Winter is not the kindest season for pests outside, so they often seek refuge indoors. Winter often experiences a rise in pest infestations of all kinds as these creatures search for food and protection from the elements. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do while making preparations for the holidays to keep them at bay.
Pay Attention to Your Natural Decorations
Pests love to hitchhike indoors on items brought in from the outside, so inspect your natural decorations thoroughly to avoid this problem. For example, when you bring a live evergreen tree into your home, remember to inspect its branches and needles for pests. An uninspected tree can attract a variety of pests, including ants, spiders, and even praying mantises, and these pests may have laid eggs in the tree as well. This also applies to natural holly and mistletoe decorations. Before bringing in these types of decorations, give them a good shake outside to dislodge any pests. Also, if you burn firewood this winter, remember to inspect it for pests before bringing it inside, as a chunk of wood waiting to be put in the fire can easily become a target, and pests can easily spread to other parts of the home from there.
Clean Up
Many pests are drawn to household messes, particularly leftover food and mold. That is why it is critical to keep your home clean during the holiday season. We recommend the following cleaning tips:
- Maintain clean countertops to eliminate leftover crumbs and food odors that may attract ants, rodents, and cockroaches.
- To avoid attracting bugs, keep sinks, toilets, and showers clean.
- To prevent pests from entering or exiting your walls, clean and seal gaps in walls, doors, and baseboards.
- Frequently wash sheets and linens to prevent dust mites and help ward off bed bugs.
Keeping your home clean should go a long way toward preventing pests from bothering you during the holiday season.
Keep Food Well-Stored
Remember to properly seal leftovers in plastic or glass containers so pests aren’t drawn to them, then refrigerate or store them in a pantry. However, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the contents of your pantry, as it could be a prime target for pests. Stored product pests such as worms, moths, cockroaches, and rodents can often get into food through paper or cardboard containers, so keep such ingredients and leftovers high off the ground. It is also critical to check expiration dates on a regular basis and discard food that has gone bad, as spoiled food is far more likely to attract pests.
Unbox and Store Decorations Correctly
Pests such as beetles, cockroaches, and rodents often make their homes in storage containers because they are often dark, warm, and rarely disturbed. When those containers are opened, however, a pest may escape into other parts of the house if given the opportunity. To avoid this, carefully unbox your decorations and holiday supplies, and then carefully pack the decorations back up, making sure the boxes are as tightly sealed as possible.
We’re Here to Assist You
You don’t want to be concerned about a pest infestation during the holidays, so if you have any questions or suspect you have a pest problem, contact Official Pest Prevention for a free inspection! We’d be delighted to provide you with peace of mind as you prepare to spend time with your family.
