The holiday season is a time for joy, gatherings, and festive decorations. However, it can also be an open invitation for unwanted pests to enter your home. From spiders hiding in storage boxes to rodents seeking warmth, pests can quickly turn your cheerful season into a stressful one. Follow these tips to ensure your home stays pest-free while you deck the halls.
Holiday decorations stored in attics, basements, or garages can become a haven for pests. Before bringing them indoors:
Unpack Outdoors: Open boxes outside to avoid introducing pests into your home.
Inspect Items: Look for signs of pests like droppings, webs, or gnawed surfaces.
Clean Decorations: Wipe down ornaments and artificial trees to remove dust and any potential insect eggs.
How you store your decorations can make a big difference in keeping pests at bay:
Plastic Bins: Replace cardboard boxes with airtight plastic bins, which are harder for pests to chew through.
Sealable Bags: Store smaller items in resealable plastic bags for added protection.
Avoid Organic Materials: Limit the use of natural storage materials like cardboard and paper, which attract pests.
Fresh greenery, wreaths, and Christmas trees can harbor insects and other critters. Here’s how to handle them:
Shake It Out: Shake fresh trees, wreaths, and garlands outside to dislodge any hidden pests.
Inspect for Nests: Look for signs of insect nests or egg cases before bringing them indoors.
Rinse or Wipe Down: Rinse fresh greenery under running water or wipe it gently with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry thoroughly before bringing it indoors.
Decorations like popcorn garlands, gingerbread houses, or candy canes can attract rodents and ants:
Limit Use Indoors: Consider using food-based decor only in sealed displays or outdoors.
Clean Up Crumbs: Vacuum or sweep regularly to prevent crumbs from accumulating.
Store Food Items Properly: Keep unused edible decorations in airtight containers.
Holiday decorating often involves opening doors, windows, or bringing in bulky items, which can create opportunities for pests to sneak inside:
Check for Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or damaged screens where pests can enter.
Install Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to exterior doors to keep small pests out.
Weatherproof Windows: Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
Despite your best efforts, pests can still find a way in. Watch for these warning signs:
Droppings or urine stains.
Gnawed wires, wood, or packaging.
Unusual sounds like scratching in walls or ceilings.
If you notice signs of pests, act immediately:
Call Professionals: Contact us about our In-Home Pest Control Program!
By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and festive home without the stress of pests. With a little preparation and vigilance, your holidays will remain merry, bright, and pest-free!