There’s a reason July is National Grilling Month—summer’s at its peak and there’s no better time to gather friends, neighbors, and family for outdoor cooking and fun. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for summer’s most common pests, from mosquitoes to ants. Don’t cancel those party plans just yet, though, because there are ways you can exclude bugs from your guest list. Here’s what you need to know about the types of pests that would love to be invited to your next cookout and how to keep them from spoiling the day.

Common Summer Pests

Mosquitoes

These biting insects aren’t just annoying: They can also pose a threat to your health by spreading dangerous diseases, so mosquitoes are at the top of the list when it comes to taking pest-prevention measures.

Nearly every yard offers a spot where mosquitoes can easily hide and breed. Mosquitoes will set up housekeeping wherever you have even a small amount of standing water, so the most important thing you can do before a backyard event is to remove all of the water and moisture that you can. 

Inspect these spots where water may have collected and empty them:

• Birdbaths
• Non-working fountains or water features
• Covers on cars, boats, and grills
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Lawn and gardening equipment
• Childrens’ toys and playsets
• Pet bowls

Mosquitoes can be a challenge to get rid of on your own, so the best plan may be to have regular professional mosquito control. At Turner Pest Control, we offer free quotes on a solution that’s customized to your needs and the size of your yard. We offer both one-time service, or recurring service during the months when mosquitoes are most active. 

Ready to have the pros take over, but you’re concerned about the cost? Right now, you can save $25 off your first month of mosquito control when you sign up for recurring service! It’s the affordable way to make your yard safe and enjoyable.

Ants

All it takes is one ant that’s found food and water to have a parade of ants making its way to your table. Like mosquitoes, ants are attracted to moisture, so you want to make sure you take the same steps to reduce their supply. 

Ants are attracted to foods with high concentrations of fat and sugar, so keep that in mind when setting out bowls of fruits such as melon slices or that big, show-stopping cake for dessert. 

Flies

The last thing you want to see is your guests having to swat flies away from their plates and drinks. Aside from being unappetizing—what did they land on before they landed on your food?—flies are just plain annoying and detract from an enjoyable meal. 

The best thing you can do to keep flies at bay is to deny them access to your meal by covering every serving dish and make sure drinks are in containers with lids. There are plenty of clever covers for food on the market that will be served outdoors, but even colanders and bowls turned upside down can be useful. A couple of layers of plastic wrap will do as well.

Wasps

A wasp loves nothing more than an open soda can or bottle, which are often in great supply during a summer outdoor gathering. Although wasps are a nuisance, their sting can be life-threatening to guests with allergies, so it’s important to do what you can to wasp-proof your event.

Purchase beverage can covers or lids with screw caps (you can buy them in packs online) prior to your cookout and make sure plenty are available for your guests. Buying sets in different colors can even help your guests keep up with which drink belongs to them.

More To-Dos for a Pest-Free Cookout

Here are tips for keeping all sorts of pests away:

• Many flying pests aren’t very strong fliers, so aim fans at the central gathering spot.
• If you’re serving beverages in plastic cups, try to keep up with discarded cups—rinse them and put them in a tightly sealed trash bag.
• Give your guests a few tips prior to your party, such as avoiding wearing heavy cologne or perfume and wearing light-colored clothing.
• Stay on top of cleaning tables, wiping away crumbs and spills throughout the day.
• Keep food away from the ground: Provide enough tables for guests to avoid having to sit on the ground with their plates and drinks.
• Make sure garbage cans (both the ones you provide for your guests and your regular household garbage bins) are located far from where you’re serving food.
• If you’re decorating for your cookout, don’t use real flowers in arrangements on tables.

Your Best Bug Prevention Bet? Call The Pros.

You could attempt some DIY pest control, but it’s not always easy to apply them properly. Plus, you don’t want your guests to come into contact with chemicals in your yard.

For your safety and peace of mind—and for a great day celebrating National Grill Month!—schedule a free inspection and estimate from our pest control professionals. Scroll down this page and enter your ZIP code to get started on our expert residential pest control services.