The holidays bring joy, gatherings, and delicious food – but they can also bring unexpected guests! Along with the warmth and festive cheer of the season, you may unknowingly invite pests like spiders, ants, and even rodents into your home. Between unpacking stored decorations and bringing in fresh greenery, pests have more than a few chances to sneak in. With these five tips and the help of our expert team at Arrow Exterminating, you can keep your home cozy and critter-free this holiday season.
1. Inspect Decorations for Pest Activity
Decorations stored in attics, basements, or garages are often ideal hiding spots for pests. Mice, in particular, love quiet, undisturbed spaces and might use those tucked-away boxes as their nesting spots. When you’re ready to decorate, take a close look at any stored boxes for signs of rodents, like shredded paper or droppings. If you find evidence of mice or rats, it’s best to discard any contaminated items and sanitize the area thoroughly.
2. Check Foliage for Signs of Pests
Natural greenery like wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees add warmth and beauty to your home – but they can also harbor pests. From spiders to aphids, various insects might be hiding in the branches. Give any greenery a good shake before bringing it inside, and visually inspect it for eggs, insects, or webs. It’s better to take a little extra time checking now than to discover unexpected critters later!
If you’re buying a fresh tree, it’s worth noting that many tree farms treat their trees with pesticides to help reduce the risk of pests. But even so, a quick once-over ensures you’re bringing only holiday cheer inside.
3. Remove Potential Pet Hiding Areas
Outdoor cleanup can make a big difference in reducing indoor pests. Piles of leaves, firewood, or yard debris provide perfect shelter for a variety of pests. Clear away these harborage areas to make your yard less appealing to critters looking for winter shelter.
For those cozy holiday fires, remember that firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from your house and elevated off the ground. Wood piles are popular spots for spiders, including potentially venomous ones. Only bring in the amount of firewood you need, and avoid placing wood directly on floors or surfaces indoors.
4. Wipe Up Food Spills
Holiday feasts are one of the season’s highlights, but crumbs and spills are like an open invitation for pests. Roaches, ants, and rodents don’t need much food to survive – even a few crumbs can attract them. Cleaning up immediately after meals, wiping down counters, and taking out the trash regularly can make a big difference.
5. Store Your Decorations Securely
After the holidays, storing your decorations carefully can prevent future pest problems. Choose sturdy, airtight containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes, which are easy for rodents to chew through. Secure storage bins also protect your items from moisture, which can attract insects.
Arrow Exterminating is Here to Help
The holiday season can be a busy time, and keeping pests out of your home might feel like one more task on an already full list. That’s where we come in! As Long Island’s trusted pest control leader for over 75 years, we’re here to keep your home or business pest-free, so you can stay stress-free. Call for a free quote and a pest control plan tailored to your needs.
