Bite- and Sting-Free Celebrations

For many of us, the outdoors has become an escape from day-to-day life as we try to find a new normal with COVID-19. Warm weather combined with the need for social distancing also means that in order to acknowledge milestones while staying safe, things like weddings, birthdays, and graduation celebrations are moving outdoors.

Whether you’re hosting an event or attending one elsewhere, biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks and stinging insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can quickly disrupt a fun gathering.

Here are some tips to prevent bites and stings at your outdoor event:

For Hosts:

1. Eliminate standing water around your yard to limit mosquito breeding grounds. This is especially important if it rained recently. Check flowerpots, clogged gutters, dripping faucets, and pool covers for these potential breeding grounds.
2. Since ticks prefer tall grasses, you’ll want to frequently mow your lawn. For next-level tick protection, the CDC recommends placing a 3-ft. wide barrier between your lawn and wooded areas.
3. Check the perimeter of your home for beehives or wasp nests well in advance of your party. If you see one, we do not recommend trying to remove it on your own as it can lead to a dangerous situation. Contact a professional pest control company like Terminix Wil-Kil for safe hive removal and relocation.
4. Plan your outdoor party for early in the afternoon. While it isn’t uncommon to be bit by a mosquito during the day, it is less likely. Mosquitoes generally hide from the hot sun during the day, which is why they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
5. Replace your outdoor patio lights with warm colored LED lights since flying insects are most attracted to traditional incandescent bulbs. Low pressure, sodium vapor light bulbs should reduce this activity around your patio.
6. Avoid using store-bought sprays or chemicals in your backyard. If used improperly, you could be creating a hazardous situation for yourself and your guests. If you do decide to use them, make sure to read the label and follow the directions before use.

For Attendees:

1. Avoid swatting at stinging insects. Even though swatting is our first instinct, you should avoid swatting insects like bees and wasps. Swatting only provokes them, increasing your likelihood of being stung.
2. Wear an EPA-approved insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. There are plenty of safe and effective products on the market that come in sprays, patches, and lotions. Reapply every few hours as directed.
3. Since bees are attracted to sweet scents, you’ll want to limit the amount of fragrance you’re wearing. This includes perfume, cologne, hair spray, and lotion.
4. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing and patterns. High contrasting clothes are particularly interesting for stinging insects. Try wearing white or lighter pastels when you’re outside for an extended period.
5. Check yourself for ticks after the event. If you do find ticks on your body, you need to ensure the entire tick is removed. Click here for instructions on how to properly remove a tick.

Affordable Summer Pest Protection

Taking the above precautions are a great way to limit your exposure to biting and stinging insects. When combined with Terminix Wil-Kil’s biting and stinging insect services, your backyard will be a relaxing spot for outdoor gatherings with friends and family. Contact us today to schedule exterior treatment before your big event: (800) 236-8735.