One of the great things about summer is spending time outside with friends. Unfortunately, these fun get-togethers can quickly become a nightmare if uncontrolled pests are constantly bothering you and your guests. Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep pests at bay so that you can host the perfect pest-free party.
Preparation
While you are planning out menus and activities for your party, you should also think about ways you can prepare for pests. Spending a little time before your party can make a huge difference in the outcome. In the days leading up to the party, make sure your property is trimmed and well-manicured. Insects and other pests are attracted to areas of thick foliage and ample hiding places. Reduce these harborages by trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn, and disposing of yard debris. It is also especially important to eliminate any standing water that may be in the yard. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so turn over flower pots, toys, or buckets that may fill up during rain storms. If you have a pond on your property, use an aerator or stock it with fish that eat insects. For a long-term solution, landscaping with pest-repelling plants may be worth it. Things like geraniums, lavender, and marigolds are pest deterrents.
Timing
The timing of your party can also affect your comfort level. Many insects, like mosquitoes, are most active at dawn and dusk. If you want to avoid mosquitoes, hosting a daytime gathering may be the best option.
Food Care
One of the best parts of any party is the delicious food! Unfortunately, sweet foods and drinks will also attract bees, wasps, flies, and other creatures. Keep all of the party food covered until it is time to eat, and then return the covers after the guests have been served. Rubbish bins are also a source of insect and pest activity, so place them away from the main gathering area and ensure that they have tight-fitting lids.
Ambiance
For evening parties, you can help control the mosquito problem by being careful about the lighting you choose for your party. Mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to lights, but there are some options available that will help decrease them. Try changing the color of your outdoor bulbs. Pink, orange, or yellow bulbs have been shown to attract less insects. Better yet, candles or tiki torches that use citronella oil can actually repel bugs.
Pest Control
Another part of your party prep should be to have insect repellent on hand. Repellents that contain DEET have been proven to repel ticks and mosquitoes and protect against the diseases that they carry like Lyme Disease, malaria, and Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses.
Regular pest control treatments can also help with the pest population. The application of residual pesticides around the exterior of your home can help control pests for months at a time. Staying up-to-date on these treatments is vital. If you want to ensure that pest problems don’t interrupt your outdoor parties, contact Radar Pest Control to learn more about our services. From ants and mosquitoes to termites and rodents, our expertly trained technicians have the tools and experience necessary to keep your home pest-free. For Sunshine Coast pest control, Radar Pest Control is your best choice.