Keep Your Backyard and Summer Gatherings Pest-Free

Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, and evening hangouts. But nothing spoils a good time faster than uninvited guests like ticks and mosquitoes. These pests can quickly turn a perfect day into a swat-fest. If you want to enjoy your outdoor space without swatting flies and worrying about mosquito bites, it’s important to understand why pests thrive in the summer and what you can do to stop them.

Why Are Bugs Worse in the Summer?

Bugs love the summer for the same reasons we do: warmth, sunshine, and longer days. The heat speeds up their breeding cycles, and the humidity gives them the perfect environment to thrive.
In New England, common summer pests include:

• Mosquitoes are especially active at dusk and dawn.
• Ticks hide in tall grass, shrubs and leaf litter.
• Ants love your leftovers.
• Yellow jackets are attracted to sugary drinks.
• Flies swarm around food and garbage.

Some of them are just annoying. But others pose health risks to your family and your guests. Mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus and EEE. Ticks carry Lyme disease and the Powassan virus. Stinging insects like yellow jackets can cause allergic reactions. Even flies are known to carry more than 100 different kinds of germs.

It’s a risk you shouldn’t take. And the good news is, you don’t have to.

5 Tips to Keep Your Backyard Pest-Free for Summer Fun

Here are five easy ways to keep pests out of your yard so you can relax and enjoy your summer plans.

Tip 1: Clean Up the Yard

Pests love clutter. So understanding where pests like to hide can help you eliminate those hiding spots. Some tips include:

• Eliminate standing water in buckets, toys, or gutters
• Cut the grass and trim overgrown shrubs
• Clean up leaf litter
• Keep wood piles away from the house

Even a few small changes like these can make a big difference.

Tip 2: Time Your Outdoor Activities

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so scheduling your gatherings for mid-morning or mid-afternoon can help minimize bites.

Tip 3: Keep Food and Trash Sealed

Bugs are drawn to open food, drinks, and garbage. Use containers with tight-fitting lids, cover dishes with mesh food tents, and make sure your trash cans are securely closed.

Tip 4: Book Event Spraying Before the Party

If you’re hosting a big outdoor event, like a wedding, graduation party, or family reunion, you can schedule spraying before your special event. It’s an easy way to protect your guests.

Tip 5: Get Year-Round Pest Control

Preventative plans mean no surprises come summer. You’ll stop infestations before they start. At Ford’s Hometown Services, our Ultimate Plan provides year-round coverage with strategically timed treatments to take care of each season’s top pests.

Extra Ways to Bug-Proof Your Yard

Here are some additional ideas to keep your backyard pest-free this summer:

• Eat indoors, socialize outside
• If you do eat outdoors, clean up food and dishware right away
• Swap soda cans for clear plastic cups
• Add citronella candles around seating areas
• Use a fan — flying bugs hate the breeze