Keep pests away during the winter holidays

The holiday season, while a time of joy and celebration, can also be a sneaky little playground for winter pests. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to overlook potential pest problems. From those pesky critters seeking warmth and shelter to those lured by the enticing aroma of holiday treats, it's no wonder that pest activity can spike during this time. That’s why holiday pest control is essential to help ensure your home remains cozy and welcoming.

What pests show up during the holidays?

Holiday pests can really dampen the festive cheer. While we might associate pests with warmer months, winter doesn't necessarily mean they're all gone. Rodents, like mice and rats, seek warm, cozy places to hunker down, and your home might seem like the perfect place for them. These sneaky critters can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases. A little prevention can go a long way in keeping these uninvited guests out so that you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season.

 

Proper holiday kitchen and food storage

The increased food preparation and consumption during the holidays makes cleaning up after meals even more crucial. Trash, leftover food, crumbs, and spills can provide a feast for holiday pests, encouraging them to stay and multiply. A clean kitchen is the first defense against these unwanted guests, helping ensure a peaceful holiday season without the stress of pests.

Cleaning up food

Tiny food remnants can attract pests like ants, cockroaches, and mice. By promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs, you're denying these pests a food source and making your home less appealing. This simple winter pest control tip can significantly help reduce your chances of encountering pests during the festive season.

Securing trash

Don't let your trash can overflow; empty it regularly, especially during the holiday season when food waste tends to pile up. Clean your trash can regularly to remove any lingering food residue or odors that might attract unwanted guests. If you have outdoor trash cans, store them in a secure location away from your home.

Storing Leftovers and Other Food

When it comes to storing leftovers, airtight containers are your best friends! They help keep your delicious holiday meals fresh and can act as a barrier against curious pests looking for a snack.

Handle holiday decorations with care

Many typical holiday decorations can inadvertently provide cozy hideouts for winter pests. To help keep your festivities pest-free, follow these simple holiday pest control tips for carefully handling your holiday decor.

Inspecting decorations

Before you unpack your holiday decorations, give them a thorough inspection. Check for any signs of mice, rats, or other winter pests, such as webbing, droppings, or gnaw marks. If you find any evidence of pests, clean the decorations thoroughly with soap and water.

Checking fresh decorations for pests

If you plan to use fresh decorations, such as a Christmas tree or wreaths, inspect them carefully before bringing them indoors. Shake them vigorously to dislodge any hidden pests. If insects are found on your tree, a soapy water mixture can be sprayed on them, and it will not harm the tree.

Storing decorations

Before storing your decorations, clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Store your decorations in airtight containers or bags to help keep pests out. Place the stored decorations in a cool, dry location, away from areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Outdoor winter pest prevention

Keeping pests out of your home during the winter starts with preventing them from gaining access outdoors. With these outdoor winter pest prevention tips, you can help reduce the risk of pests finding their way inside and disrupting your festive celebrations.

Sealing holiday lights and decorations

When decorating your home for the holidays, be mindful of potential pest entry points. Ensure that any outdoor lights or decorations are securely fastened to the exterior. Any gaps or openings can provide easy access for pests. To further deter holiday pests, maintain your yard by removing fallen leaves, trimming overgrown vegetation, and putting away bird feeders or other items that may attract rodents.

Storing firewood

Firewood can be a prime breeding ground for pests, such as termites and carpenter ants. To help prevent these pests from entering your home, store your firewood in a dry, elevated location, away from direct contact with the ground. Cover the woodpile with a tarp or protective covering to keep it dry and deter pests.

Checking packages for pests

As the holiday season approaches, many people receive packages from various sources. Pests can hitchhike on warehouse packages, so inspecting them thoroughly is crucial. Check for any holes, tears, or unusual markings on the packaging. If you notice any suspicious activity, such as insects or larvae, dispose of the package immediately and contact the sender.

Safe travels without pests

The holiday season often involves traveling for family gatherings and festivities, but it's essential to remain vigilant against winter pests that can hitch a ride with you. Taking simple precautions can help protect yourself and your home from these unwanted pests.

Preventing bed bugs

Bed bugs are common pests that can travel on luggage and clothing, potentially spreading from one location to another. To help prevent bed bug infestations, inspect your hotel room upon arrival. Check the mattress, box spring, bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture for any signs of bed bugs, such as dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs. If you find any signs of bed bugs, immediately report the issue to the hotel staff and request a different room.

Separating guests' jackets and shoes

Guests can also unknowingly bring pests into your home, such as bed bugs, fleas, or ticks. To help minimize the risk of infestation, consider asking guests to remove their jackets and shoes upon entering your home. Provide a designated area for guests to store their belongings, such as a coat or shoe rack. This will help prevent pests from spreading throughout your home.

Protect your home year-round

Protecting your home from pests is a year-round commitment, not just a seasonal concern. While holidays and peak pest seasons may bring increased risks, pests can invade your home at any time of the year. Regular pest control is essential to identify and eliminate infestations early on, preventing them from escalating. With Terminix's PestFree365 plans, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from up to 39 common pests all year long.¹ Get started with Terminix pest control services today!

¹Service frequency will vary based on geography. Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Automatic payment sign-up is required for PestFree365+. Voles and fire ants are only covered if they are in the home, we will not treat the lawn. Homes must be free of bed bugs at the initial service to qualify for coverage of bed bugs under the PestFree365+ Plan. Applies to single-family, free-standing, owner-occupied homes only. Account must be in good standing. Other limitations may apply. See Plan for details.