The 4th of July agenda usually includes picnics, cookouts, fireworks and good times with family and friends. It can also include an “explosion” of unwanted pests that want to spoil your good times.
When people gather for their holiday celebrations it is given there will be abundance of food and beverages available. However, your guests aren’t the only ones angling to fill up their plates! Pests are drawn to the sweet, sugary desserts, fruit and soft drinks that are a staple of holiday functions, as well as the greasy leftovers that can be found on grills, serving trays and garbage cans filled with post-party trash.
The Clark Man wants you, your family and friends to have a safe, enjoyable 4th of July and offers the following tips to keep annoying pests from spoiling your holiday fun.
Ants – Like flies, ants are drawn to food, and food spills and leftovers. Ants, especially Argentine ants, one of the most commonly found species in California thrive on sweet, sugary substances like spilled soft drinks. Cleaning up spilled food and drinks, and rinsing out cans and bottles before they go into the recycle bin or garbage can will deny ants their sought after prize.
Stinging Insects – Nothing can ruin a party like getting stung by a bee or yellow jacket. The Clark Man recommends homeowners inspect their property before the party for any signs of nests in trees or under awnings and the eaves of your home. If you do spot a nest, call the stinging insect experts at Clark Pest Control immediately. Also, cover food and beverage cans/bottled since many stinging insects are attracted to sugary substances and no one wants to swallow a bee that flew into your beverage!
Flies – Flies are a common interloper to almost any backyard cookout or picnic. Keep these filthy insects from spoiling your picnic by covering your food with foil or tight sealing lids or set up the buffet inside a screened in porch or tent. Also, remember to clean up food and beverage spills since they are a major attractant to flies.
If you are having issues keeping ants, stinging insects or other pests from invading your outdoor living space, call 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop me an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July!