The holiday season brings joy, warmth, the cozy company of loved ones, festive decorations, and delicious treats. However, as we invite these comforts indoors, pests like spiders, ants, and even rodents may also decide to join the holiday cheer. With the colder months, these critters seek warmer shelters, and our homes look particularly inviting.
Keeping pests out isn’t always easy, but taking precautionary steps can make all the difference. While professional pest services are highly effective, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of pest infestations. Read on for five helpful holiday pest control tips.
Check Decorations for Signs of Pests
When you pull out decorations that have been stored away all year, you might also be uncovering a few unwanted guests. Storage boxes in attics, basements, or garages are ideal nesting places for mice and other pests that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Before you bring any decorations into your living spaces, inspect them carefully.
Look for common pest indicators, such as shredded materials, droppings, or bite marks on strings of lights or other decorations. If you see any signs of contamination, consider disposing of the affected items. Rodent droppings, for instance, may carry harmful bacteria or diseases, so it's best to avoid taking risks.
Check Foliage for Pests
Holiday decor, such as Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands, is a beautiful way to bring nature indoors. But these fresh decorations can sometimes come with unwanted stowaways. Before bringing any greenery indoors, give it a thorough inspection and shake to dislodge any pests.
Look out for insects, egg sacs, and webs, especially in the branches of trees or the leaves of wreaths. Avoid using indoor insect sprays on your foliage, as these products may not be safe for use inside.
Eliminate Harborage
“Pest harborage” refers to places that provide pests with shelter. This could mean piles of leaves, untrimmed shrubs, or even yard clutter that isn’t regularly disturbed. Cleaning up your yard can be a big help in preventing pests from getting too close to your home.
If you have firewood stacked up outdoors, keep it at least 20 feet away from your house and on a raised rack. Firewood piles are prime hiding spots for spiders and other critters. When you bring firewood inside for a holiday fire, only bring in what you plan to burn immediately. This reduces the chance of bringing in pests with it.
Clean Up Food Spills
With all the cooking, baking, and hosting, it’s easy to overlook small messes. But leaving food spills or crumbs on countertops, tables, or floors is an open invitation for pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents. These critters don’t need much to survive, so even a few crumbs left out overnight can attract them.
Clean up spills immediately and store leftovers in airtight containers. Wipe down surfaces after meals, and try to wash dishes or load the dishwasher promptly instead of leaving them out. A little extra tidying after a big meal can go a long way toward keeping your kitchen and dining areas pest-free.
Store Your Decorations Carefully
When the festivities come to an end, it’s important to pack up your holiday decorations in a way that protects them from pests. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as they can be easily chewed through by mice and other rodents. Instead, opt for sturdy bins with secure, snap-on lids.
Keep Your Holidays Happy with Cooper Pest Solutions
The holidays are all about celebrating, not dealing with unexpected pests. Cooper Pest Solutions is here to help ensure your home stays pest-free. With over 65 years of experience, we know exactly how to handle common pests, from mice to spiders.
Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help make your holiday season a little brighter – and pest-free!