Don't Let Pests Crash Your Summer Party!

With the last day of school, graduation ceremonies, and Memorial Day quickly approaching, you’re probably feeling the pressure to get your outdoor area ready for all the festivities. Not only are you concerned about the look of your lawn and impressing your guests, but you also need to know which pests to avoid and, if possible, prevent from ruining your celebration. Here’s your party pest avoidance checklist:

Mosquitoes

We’d like to be completely rid of mosquitoes forever, but that would be a difficult task! Let’s look at what you can do to reduce their occurrence in and around your home:

• Eliminate breeding grounds
• Be cautious of the time of day you plan your festivities; mosquitoes are most active early morning and late afternoon
• Minimize wearing floral prints and perfumes as they attract more mosquitoes
• Receive regular mosquito reduction service

Ticks

We understand the concern that ticks can breed. Take a look at these tips to prevent one of these pests attaching to you:

• Wear light-colored clothing to help you see if you have picked up any ticks if you live in a wooded area
• Wearing long-sleeves, pants, and shoes without open toes is suggested if your festivities are in an area with tall grass. Ticks will use the tall grass to attach to you
• Keep grass cut low and inspect yourself thoroughly after working in the yard

Fleas

Fleas are typically a nuisance for our furry friends, though they can still cause issues for you too. Here are a few suggestions to keep your home and pets flea-free:

• Check pets frequently for fleas and flea dust
• Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and clean furniture regularly
• Bathe pets frequently and speak with a vet about preventative medicine
• If you think you have a flea infestation in your home and/or yard, call your exterminator for a free flea treatment quote

Fire Ants

Like mosquitoes, fire ants can be an unwanted fixture on your lawn during the warmer months. They leave painful bites and can be an issue for pets and humans alike. To prevent fire ants from ruining your summer fun, try these tips:

• Avoid all contact with fire ant mounds
• To stop them from coming into your home, seal any cracks and replace any weather-stripping
• If you see mounds around your home, call a pest control company to discuss a treatment plan