Planning a Memorial Day Cookout? Keep Uninvited Pests Off the Guest List

Memorial Day is a time to honor our heroes and enjoy the beginning of summer with friends, family, and great food. In South Carolina, it's also the time when pest activity begins to spike. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a lakeside picnic, you don’t want mosquitoes, ants, or flies to ruin the occasion. At Harris Pest Control, we help homeowners prepare their properties so they can enjoy the holiday without worry. With a few strategic steps and support from a reliable South Carolina pest control provider, your cookout can stay focused on fun, not bugs.

The Most Common Pests at South Carolina Cookouts

Outdoor events in late spring attract more than just guests. These pests are frequent offenders at Memorial Day gatherings:

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes breed in standing water and are highly active at dawn and dusk. Their bites are irritating and can spread diseases like West Nile virus.

Ants

Both fire ants and sugar-loving ants are active scavengers, especially when food or sweets are left out. Sugar ants—an informal term often used for small, sweet-seeking species like odorous house ants or Argentine ants—are known for forming visible trails that can quickly appear on patios, decks, and around kitchens. Fire ants also forage for food and may swarm exposed items, but they’re more aggressive and will sting if disturbed. While they don't trail in the same way, fire ants can still become a serious problem in outdoor areas, especially near their mounds.

Flies

Drawn to trash, meat, and anything sugary, flies are not only a nuisance but can also contaminate your food with harmful bacteria.

Rodents

If trash or leftover food is accessible, rats and mice may come searching. We recommend rodent control services to prevent these pests from nesting around your outdoor living space.

Wasps and Yellow Jackets

These stinging insects are attracted to sugary drinks and meat. Their aggressive behavior makes them a danger to guests, especially those with allergies.

How to Prevent Pests Before Your Cookout

Preparing for a pest-free Memorial Day event starts with simple but effective outdoor habits. Here are four key areas to focus on:

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and even small puddles can attract them. Before your event:

• Empty water from birdbaths, toys, planters, and buckets
• Clear blocked gutters and downspouts
• Ensure low areas in the yard drain properly after rain

2. Protect Food and Drinks

Open containers are a magnet for flies, ants, and stinging insects. During your cookout:

• Keep food covered with lids or mesh food tents
• Use drink covers or place beverages in coolers with lids
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately after eating

3. Clean and Sanitize

A tidy yard deters pests looking for food and shelter. Before and after guests arrive:

• Wipe down tables, counters, and chairs
• Remove all food waste, wrappers, and disposable plates
• Tie trash bags securely and store bins away from seating areas

4. Optimize Outdoor Lighting

Many flying insects are drawn to bright, white lights. To reduce their presence:

• Use yellow "bug lights" in fixtures near guest areas
• Dim outdoor lighting when possible
• Position lights away from food service zones

Add Natural Deterrents for Extra Protection

If you prefer eco-friendly solutions, try these natural pest repellents in combination with professional treatments.

• Pest-Repelling Plants: Incorporate citronella, basil, lavender, or rosemary around your deck or patio. These herbs release natural scents that discourage mosquitoes and flies.
• Essential Oil Sprays: Mix water with peppermint or eucalyptus oil and spray it around entryways, tables, and seating areas to deter flying insects.
• Outdoor Fans: Mosquitoes and flies are weak fliers. Placing fans near your guests helps keep them cool and discourages pests from hovering nearby.

These methods are best used to supplement—not replace—professional pest control.

Why Professional Pest Control Is Worth It

While DIY methods help in the short term, they don’t always solve the root problem. When pest pressure is high, especially during warmer months, it pays to invest in expert help.

Here’s how working with our team at Harris Pest Control makes a difference:

• We locate pest hotspots and hidden breeding grounds
• We apply targeted, pet-safe treatments that last
• We time treatments before major events for maximum protection
• We provide year-round coverage and proactive inspections

Our approach to South Carolina pest control ensures that your property is protected not just for one event but for the entire season.

Cookout-Ready Services from Harris Pest Control

At Harris Pest Control, we’ve protected South Carolina families for over 50 years. Our services are designed to address the specific pest pressures that peak around Memorial Day and throughout the summer.

Residential Pest Control

Our residential pest control services offer year-round protection against ants, roaches, spiders, and other common household invaders. Each plan is tailored to your home’s unique needs and includes flexible scheduling to keep your property pest-free before, during, and after your holiday events.

Mosquito Control

Nothing ruins an outdoor gathering faster than mosquitoes. Our mosquito control treatments target breeding sites and shaded resting areas to reduce mosquito populations in time for your cookout.

Termite Control

Swarming termites are common in late spring and early summer. Our termite control services help safeguard your home’s structure with proactive inspections and treatment options designed for South Carolina’s climate.

Complete Home Protection Plan

Our Complete Home Protection Plan combines seasonal treatments for mosquitoes, termites, fire ants, and general pests for comprehensive coverage. It’s ideal for homeowners who want reliable protection through every season with one bundled service.

Get Your Yard Cookout-Ready with Harris Pest Control

Don’t let pests crash your party. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home and yard for outdoor gatherings with reliable South Carolina pest control.

Contact Harris Pest Control today to schedule your inspection or treatment before Memorial Day. We’ll help you reclaim your yard—and make sure the only guests at your cookout are the ones you actually invited.