Celebrating a Pest-Free Fourth of July with Clark Pest Control

Jul 7, 2025, 11:09 AM by Fred Speer

The Fourth of July is a time for fun, food, family, and fireworks but it can also be a prime opportunity for pests to crash the party. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, pool party, or fireworks viewing, unwanted guests like flies, ants, stinging insects, and mosquitoes are eager to join the celebration.

Clark, your neighborly pest, termite, and lawn care expert, wants to help you enjoy a safe, pest-free holiday by keeping the most common party crashers away from your celebration.

Why Pest Prevention Matters

Did you know:

  • Flies can carry more than 100 pathogens, including Salmonella and E. coli?
  • Stinging insects like wasps and yellowjackets send over 500,000 people to emergency rooms every year due to allergic reactions and stings (per the CDC).
  • Mosquitoes are more than just annoying. They can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases, even in parts of California.

That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps before and during your Fourth of July festivities.

Clark’s Top Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Party

Flies

  • Cover food trays with foil or use mesh food tents.
  • Set up your food and drink buffet indoors or in a screened-in area when possible.
  • Clean up spills promptly and keep trash bins sealed.
  • Try hanging sticky fly traps or using fans around food areas to keep flies away. They dislike strong air currents.

Ants

  • Wipe down surfaces and tables frequently especially sugary spills.
  • Rinse out cans and bottles before placing them in recycling bins.
  • Keep garbage tightly sealed and away from high-traffic areas.
  • Check for ant trails near foundations and entry points.

Stinging Insects

  • Inspect your yard for nests in trees, shrubs, under eaves, and around outdoor furniture.
  • Avoid wearing strong fragrances and bright-colored clothing that can attract bees and wasps.
  • Keep beverage cans and sugary drinks covered. Yellowjackets are notorious for sneaking inside.
  • If you find a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself. Call the stinging insect experts at Clark for assistance.

Mosquitoes

  • Eliminate any standing water in buckets, flowerpots, or birdbaths where mosquitoes breed.
  • Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Light citronella candles and install outdoor fans. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and tend to avoid moving air.
  • Keep your lawn trimmed and remove overgrown vegetation where they like to rest during the day.

Extra Tips for a Bug-Free Bash

  • Serve food in small batches and refill as needed to avoid long exposure.
  • Set up outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids and keep them away from seating areas.
  • Consider timing your party for earlier in the day. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk.
  • Use yellow “bug lights” outdoors. They're less attractive to flying insects than standard white bulbs.

Call Clark for a Pest-Free Fourth of July

If pests are already making themselves at home in your yard or patio, let Clark Pest Control help before they ruin your next get-together.

Call or text 800/WE-NEED-YOU
Email: clarkcares@clarkpest.com

Until next time, thanks for helping keep your home and yard healthy, comfortable, and pest-free with Clark Pest Control.

Have a safe and festive Fourth of July!