Summer inspires many families to host outdoor gatherings at their homes. From weekend barbecues with friends to family reunions, those backyard moments are the highlights of summer weekends. However, you may find some unwanted guests like ants, spiders, flies and mosquitoes at your gatherings.

But, some careful planning can help alleviate the worry about pests crashing the party. Here are five tips to help reduce pests at your summertime gatherings.

KEEP YOUR YARD CLEAN

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It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get ahead of pests by removing places where they can breed and thrive in your backyard.

As the weather warms up, clean up your yard. Remove debris or standing water, which can attract mosquitoes, flies and other pests.

Don’t forget to keep your trash cans covered to prevent insects from being drawn to them.

SERVE FOOD, DRINKS INDOORS

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While outdoor dining is great, food and sweet drinks serve as invitations to flies and other insects. To help keep pests away, serve food and drinks indoors. Guests can grab their plates, cups and cutlery, load up on delicious food and beverages, and head outdoors to enjoy a feast in the sun or under the moon.

If you must serve food outdoors, keep food in sealed containers. Not only will this keep pests away, but it can also help keep your food fresher for longer.

USE INSECTICIDES WITH PLANT-BASED ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Nature has evolved powerful bug-fighting plants like lemongrass, mint and rosemary. When extracted, these botanicals can be incredibly effective at keeping bugs away from your guests. STEM™, a pest control brand, offers a full line of products formulated with these botanicals, making them safe to use around people and pets when used as directed. Packed with plant-based active ingredients, STEM™ insecticides effectively fight nature with nature without any added dye, fragrance or harsh chemical odor.

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No matter how you like to enjoy the warmer weather, STEM™ has got your family and home covered. By using products like STEM™ Bug Killer Spray (Ants, Roaches, Flies) and STEM™ Bug Killer Spray (Ants, Roaches, Spiders), you can reduce the risk of pest party crashers at your summer gatherings. The nozzles specifically target insects more