquitoes to breed. Keep the grass short, and clear your yard of debris. The fewer habitats you leave around for pests, the less likely they’ll be to set up shop in your yard.
When to Call the Pros
Pests generally belong outside, but sometimes, especially if you don’t use your outdoor space often, pest problems can get out of hand. If you find that you have swarms of stinging pests or mosquitoes in your yard, or your deck is simply overrun with pests, call the professionals. Get your pest problem taken care of before having people over.
A backyard barbecue can be one of the best ways to bask in the sunshine. However, it can become a nightmare if pests become involved. If you need an outdoor pest problem taken care of, Command Pest Control, a veteran-owned company with a 20-year history of exceptional service, is here to help. We offer residential pest control in Pompano and surrounding areas. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
