May 28, 2021, 08:34 AM by Fred Speer

As we approach the first major holiday weekend of the year, we Californians are starting to see increased insect pest activity in and around our homes.

This is due in part to warmer temperatures, when pests act like pests by aggressively seeking new sources of food, water, and harborage.

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is Monday. Clark, your friendly termite, grounds care, and pest management expert, would like to help you keep your home, yard, and outdoor holiday activities pest free.

Nuisance pests

How do you keep pests such as flies, cockroaches, stinging insects, and ants from becoming a nuisance and potential health threat to your outdoor activities, especially those backyard cookouts? Following good food-safety practices and a healthy dose of common sense before, during, and after an outdoor meal can protect you, and your family, and your guests.

Pests – especially stinging insects and ants – are attracted to sugary food, including soft drinks, cake frosting, barbecue sauces, and marinades. Flies and cockroaches have less-discriminating palates, and will feast on crumbs, oils, grease, garbage, and waste. For flies, the smellier the better, as they are attracted to foul odors and decomposing food.

Pests and food-borne illnesses

Aside from spoiling a perfectly good meal, many of the pests mentioned here can spread harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli. This happens when flies, cockroaches, and ants come in contact with food, or food-preparation and dining surfaces, after they have visited other less-appetizing items such as rotting garbage, feces, or animal carcasses.

When planning an outdoor event that involves food, make sure to follow good sanitation and food-preparation practices to reduce pest-attracting conditions.

• -Pick up leftover bottles and wrappers and clean up crumbs and spills.
  
  
• -Frequently empty garbage or recycle bins to make your picnic or cookout less attractive to these hungry pests.
  
  
• -Keep food tightly covered in plastic containers, or covered with foil or plastic wrap, before and after cooking.
  
  
• -Don’t leave soda cans uncovered, as the sugary ingredients can attract ants or stinging insects.

 

Be aware of the tick threat

Remembering those who served

In closing, as we prepare for the long holiday weekend, Clark Pest Control would like to take a moment to salute all those Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice, along with everyone who has served our great nation. May we never take them for granted. If you see a veteran this weekend, thank them for their service to our country.

Clark Pest Control is committed to safeguarding your home from pests during these challenging times. Our service technicians use such personal protective equipment as gloves, masks, and respirators, they practice social distancing, they call ahead to notify you before a service, and they adhere strictly to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your home.

If you have questions about bothersome pests in and around your home, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com. We are ready to help you solve your pest issues.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home.