Keeping Uninvited Pests Off Your Summer Barbecue Guest List

Summer months bring peak activity for flies, stinging insects, and mosquitoes, turning any backyard into a high-traffic zone for pests. Dr. Jim Fredericks, a board-certified entomologist and senior vice president at the NPMA, emphasizes that preparation remains the most effective defense against these uninvited guests.

To maintain a pest-free environment, experts suggest using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin while avoiding scented lotions and candles, which often attract yellowjackets. Food management is equally critical: keep all items in airtight, sealed containers and clear away spills or dirty dishes immediately. Serving drinks in clear plastic cups rather than cans prevents stinging insects from hiding inside, and sealing garbage containers away from the main seating area minimizes further attraction. Finally, homeowners should drain standing water from birdbaths, kiddie pools, or planters, as mosquitoes require only half an inch of water to breed.