Don’t Let Bugs Ruin Your 4th: Last-Minute Tips for a Pest-Free Party

The 4th of July is almost here, and if you're planning a cookout, pool party, or fireworks celebration, you’re probably double-checking your guest list, prepping the grill, and setting up the red, white, and blue. But there’s one group that definitely wasn’t invited—bugs.

Here in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, summer pests love a good cookout just as much as we do. Whether it's mosquitoes biting at your ankles, ants invading your picnic table, or yellow jackets circling the sweet tea, these unwanted guests can quickly turn festive into frustrating.

At Harris Pest Control, we’re your neighbors, and we know exactly what local pests are up to this time of year. Here are some quick, last-minute tips to help you keep the bugs out and the fun in.

Make Your Yard Less Inviting to Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes love standing water—and unfortunately, it doesn’t take much. Dump out any kiddie pools, flowerpot saucers, or buckets that might have collected rain. If you’re hosting near dusk, set up fans to create airflow (mosquitoes are weak fliers), and encourage guests to wear repellent. If the bugs are already bad, give us a call—our mosquito control treatments can knock them down fast.

Keep Food Covered

Ants, flies, and wasps are attracted to your spread. Cover food and drinks, especially sugary beverages and meat, with mesh food tents or tightly sealed containers. Keep trash bins sealed and away from your seating area.

Check for Wasp Activity

Before guests arrive, do a quick sweep around your deck, porch, and play structures for any signs of wasp nests. Yellow jackets, in particular, are aggressive defenders of their territory and tend to show up when food is around. If you spot a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself—Harris Pest Control offers fast, safe wasp removal.

Give Your Lawn a Quick Trim

Ticks, fleas, and other biting pests often hide in tall grass and overgrown shrubbery. A quick mow or trim the day before your party can make your yard less attractive to them—and more comfortable for your guests.

Light It Right

Skip the bright white lights and go with yellow or warm LED lights around your entertaining area. They’re less attractive to bugs, especially moths and beetles.

Be Mindful of Bed Bugs When Hosting Overnight Guests

If you’re welcoming out-of-town friends or family for the holiday, it’s a good idea to be cautious about bed bugs. These pests are excellent hitchhikers and can unknowingly travel in luggage or overnight bags. After guests leave, inspect guest rooms for signs like tiny rust-colored stains on sheets or mattress seams. If you notice anything suspicious, don’t panic—just give Harris Pest Control a call. Our bed bug control services are discreet, effective, and handled by experts who can eliminate the problem quickly and completely.

How Harris Pest Control Can Help

We’re not just a pest control company—we’re your local team, proudly serving families in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and across the Pee Dee and Grand Strand for over 45 years. When pests are threatening to crash your celebration (or just making everyday life uncomfortable), we’re here with proven solutions.

• Mosquito Control: Our professional treatments target mosquito hotspots around your yard to dramatically reduce their presence—perfect for outdoor events or protection all summer long.
• Home Pest Control: Whether you’re dealing with ants, spiders, roaches, or more, our comprehensive pest control plans are designed to keep your home pest-free year-round, using strategies that work best in our region.
• Flea & Tick Control: Our professional flea and tick control treatments target problem areas and provide a protective barrier around your home and yard. It’s another way we help you enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind.
• Bed Bug Treatments: Harris Pest Control offers discreet, thorough bed bug inspections and treatments that eliminate all stages of bed bug development so that you can sleep easier.

From one-time treatments to ongoing service, our team is here to help you enjoy your home and yard without uninvited pests getting in the way.

Need Backup? We’re Just Down the Road.

Sometimes, even with the best preparation, summer pests don’t take the hint. That’s where Harris Pest Control comes in. Contact us now, and we’ll help make sure your backyard is ready for the 4th—and beyond.

From all of us at Harris Pest Control, have a safe, happy, and pest-free Independence Day!