The holiday season is all about connection–catching up with loved ones, attending festive parties, and sharing moments with friends and neighbors. It’s a time of joy, indulgent meals, and creating memories–not hosting a houseful of freeloading pests!
From rodents trying to sneak into the gift exchange, to plant pests feasting on your festive greenery, to bed bugs catching a ride with holiday travelers, pests have a way of turning holiday cheer into a pest-control nightmare. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with tips to keep your home merry, bright, and blissfully pest-free this holiday season.
Bed Bugs and “Plus-One Pests”: Stop Them at the Door
Holiday travel isn’t the only time bed bugs might hitch a ride into your home–these sneaky, adaptable pests can show up in places you’d never expect. From holiday shopping at the mall and relaxing in a cozy library nook to catching a movie or grabbing coffee with friends, bed bugs can cling to bags, coats, or clothing and follow you home.
To protect your space, take a moment to inspect suitcases, handbags, and even backpack seams for signs of bed bugs after returning from outings. If you’re visiting secondhand stores or antique shops in search of unique holiday treasures, give your finds a thorough inspection before bringing them inside. Hosting overnight guests? A friendly chat about recent travel plans can ensure everyone stays bed bug-free. Providing a luggage rack for visitors is a thoughtful way to keep bags elevated and away from furniture, a gesture that is both practical and polite.
Pro-tip for travelers: Bed bugs can’t handle high heat, so toss travel clothes, shoes, and even heat-safe garment bags into the dryer on a hot cycle as soon as you unpack. Think of it as a quick “pest-proofing spa treatment” for your wardrobe.
Whether you’re dining out with friends, attending festive gatherings, or traveling to see family, these pesky hitchhikers are always looking for an opportunity to join the party. By proactively inspecting for bed bugs, you can keep your home cozy, cheerful, and blissfully bed bug-free throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Delivery Boxes: A Pest’s First-Class Ticket
That stack of Amazon boxes by the door? Holiday packages undoubtedly bring good cheer, but they can also invite cockroaches and other pests eager to hitch a ride indoors. Cardboard is an insect paradise, offering dark crevices for hiding and even a food source for common household pests like silverfish and camelback crickets.
To avoid turning your doorstep into a pest resort, unpack deliveries promptly and inspect the boxes for any unwelcome guests. Recycle the cardboard immediately and avoid storing it near food, in damp areas, or piled up for extended periods. Moisture can make cardboard even more attractive to pests like silverfish and centipedes.
Bonus tip: If you notice any damage or small holes in the boxes, inspect the contents thoroughly. Sometimes, pests come for the ride and stay for the feast!
Firewood: Great for Cozy Nights, Bad for Bugs
Nothing sets the mood for a holiday evening quite like a crackling fire. Firewood often hides pests like beetles, spiders, ants, and overwintering stink bugs or centipedes, all of which can “wake up” and join your festivities once they hit the warmth of your home.
To keep your firewood as pest-free as possible, store it off the ground and at least 15 feet away from your home. When it’s time to light the fire, only bring in the amount you plan to burn immediately. Stockpiling logs near your hearth or in your garage might sound convenient, but it’s rolling out the red carpet for bugs.
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Tinsel Terrors: Stow Decorations with Care After the Holidays
As the holiday season winds down, storing your decorations properly is essential to protect them from pests like moths, silverfish, rodents, and spiders. These critters are especially drawn to natural fibers (like stockings or tree skirts), organic materials (such as dried fruit or pinecones), and even candle wax.
Opt for sturdy plastic bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard to keep pests and moisture out. Before packing, clean and inspect outdoor decorations for webbing, droppings, or damage, and discard any infested item. Store bins in a cool, dry space off the ground to prevent moisture buildup and deter pests. While we don’t recommend stowing items with mothballs, cedar blocks or lavender sachets can naturally repel insects while keeping items fresh.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid cardboard boxes, which attract pests like silverfish and cockroaches.
- Inspect and clean all items before packing, especially fabric and organic décor.
- Store candles separately in a cool space to avoid melting and pest attraction.
- Seal storage areas by checking for gaps or cracks that pests could use to sneak in.
A Quick Note on Mothballs: Not the Magic Fix You Might Think
Mothballs might seem easy to ward off pests, but they bring more trouble than they’re worth. These little stink bombs release toxic fumes (thanks to chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) that can harm more than just pests. Prolonged exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, or even serious health risks for humans and pets–and let's face it, no one wants their home smelling like grandma's attic gone rogue.
On top of that, mothballs are a one-trick pony: they’re only approved for use in sealed containers to protect fabrics from moths. Using them in open areas or outside not only fails to deter pests but can contaminate soil and water, turning your pest problem into an environmental one.
For a safer home DIY pest prevention approach, try natural repellents like cedar chips or lavender sachets, which double as pest deterrents and air fresheners. Or better yet, consult a professional pest control service near you for effective, safe pest management solutions. We promise no mothballs required!
Have a Pest-Free, Joyful Holiday with Accutech Pest Management
The holidays can be stressful enough without uninvited guests ruining the vibe. With advice from your local pest control team at Accutech, you can keep the focus on what matters most. For added peace of mind, schedule a holiday pest inspection with Accutech Pest Management. We’re here to make sure the only visitors this season are the ones you actually want!