Summary: Summer is filled with opportunities to enjoy your hobbies, but how do you keep pests away? This blog breaks down 8 efficient ways to prevent pests from ruining your summer hobbies and invading your space. Romney Pest Control uses targeted treatments to keep the pests at bay.
Summer feels like a long string of days filled with opportunities to engage in our favorite hobbies. Want to read a book out on the picnic blanket? Or eat an ice cream cone by the lake? Everything’s possible in the summer!
Unfortunately, this is also the season of pest problems. Since it’s hot and we’re spending more time outside, pests have more opportunities to bother us in every way. That’s why we’re determined to enjoy our favorite hobbies without being hassled by the worst summer pests.
Let’s break down 8 efficient ways to keep the pests out of your summer (and general) pastimes!
Use Bug Spray
The main enemy of any outdoor hobby is pests, which makes sense considering we’re entering their natural habitat. When you go camping, hiking, fishing, or boating, mosquitoes and ticks are your main pest concern. Bug spray is the easiest way to combat these bloodsuckers because it’s designed to mask our natural scents that lure these pests to us.
There’s an overwhelming number of bug sprays on the market. No matter which one you choose, the spray should advertise these 3 things:
- EPA-Registered or EPA-Approved — This essentially means that the spray is both safe for humans and effective at repelling bugs, both of which you want.
- Repels Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Flies — Since these are the top bugs you want to repel with a bug spray, the container should clearly state that it’s effective against them.
- Contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus — These are the 3 key ingredients that effectively repel biting pests. A good bug spray lists one of them as a main ingredient.
Before you embark on your summer adventure, spray your clothing and exposed skin (not your face) with your bug spray of choice. Reapply the spray as needed, especially if you’re spending all day outside or going swimming.
Protect Your Food
Picnics, outdoor parties, and backyard barbecues are our favorite ways to dine in the summer. However, they can also invite pests to enjoy the feast along with you! If you’re eating outside, the easiest way to prevent pests is to protect your food. When you aren’t eating or dishing up, keep the containers covered with lids, mesh domes, or foil.
Speaking of keeping items covered, make sure your beverages are protected too! Use drink coverings for open cups, or make it easier by only using lidded bottles that will keep wasps and flies out. Store everything in an ice chest or insulated bag to protect your food from hungry pests and from getting too warm.
Look for Nests
Before you set up that picnic blanket or lawn chair, take a look at your surroundings. You don’t want to get caught in an angry swarm by accidentally sitting on a yellow jacket nest! There are a few social, ground-nesting insects to look out for this time of year. All of them are territorial and will often rally the troops when they sense a threat, so check the ground around your desired spot to be sure you won’t step on any nests.
Yellow jackets and bumblebees both nest in the ground more often than not. Their nests look like a small hole in the grass or dirt under a bush. Anthills are small collections of dirt with a hole in the center. Fire ant nests are especially widespread in Texas, and you really don’t want to hang out near these angry pests. Their nests are larger dirt mounds located in the grass.
Avoid Overgrown Greenery
On the topic of things to avoid, it’s a good idea to steer clear of overgrown grass and plants. Ticks, ants, spiders, and rodents often hide in overgrown greenery because it’s such an accessible hiding spot. When you go hiking, fishing, or camping, try to stay on the beaten path. Don’t walk through tall grass or thick brush since that’s where pests like to hide.
As for your own yard, keep it maintained by consistently mowing the lawn and pruning the plants and bushes. Eliminate standing water (mosquitoes lay their eggs in it) by emptying out objects that collect it. Clean your outdoor furniture often by wiping it down or spraying it with the hose. If you find any stinging insect nests in the yard, have them professionally removed.
Prepare for a Day in Nature
While you’re packing your backpack or tackle box for the day, take extra precautionary measures against pests. By this, we mean wearing clothes that make it harder for biting pests to — well, bite you. A thin long-sleeved shirt and leggings or track pants will protect your skin from mosquitoes. Closed-toe shoes are also a wise choice.
Of course, we know that wearing long clothes in the Texas heat isn’t always possible. If you prefer to stick with your typical summer style, rub your clothing with dryer sheets before heading out. Gnats and mosquitoes aren’t fans of the scent, so it should grant you some protection. If you have long hair, tie it up to make it easier to check yourself for ticks afterward (more on this later).
Use a Fan
This tip is a win-win: you prevent flying bugs and keep cool at the same time! Mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other small fliers struggle when there’s a strong wind. That’s why we don’t see many flying bugs on windy days. If the natural wind isn’t doing enough for you, using a fan is an easy way to keep these pests at bay.
If you’re reading or relaxing out on the patio, set up a tabletop or desk fan right next to you. Oscillating fans cover more ground, but they aren’t always the strongest, so it’s up to your discretion. For outdoor parties or backyard barbecues, place fly fans near the serving dishes. They deter hungry pests without prematurely cooling down the hot food.
Keep an Eye Out for Ticks
After you spent a glorious day outside, it’s time to follow the example of a 2007 country song and check for ticks. It’s easier when there are at least 2 people since you can do a quick check of each other’s neck, back, arms, legs, and clothing before going indoors. If your dog or cat just spent a lot of time outside, check their fur (especially around the neck and paws) for ticks.
If anyone has a tick on their person, don’t panic. Removal is quick and easy when you have the right tools. If the tick is actually on a piece of clothing, remove the tick and flush it or put it in rubbing alcohol to kill it. Make sure there aren’t any more hidden ticks, then wash and dry the effected clothing on high heat immediately to completely sanitize them.
Clean and Store Items Properly
At the end of a long summer day, it’s tempting to just throw your hobby supplies in the garage and call it good. But if there’s one thing pests love, it’s clutter. Roaches and rodents love untouched clutter since they can hide from us more easily. Long story short, putting everything back in its rightful place goes a long way in pest prevention.
This especially applies to camping equipment. As you put everything away, give each item a quick scan for tiny hitchhikers. Wash your camping clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags immediately. Make sure all dishes and food containers make it into the kitchen sink and are properly washed. The neater you are when putting things away, the easier it will be when you head out on another adventure.
Eliminate the Pest Stress with Romney
Whether your hobbies are mostly indoors or outdoors, Romney Pest Control is committed to providing you with the pest-free space to enjoy said hobbies. Our experienced technicians solve pest problems by assessing the situation, creating a customized plan, and targeting the species with our tried-and-true treatments.
We understand the importance of reliable pest control, especially when the summer heat and humidity brings pests out in full force. Contact us for a free quote on our efficient pest control services today!
Citations
Are dryer sheets effective bug repellant?. (2020, October 8). Green Pest Services. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://greenpestservices.net/are-dryer-sheets-effective-bug-repellant/
Moran, P. (2024, May 30). 15 natural pest control and prevention tips to try at home. The Spruce. Available at https://www.thespruce.com/natural-pest-control-prevention-tips-7090566 (Accessed on July 10, 2025).
