How to Spray for Pests Before Special Events

Planning an outdoor event can be exciting and fun. Unfortunately, an outdoor celebration may also have you dealing with uninvited guests, like mosquitoes and ticks. Careful pest control spraying will help keep ticks and mosquitoes from hijacking your outdoor events and ensure that the only guests eating at your event are the ones you invited.

Mosquitoes can put a damper on any party. When guests spend more time swatting pests to avoid getting bitten than enjoying themselves, it’s a problem. And the itchy red bumps are not even the worst part of dealing with mosquitoes, ticks, and no-see-ums. Some people are highly allergic to insect bites, and many bloodsucking pests carry pathogens and diseases like West Nile Virus, malaria, and Zika. So, special event pest control is important not only for your guests’ comfort but for their safety as well.

Pest Control for Spring and Summer Events

Many people plan a spring or summer event to take advantage of warmer weather. While this time of year can provide a memorable outdoor experience, it can also become unforgettable for all the wrong reasons if mosquitoes, flies, or gnats crash your event, and it quickly spirals into a buzzing, biting slap fest.

Depending on where you live, most flying, biting, annoying pests begin to emerge from their winter dormancy in early spring and are in full force during the summer months. So, if you’re planning or already have an event planned for spring or summer, here are some things you should consider to keep your event pest-free.

If possible, it’s best to spray early in the morning or late at night two to three days prior to your event. Hiring a pro will ensure the pest control treatment is applied under suitable conditions – when the soil is fairly dry, the weather is mild and overcast, and no rain is expected. This timing ensures your celebration will remain free of biters and allows the pest control spraying to do its job and fully dissipate before any guests arrive. If timing permits, spraying the property twice in quick succession will provide the best results and ensure your guests use their hands for clapping and not slapping.

Is It Harmful to Spray for Pests When the Event Is About to Start?

Pest control safety must be taken into consideration to protect your guests and ensure a successful event. If you’re wondering how long to wait after an exterminator sprays at your venue, we recommend allowing the spray to dry for at least 30 minutes before entering the treated area. After that time, your guests can enjoy the space. Be aware that a pest control treatment will give off a smell for up to two hours after it has been applied. To ensure the best results for a pest-free celebration, follow the advice of your pest-control service professional. Pest control spraying should be applied several hours to a few days before your event. This will give the treatment ample time to be effective while minimizing any residual smell.

What Should You Do Before a Spray?

Your preparation for pest control spraying will vary depending on the location. If you are renting a site for the event, you may not have many options. Coordinate with the space manager and discuss the possibilities. Most likely, they will arrange for pest control services prior to the event, but it’s better to confirm rather than assume. If you are hosting the event in your backyard and have scheduled a treatment, there are a few things you can do to aid the pest control effort.

To prepare for pest control spraying, clear your property of all standing water, litter, and debris. These conditions provide excellent breeding sites and habitats for mosquitoes and other biting insects. Keep your pets and children indoors during the treatment and for at least 30 minutes after the treatment has been applied. If you have particularly valuable or sensitive plants, consider covering or removing them temporarily (if possible).

What Should You Do After a Spray?

If you’re wondering what to do after pest control sprays are used at the venue, there are just a few things to remember. Shortly before your guests arrive, wipe down any areas or surfaces that you, the servers, or your guests will touch or where any food will be placed. Also, unless you’re intentionally trying to curb the appetite of your guests, check the area for any dead insects and remove them. The last thing guests need to see before food is served are dead insects (yuck!).

A Successful, Pest-free Event

Pest control safety is an essential consideration for your outdoor event. While you want to protect your guests’ comfort and health by ridding the venue of pests, you also want to minimize exposure to the treatment.

There is a lot that goes into planning and hosting a successful event, but when it comes to keeping pests away from your outdoor fun, you can trust the professionals at your local Mosquito Joe. We know how to keep biters at bay and away from your outdoor event because we have been protecting families and businesses across the country for years. Our comprehensive pest control services will help you to reclaim the outdoors for spending time with family and friends. Learn more about the services we offer to help shield your special events from uninvited pests.