As the days grow longer and the weather warms, summer attractions begin to stir to life. Whether it’s a bustling boardwalk, a sun-drenched amusement park, or a cozy lakeside resort, these venues begin to prepare for their most important time of year. Staff return, signs go up, and preparations are made to welcome back families and tourists in search of sunshine and fun.
But they’re not the only ones arriving in full force.
With the influx of guests comes another kind of crowd, ants, flies, wasps, rodents, and mosquitoes, all ready to take advantage of the season’s abundance. For businesses that thrive in the summer months, pest issues are more than a nuisance. Left unchecked, they can quickly disrupt operations and put a damper on the guest experience.
That’s why pest management needs to be part of your pre-season game plan, not an afterthought once the crowds arrive.
A Season Starts with a Walkthrough
Before gates open or umbrellas are unfolded, it’s smart to walk the property with a fresh set of eyes, and ideally, with a pest management partner in tow. Think of it as a backstage pass to your operation’s vulnerabilities. Where might moisture collects after an early morning rain? Are dumpsters sealed properly and far enough from food service areas? Is there a forgotten storage shed that’s quietly become a rodent haven?
Identifying and addressing these risk points early makes all the difference once guests are onsite.
Sanitation Is the Silent Guardian
At the heart of every successful pest prevention strategy is cleanliness, and not just the kind guests see. Behind-the-scenes areas where food is stored, prepared, or discarded are some of the biggest pest magnets. Spilled soda under a snack cart, overflowing trash bins, or food remnants left overnight can become a buffet for pests.
Implementing a robust sanitation plan means more than setting expectations; it means creating routines. Staff should know exactly when and how often to clean surfaces, remove trash, and check hidden corners for signs of activity. Appointing a sanitation lead, someone who takes ownership of the checklist, can help keep these practices consistent through the chaos of peak season.
The Trouble Outside
Outdoor venues face a special challenge: nature doesn’t follow a guest schedule. Mosquitoes breed in overlooked puddles. Ants creep toward soda fountains. Wasps buzz around trash cans with surgical precision. Even rodents find ways to squeeze through tiny cracks if food is plentiful and staff are too busy to notice.
The key is proactive, targeted treatment. For example, treating standing water for mosquitoes or installing bait stations in discreet areas can prevent surprises and support your venue’s eco-conscious values.
Empowering the Summer Team
Many summer venues rely on seasonal staff, energetic, fast-paced, and eager to help, but often unfamiliar with pest prevention procedures. A short, practical training session can go a long way. Staff should know what warning signs to look for, droppings, nests, insect trails, and who to contact if they spot something concerning. More importantly, they should feel empowered to act and take pride in keeping the space clean and pest-free.
Building pest awareness into your team culture fosters a sense of shared responsibility. Everyone plays a part in creating a safe, enjoyable environment.
Staying One Step Ahead
Once the season begins, the work isn’t over. In fact, it’s just begun. Pest pressure fluctuates with weather, guest volume, and geography. Weekly site inspections can help catch new issues early. Partnering with a responsive pest provider who can adapt service levels mid-season is also critical. As temperatures spike or new construction nearby stirs up activity, you’ll want a plan in place that’s as agile as your team.
Tell Guests What You’re Doing Right
Guests today care deeply about safety and cleanliness, and they notice the details. A simple sign explaining that your venue follows strict pest and sanitation standards, or a note on your website about eco-conscious pest control practices, can reassure visitors that they’re in good hands. It’s not just about solving problems, it’s about showing that you care enough to prevent them.
A Smooth Season Starts with Smart Prep
As you stock concession stands, hang signage, and cue up playlists, don’t forget the invisible, but essential, elements of your summer strategy. Pests are opportunistic, but they’re also predictable. With a well-planned, consistently maintained approach, your venue can stay a step ahead, ensuring your guests leave with memories, not mosquito bites.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a commercial pest control partner for a site assessment. The best summers are those with nothing unexpected—especially when it comes to pests.