The holiday season is a time for family, friends, great food—and, of course, festive decorations! This time of year, many people bring elements of nature indoors with Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Unfortunately, these holiday additions can also bring along unwanted visitors like spiders, moths, and even rodents. When the temperature drops, various pests start looking for warm places to settle in—and your cozy, treat-filled home is the perfect destination!
Keeping these critters out can be challenging, but there are simple steps you can take. With the added support of Holder’s Pest Solutions, your chances of keeping pests away are even greater. While professional pest control services provide the best defense, here are five essential tips to help keep your home pest-free this holiday season.
Before you deck the halls, take a close look at your stored holiday decorations. Rats and mice love nesting in storage boxes left undisturbed all year, making holiday boxes prime real estate. Look for shredded paper, droppings, and chewed wires on string lights. If you notice any contamination from rodents, it’s safest to throw out the affected items. Rodent droppings can carry diseases, including hantavirus, which can be serious if inhaled.
While checking for pests, also look for frayed wires or broken string lights, as these pose a fire hazard. Upgrade to new, safe lights for a brighter, worry-free holiday season!
Using fresh greenery for DIY holiday crafts, like wreaths or garlands? Inspect any foliage for signs of pests, such as egg sacs or live insects, before bringing them indoors. A good shake outside can dislodge any hitchhiking critters, reducing the risk of introducing pests to your home.
The same goes for live Christmas trees—give each tree a thorough inspection before bringing it inside. Check for bugs or eggs hidden in the branches. Many commercially sold trees are treated with pesticides, but a quick once-over never hurts. Avoid using aerosol sprays on greenery, as most are not safe for indoor use.
“Harborage” refers to places where pests can hide, like piles of leaves, yard debris, and low-lying shrubs. Clearing these areas around your home reduces outdoor pest shelters and keeps your yard looking tidy for holiday visitors.
If you store firewood outside, keep it at least 20 feet away from your house and on a raised platform. Spiders and other pests like to shelter in wood piles and may hitch a ride inside on your logs. When bringing wood in, only take what you need immediately to keep your fire cozy and your home pest-free.
Holiday cooking often means delicious meals—and more crumbs! After enjoying a holiday meal, make sure to clean up right away. Leftover food and crumbs are magnets for pests like ants, roaches, and rodents. They don’t need much to feast on, so even small amounts of food can attract them.
Although hosting during the holidays can be tiring, a quick cleanup after meals can save you from dealing with pests later. Make sure food spills are wiped up, dishes are washed, and any leftovers are stored in airtight containers.
When the season ends, store your holiday decor in sturdy, pest-resistant containers. Secure bins with tight-fitting lids are better than cardboard boxes, which are easy for rodents to chew through. Proper storage can help protect your decorations from pest damage so they’re ready to use next year.
If you’ve invested in special keepsakes or delicate items, consider using sealed storage bags inside plastic bins for extra protection. This keeps your holiday items safe from pests while also ensuring everything stays clean and dust-free until the next season.
The holidays are busy enough without having to worry about uninvited guests like pests. Holder’s Pest Solutions is here to make sure pest problems don’t dampen your celebrations. With over 70 years of experience in pest control, we’re ready to protect your home from common holiday pests. Get in touch with today for a free quote, and let us help you celebrate with peace of mind.
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