As the holiday season approaches, you’re probably making plans for festive gatherings, delicious meals, and spending quality time with loved ones. However, there’s one group of “guests” you don’t want crashing your holiday party: pests! Nothing spoils the holiday cheer faster than the sight of ants around your dessert table or spiders hanging out on the guest bathroom ceiling. Fortunately, by taking a proactive approach to pest control, you can make sure your home is welcoming to your friends and family but entirely uninviting to bugs.
Here are some expert tips to prepare your home for the holiday season and make sure it’s only filled with guests of the human variety!
Declutter for a Fresh Start
Holiday prep often begins with a deep clean, which is the perfect opportunity to tackle any areas where pests may be hiding. Cluttered areas like basements, attics, or garage spaces can become ideal hiding spots for insects and rodents looking for warmth. Plus, a clean and organized space can make your pest control service even more effective.
Seal Up Points of Entry
Cold weather drives pests indoors, where they’re looking for warmth and food. Before the temperatures start to drop, take time to inspect your home’s exterior and make sure there are no easy access points for pests. Gaps and cracks around windows and doors are prime entry points for small pests. Sealing these areas with weather stripping or caulk will help keep them out. Torn or missing screens on windows, vents, and chimney openings can be easy entryways for rodents and insects.
Safeguard Your Holiday Decorations
Boxes of holiday decorations can be unexpected hiding spots for pests, especially if they’ve been stored in attics, basements, or outdoor garages. Before bringing any stored items inside, first, open the boxes outside and give each item a quick shake. This way, any pests hiding within the boxes won’t find their way into your home. Dust and wipe down containers if you see any cobwebs, eggs, or other evidence of pests. For the future, consider using sealed plastic containers to keep pests out and keep your decorations fresh for next year.
Prepare the Kitchen for Holiday Cooking
A well-stocked kitchen is essential for delicious holiday meals, but it can also be attractive to unwelcome critters. The key to pest-proofing your kitchen is to keep the area clean and to store food properly. Instead of leaving open bags or boxes in the pantry, consider storing dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta in airtight containers. Whether you’re baking cookies or roasting a turkey, clean up food spills and crumbs right away since these can be magnets for pests.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Pest Control Service
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and pests are the last thing you want to worry about. Scheduling a preventive pest control treatment in the weeks leading up to the holidays can give you peace of mind and a pest-free home. If you enroll in a pest control subscription plan with PestForce, your home will get quarterly treatment to keep pests away.
Keep the Holiday Cheer Without the Pests
The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, not for pest problems! PestForce’s quarterly pest control subscription makes it easy to enjoy year-round protection without lifting a finger, so you can focus on what matters most: making memories with your loved ones. This holiday season, make sure your guest list doesn’t include any unexpected visitors, especially the six-legged kind! Visit PestForce to schedule your pest control service before the holidays!
