The holiday season is a joyous time when we often welcome family and friends into our homes, and for many, this means bringing the festive spirit indoors with live trees, wreaths, firewood and boxes of holiday decorations. Unfortunately, these holiday staples can also bring unwanted critters and crawlers into your home. Let’s take a look at how to keep your home pest-free while still bringing the magic of the holidays inside.
1. Live Christmas Trees
Live Christmas trees are one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season. Unfortunately, they can also bring unwanted pests into your home. Insects like mites, spiders and even ticks can take up residence in the tree and hitch a ride inside with you.
To avoid this, give your tree a good shake before bringing it indoors. This will dislodge any pests that might be hiding in the branches. You can also spray the tree with a natural pest repellent to keep new bugs from moving in. Finally, keep your tree away from warm areas of the house, as this can encourage any remaining pests to hatch and make themselves at home.
2. Wreaths
Wreaths are a beautiful way to add a festive touch to your home, but they can also harbor pests if they are made from natural foliage. Look for wreaths made from artificial materials to avoid this problem. If you prefer natural materials, inspect the wreath carefully for any signs of insect activity before you hang it up.
If you find any bugs, shake the wreath outdoors and spray it with a natural pest repellent before bringing it indoors. Finally, inspect the wreath regularly throughout the holiday season to make sure it remains pest-free.
3. Firewood
There’s nothing cozier than a warm fire on a winter night, but firewood can also bring pests into your home. Insects like spiders, ants and termites can all make their way into your home hidden in firewood.
To avoid this, store your firewood outside until you are ready to use it. Only bring in enough wood for a day at a time and keep it away from other items in your home. You can also inspect the wood before you bring it indoors to look for any signs of insect activity.
4. Boxes of Holiday Decor from the Attic, Basement, or Shed
Many of us store our holiday decorations in the attic, basement or shed throughout the year. Unfortunately, these areas can be a breeding ground for pests like rodents, spiders and silverfish. When you bring your holiday decorations out, give them a good shake and inspect them outside before you bring them in for any signs of insect or rodent activity.
To avoid this problem in the future, store your decorations in heavy plastic, tightly sealed containers that pests can’t get into. Use cedar chips or other natural pest repellents to keep your holiday storage critter-free.
The holiday season is a time of warmth and joy, but it’s important to be aware of the potential pest problems that can arise during this time. By following these simple tips, you can keep your home pest-free while still enjoying all the holiday festivities. Remember, if you do find yourself with an unwanted pest problem this holiday season, The Pest Force is here to help you keep them under control so you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season. Happy Holidays!
