Increase in Pest Pressure Can Spoil the Season’s Festivities

Image courtesy of Chattanooga Real Estate Today

The countdown begins to July 4th weekend! 

A weekend to celebrate independence with fireworks, food, festivities, friends and family, Craig Thomas Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association offer advice for bug-free barbeque's.


June 30, 2010 (Fairfax, Va.) – Barbeque's can be a source of seasonal fun, but not when pests crash the party. Ants, flies and stinging insects are prevalent in the late summer and early fall and although often considered a mere annoyance to party goers, these pests can also bite, sting, carry diseases and contaminate food.


“Outdoor events can be tricky enough to plan for due to uncooperative weather and other unpredictable elements. Pest predicaments should not be another worry,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “More than just a nuisance, these pests can leave painful bites and transmit diseases, which should compel homeowners to take an active role in their prevention.”


NPMA recommends taking these precautions to discourage unwanted pests from spoiling barbeque fun:
• Ants and flies are attracted to typical barbeque fare. Serve food and beverages indoors, and reserve outdoor space for eating and entertaining. Keep food sealed in containers or covered whenever possible, and wipe tabletops frequently. Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal. Dispose of trash in closed garbage containers and keep receptacles a good distance from where guests are gathered.
• Mosquitoes feed on blood, causing painful bite marks and sometimes carrying diseases such as Malaria and West Nile Virus. Remove/drain sources of standing water in the yard that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including birdbaths and kiddie pools. When outside, wear insect repellent on exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
• Stinging insects are attracted to fragrances from candles, perfumes and even the food and drinks you serve. Provide clear cups for beverages, as soda/juice cans are good hiding spots for stinging pests.
• Properly screen doors and windows leading into the home. Remind guests to close doors when entering and exiting your home.
• If you’re concerned about an abundance of pests in your yard, contact a
Craig Thomas Pest Control, a licensed pest professional to help control the problem.

For more information on pests that can invade your barbeque,

visit Craig Thomas Pest Control or National Pest Management Association.

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The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

As you spend the weekend celebrating our freedom and independence, the team from Craig Thomas Pest Control wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. Happy Birthday America!

Reduce Mosquitoes

Every summer there are new horror stories about mosquito-borne illnesses such as
equine encephalitis, malaria and West Nile virus. But there are steps you can take to help keep mosquitoes at bay near your home this summer. Mosquitoes require an Aquatic habitat for the egg, larval and pupal forms of their development to occur. By simply removing water resources in which mosquitoes may develop, you can help make your yard and neighborhood mosquito-free.

Here are 15 ways to help keep mosquitoes away from your home:
1. Don’t overwater your yard and garden. Standing water becomes a source for mosquito eggs to be deposited and to develop.
2. Empty bird baths at least once a week and replenish water.
3. Remove standing water from potted plant saucers.
4. Change pet dish water once a week.
5. Change water in kiddie pools or fountains at least once a week.
6. Make sure trash can lids are on cans and not turned over to serve as water reservoirs.
7. Clean gutters on house and make sure water is flowing properly away from home.
8. Fill in mud puddles.
9. Grade land so water moves away from the house and yard.
10. Check tree holes and stumps in yard for standing water.
11. Make sure tire swings and any old tires are emptied of standing water in the yard.
12. Rain barrels for catching rainwater should be screened at the surface to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
13. Cover all trash and recycle receptacles with tight-fitting lids to prevent water inside.
14. Add bubblers or fountains to small decorative lakes or fish ponds to keep the water
surface constantly rippling so that mosquito larvae are drowned at the surface.
15. Keep swimming pools drained or covered during off months, and treated properly during the summer season.

If your outdoor activities still being invaded by unwanted guests, Call Craig. We offer green treatments to help reduce the amount of pests, while protecting your health, home and property.


Article featured in our Summer 2009 Pest Gazette