Summer is a popular time to host outdoor events of all sizes, from informal BBQs and pool parties to outdoor weddings and family reunions. You work hard to create a comfortable, relaxing place for your loved ones to gather, but there’s one thing you might be overlooking: ticks and mosquitoes. These pests aren’t just annoying—they are dangerous. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes spread numerous diseases, including Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E or EEE). Protecting your family and guests must be a top priority. Here are some tips to get your backyard pest-free and summertime ready.
Don’t Let Ticks & Mosquitoes Spoil Your Summer
Instead of letting summertime pests like ticks and mosquitoes put a damper on your summer plans, take control with these three helpful tips.
- Reduce or eliminate conditions that attract pests. There may be some ways you can significantly reduce the summer mosquito and tick population on your property that you may not have considered. Keep your patio, deck, and backyard area clean and free of clutter. Keep your landscaping in order and don’t let vegetation become overgrown. Also, be sure to eliminate any items, such as clogged gutters, tires, and toys that can collect standing water. If you have water features you want to keep, you can introduce certain fish, like koi, that eat mosquito larvae. This is a great way to help bolster your property’s natural defense and not give up the water features you love.
- Invest in plants that deter mosquitoes, ticks, and even flies. Just as the vegetation you grow on your property can hinder your pest control efforts, it can also help. Many plants produce natural oils that help keep these pests at bay. Consider planting mint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass around high-traffic areas of your outdoor entertaining spaces.
- Work with a professional for the best chance of success. If you partner with a professional exterminator like Ford's Hometown Services, you can get accurate, high-quality coverage that delivers impressive results. Check out our tick and mosquito combo programs, many of which come with a 100% guarantee if you choose to use traditional pesticides. And, if you’re hosting a special event like a party, wedding, or graduation, you can call Ford's Hometown Services to schedule an event spraying service. With Ford's Hometown Services, our special event spraying dries in just 15 minutes, making your property ready for guests in no time. In addition, Ford's Hometown Services offers an additional larvicide treatment for aquatic habitats, another way you can make any water features less attractive to unwanted pests.
When It’s Important, Trust The Professionals
While there are many tactics you can implement yourself to help protect your family from ticks and mosquitoes on your property, nothing beats the background of a proven pest control professional. With years of experience, exterminators like Ford's Hometown Services can help you identify and remove breeding areas, as well as deliver strong results thanks to pesticides that aren’t available over the counter. If you’re planning a special event or just want to make sure your backyard is a safe space all summer long, contact Ford's Hometown Services and ward off ticks and mosquitoes for good.