Red, White, And Bug-Free: 4 Fixes Before The Holiday Weekend

The 4th of July is all about celebrating freedom—grilling with friends, relaxing outdoors, and enjoying fireworks under the Virginia sky. But nothing puts a damper on your backyard festivities faster than buzzing mosquitoes, biting ants, or unwelcome roaches in the kitchen.

At Getem Services, we know summer pests are part of the territory in southeastern Virginia, especially when heat and humidity hit full blast. That’s why we’ve put together a quick, homeowner-friendly checklist to help you prep your property before the holiday weekend—so you can focus on fun, not infestations.

In today’s blog post, we’ll highlight four fixes that will make a big difference.

1. Dump Standing Water to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a bottle cap of water. That means the rain we’ve had—or even water from your sprinkler—can lead to a surge in mosquito activity.

Before the party starts:

• Empty flowerpot saucers, buckets, and toys that collect water.
• Check birdbaths and pet bowls—dump and refresh them daily.
• Look at gutters and downspouts for clogs that cause pooling.
• Walk the yard for low spots where puddles collect.

Why it matters: Standing water is mosquito breeding territory. Removing it makes your yard less attractive to these biting pests.

Getem Tip: Our seasonal mosquito control program targets adult mosquitoes and larvae for complete protection through the summer.

2. Check Crawlspace Vents and Foundation for Humidity Trouble

Moisture under your home creates ideal conditions for pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and even termites. Crawlspace humidity also encourages mold and wood rot—two things no homeowner wants to deal with in July.

Do a quick check:

• Make sure crawlspace vents are clear of leaves, vines, or debris.
• Look for signs of condensation or musty odors.
• Check for warped baseboards or flooring near the crawl space.

Why it matters: Excess moisture doesn’t just fuel pest activity—it can damage your home’s structure over time.

Getem Tip: Our moisture control services include vapor barriers, crawlspace inspections, and professional dehumidification systems to protect your home long-term.

3. Trim Back Overgrown Vegetation Near the House

Dense plants and bushes trap humidity, give pests places to hide, and allow ants, spiders, and roaches to get inside easily.

Before guests arrive:

• Trim shrubs, ivy, and tall grass close to the house
• Mow your lawn
• Cut back branches that touch siding or rooflines
• Remove any piles of yard debris or wood

Why it matters: Overgrown landscaping is like a welcome sign for pests. Creating space around your foundation helps reduce both moisture and hiding spots.

Getem Tip: Pair this step with perimeter pest control to create a strong barrier that keeps bugs from sneaking inside.

4. Clean Up the Grill Area and Outdoor Trash Bins

Grill spills and trash buildup attract ants, rodents, and other foraging pests. Even if your cookout is spotless, critters can smell the lingering food.

Before and after the holiday:

• Hose down your grill and patio area
• Rinse trash bins and use lids that fit securely
• Keep food and drink covered while entertaining outdoors

Why it matters: Pests don’t take holidays off. A clean setup helps prevent them from turning your celebration into a buffet.

Getem Tip: If you’re seeing frequent pest activity around your outdoor space, our home pest control services can help stop the problem before it starts.

Bonus Tip: Seal the Gaps Before the Guests Arrive

Even tiny cracks around windows and doors can be enough for pests to slip in. Before the weekend, do a quick check:

• Re-seal any cracks around the foundation, window frames, or door thresholds.
• Check for tears in window screens or ill-fitting sliding doors.
• Install weather stripping if you feel air leaking.

Why it matters: These tiny openings let in more than bugs—they let in hot, humid air too. Sealing up your home helps with both comfort and pest prevention.

Quick Recap Before the Fireworks Fly

• Dump standing water
• Check crawl space vents
• Trim landscaping
• Clean the grill and trash bins
• Seal entry points

Celebrate the 4th—Without the Bugs

July is peak pest season across Virginia, but a few simple steps can keep your holiday weekend pest-free and enjoyable. At Getem Services, we’re proud to help Hampton Roads families stay safe and comfortable all summer long, whether through year-round pest protection, termite control, moisture control, or seasonal mosquito treatments.

Need help before the guests arrive? Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and communities throughout Hampton Roads, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been helping property owners since 1922 and is ready to help you. Contact us today for an inspection or to schedule a service visit. We’ll help you take care of the pests so that you can get back to the fireworks and fun.