Keep Bugs Away at Your Outdoor Wedding

For those getting married in the late spring or summertime, winter is typically when you’ll finalize the logistics for the wedding. Between booking a photographer, getting music lists to the DJ, choosing a cake, and making sure your attendants have their dresses and tuxes, it’s easy to start forgetting things. But one important detail you don’t want to overlook is pest control for weddings. That’s right, just because it’s your special day, doesn’t mean the mosquitos and flies won’t try to ruin it!  Pest control for weddings is crucial, especially when any part of the ceremony or reception will be outdoors. Here’s what people in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut need to know.

Pest Control for Weddings: 5 Ways to Keep Bugs Away

Protect Yourself (and Your Guests)

For an outdoor wedding in the late spring or summer, be sure to apply both sunscreen and insect repellent. Most experts recommend using sunscreen first, then insect repellent at least 30 minutes later. You might also want to consider giving your guests a bottle of insect repellent in the gift bags or keeping some on the tables!

Take Out the Trash

Trash bins and dumpsters often contain food waste and moisture, and these are one of the biggest attractors of pests. Make sure you’ve selected a venue that keeps their trash bins far away from where the ceremony and reception will take place.

Pick the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are attractors for insects. Some varieties, such as citronella grass, lavender, marigolds and lemon balm might actually help to deter mosquitoes. Work with your florist to find a combination that fits!

Rent Some Fans

Keep your guests cool by renting some fans, and reap the pest control benefits too. Flies and mosquitos will be blown away— literally! It’s particularly important to have fans around any outdoor food tables.

Hire the Pros

Many outdoor venues already have regular treatments for pest control. If there will be a few weeks between the treatment and the date of your wedding, however, the pests could still be a nuisance. Be sure to ask your venue about their pest control policies. If you’re getting married in an informal outdoor location (e.g., a friend’s backyard), consider having an exterminator come three to four days before the ceremony.

Pest control for weddings is important, so don’t forget to devote some thought to it as you plan for your big day. As always, if you have any pest questions or need help with an infestation, feel free to give Graduate a call. We’ll say “I do” to solving your pest problems!