Wil-Kil Pest Control's Pest of the Month: Entertain Outside - Pest Free!

With longer days and warmer nights on tap, Minnesota summers are perfect for getting outside and entertaining, but they are also perfect for pests like mosquitoes, flies and various stinging insects to join in on the fun. Whether you’re picnicking at the park, relaxing on the patio or grilling in the backyard, you don’t want unwanted visitors to crash your party. As you’re planning your outdoor summer festivities, homeowners may want to take some preventative actions against summer pests.

Six secrets to pest-free outdoor entertaining:

1. Eliminate pest palaces. These are spaces where pests can settle in and make themselves at home

How? Check screens and windows for holes and repair them; remove tires and artificial water containers; and store wood at least 25 feet away from home.

2. Reduce standing water. Water attracts all kinds of pests, so remove it from your entertaining areas.

How? Pay attention to water in your ditches and sprinklers, and change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

3. Save food for your guests not pests. Just like water, food attracts pests.

How? Keep food covered and sealed, and remove other sources of food – like garbage bags – from around the home.

4. Adjust the lighting. Some lights – like fluorescent and halogen – are more attractive to pests than others.

How? Replace outdoor lighting with low pressure and sodium vapor bulbs.

5. Keep up with home maintenance. When it comes down to it, pests – like your guests – enjoy places they can sit down, have some food and stay a while, but regular home and yard maintenances make their stay less comfortable.

How? Keep your rain gutters unclogged; your flat roof dry; and your shrubs, flowers and grassy areas weeded and sprayed.

6. Be a hospitable host. If bugs are bugging you, chances are they are bugging your guests. Be prepared and be conscientious.

How? Provide your guests with insect repellent and, most importantly, be aware of what time of day it is – mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider planning afternoon barbeques and cookouts to avoid the swarms!

With these six tips, you’ll be on your way to summer entertaining in a setting that’s great for guests, not pests. For more information or to a eliminate pest, visit our website at http://www.wil-kil.com/residential-pest-control.

Did you use one of my tips in preparation for your outdoor summer party? Let me know how it worked! I’d love to hear from you!

About Shane McCoy:
Shane McCoy is the Technical Training Director for Wil-Kil Pest Control, a regional pest management company providing quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest. As an Associate Certified Entomologist with over 18 years of experience in pest management, Shane’s blog provides expert tips and tricks, timely information and solutions for coexisting with the insect life and critters around us. To learn more about Wil-Kil Pest Control, please visit www.wil-kil.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@WilKilPest).