What This Blog Covers
- Why pests love the holiday season
- Practical tips to prevent pests in your home
- How to safeguard your food and decorations
- Why professional pest control is the ultimate defense
Why the Holidays Are Prime Pest Season
When you think of pests, summer probably comes to mind; hot, humid weather and bugs everywhere. But in Tampa Bay, where our winters are mild, most pests remain active year-round. Moreover, they find our homes particularly attractive during the holiday season.
Even a brief cold snap in December can drive pests to seek warm shelter, and your home is the perfect spot. Add in all the holiday treats, and your house becomes a smorgasbord: cookies left on plates, frosting spills, gingerbread ingredients scattered around, and fully stocked pantries. Additionally, pests can sneak in unnoticed on firewood, holiday decorations, groceries, gifts, and even luggage.
Pest-Proof Your Home for Christmas: Festive & Practical Tips
1. Inspect and Clean Holiday Decorations
Before unpacking holiday decorations, check boxes for pests. Look for live or dead insects and rodents, droppings, eggs, or nesting material. If using real trees, wreaths, or garlands, inspect them carefully for pests and give them a good shake before bringing them inside.
Investing in hard-sided plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids can also help prevent infestations year-round. These bins make it difficult for pests to get in and protect your decorations until next year.
2. Lock Down the Holiday Buffet
Whether hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, brunch, or party, food is a major attractant for pests. Keep your family, guests, and home safe with these tips:
- Check grocery packaging for damage before bringing items home.
- Store treats, baking ingredients, and leftovers in airtight containers.
- Clean crumbs, spills, and food waste promptly.
- Avoid leaving sweets or snacks out overnight.
- Wash dishes immediately and take out trash regularly.
- Wipe down counters, tables, and pantry shelves frequently.
3. Seal Out Pests
Preventing pest entry is easier than dealing with an infestation. While decorating outdoors, check for and fix:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Cracks in foundations
- Open vents and utility entry points
Also, move firewood and garbage bins away from the house and maintain landscaping to reduce pest hiding spots and access routes.
4. Be Mindful of Guests Bringing More Than Holiday Cheer
Pests, such as bed bugs, can sneak in on coats, luggage, or other items brought by guests. Minimize the risk by:
- Storing coats and luggage on hard surfaces instead of upholstery
- Washing all linens promptly after guests leave
- Conducting a routine home inspection for a month or two post-visit
Why Professional Pest Control Makes Sense
Even the best home prevention steps aren’t always enough. Professional pest control ensures year-round protection and peace of mind.
With Anti-Pesto Bug Killers, you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about pests. Our ongoing home pest control services eliminate existing infestations, while our routine pest treatments prevent new pest infestations from developing. Our plans target more than 25 common Tampa Bay pests. We back our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Combine these tips with expert pest control, and you can truly make this season the most pest-free one yet. Give yourself the gift of peace of mind this Christmas with Anti-Pesto; contact us today!
Holiday Pest Control FAQ
Do artificial Christmas trees attract pests?
Not usually! However, edible decorations like cookies, popcorn garlands, and candy canes can attract hungry insects and rodents.
Which cockroach species is most likely to infest kitchens?
In Florida and the Tampa Bay area, the American cockroach and German cockroach are the most common kitchen invaders. They’re attracted to warmth, moisture, and food scraps, making kitchens a prime target during the holidays and throughout the year.
Are home remedies enough to keep pests out?
DIY products can help, albeit temporarily. Typically, they only target the foragers and do not address the rest of the infestation. Professional pest control services, such as those from our locally owned and family-operated pest control company, provide proactive and ongoing protection against pests.
