The more you know about the pests that could make an uninvited appearance at your next cookout, the better prepared you’ll be to keep them at arm’s length. Depending on where you live, e.g. your proximity to forest, water, etc., the unexpected guests in the form of ants, flies, and stinging insects. Because of certain activities that are most common during the summer, many of these pests are more prevalent during the summer than any other time of year. For example, ants, yellowjackets, and flies are attracted to typical barbecue fare, while mosquitoes are especially active at dusk and in hot, humid climes. Similarly, wasp control is never more popular than in the summertime.

Not only are pests a nuisance, but they also pose significant health risks. Ants can contaminate food, while some house flies carry more than 100 different kinds of disease-carrying germs. As for mosquitoes, they’re infamous for carrying diseases like the West Nile virus and dengue fever. Meanwhile, stinging insects such as bees, hornets, and yellowjackets send thousands of Illinoisans to the emergency room each year and are especially active during the second half of summer when the colonies forage for food that will sustain them during winter.

• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk, so if you’re planning a barbeque before sunset, make sure to have plenty of insect repellant handy. Also, citronella candles around the perimeter of your gathering can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants to stay protected.
• Before your cookout gets going, check your screen doors and repair any holes. Also, remind your guests to close doors behind them when going in and out of your home.
• Keep all food and beverages in sealed coolers and containers and keep your garbage containers sealed tight and safely away from the cookout. Also, don’t let spills and crumbs linger – remove them promptly from tables and other surfaces.
• Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal. Rinse all beverage bottles, cans, and cups and dispose of them in tightly sealed garbage containers..
• Consider serving food and beverages indoors while reserving outdoor space for eating and entertaining. This makes for easier cleanup and reduces the risk of an insect invasion.
• If your backyard has a wading pool, garden pond, or birdbath, make sure these are completely drained of standing water. Left undrained, these are choice breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Today, tomorrow, and year-round, keeping your family and friends healthy and safe from pests is priority number one for our local pest control company. Contact our experts today to learn more about our solutions for keeping your backyard barbecues pest-free.