Happy holidays from HomePro Pest Control! The holidays offer many opportunities for pests to join in the festivities… which you definitely don’t want. As you begin to decorate, cook, host, and wrap, keep these tips in mind to keep pests away this holiday season.
Unbox decorations with care.
Holiday decorations are typically stored in basements, attics, or garages, all of which are hot spots for pests. As you unpack your holiday decorations, inspect the box, packing paper, and items for signs of bugs. Remove any pests immediately so they don’t make themselves comfortable in your home.
Check greenery thoroughly.
Wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees are the perfect hideouts for bugs and critters. Before purchasing these items, take a close look at the greenery. Look for nests, small holes, sawdust, white flocking on the needles, and light brown masses. These are signs that the greenery may be infested. If you don’t see any of these signs, bring the greenery inside; just be sure to give it a hearty shake for good measure.
Clean up food promptly.
Food takes center stage during the holiday season, and hours will be spent in the kitchen cooking. And with food comes spills. Clean up after cooking so no food residue is left on counters or floors. Store all leftovers securely as well to keep bugs out.
Keep firewood outside.
A fire adds a wonderful ambiance for the holidays. Bugs and critters love to hide in firewood, so be cautious when bringing it inside. Only bring in the firewood you need; leave extra logs outside. Keep the pile elevated and cover it with a tarp to prevent bugs from infesting firewood.
Store holiday decorations properly.
When the holidays are over (sigh), taking care when putting away your decorations is important. Store decorations in sealed boxes, containers, or totes to keep bugs away. Throw out all food-based decorations, such as popcorn garlands, gingerbread houses, and melted peppermint decorations.
We wish you and your family the best during the upcoming holiday season. If pests become a problem for you during the holiday season, call HomePro Pest Control. We can help eliminate pests from your home so that you can enjoy spending time with your family. Contact us at (757) 499-1078 or online. Happy holidays!