6 Tips for Pest-Free Holidays

’Tis the season to be jolly! The winter holiday season kicks-off very soon. Even the Scrooges among us get caught up in the general merriment and goodwill during Thanksgiving and December celebrations. As you ready your home for visitors, make sure uninvited guests don’t join you by preparing for pest-free holidays.

Tips for Pest-Free Holidays at Home

If you spot 1 or even two insects in your house, it’s usually not a problem. When you see several every day, you may have an “infestation,” and that’s a big problem. Some of the unwelcome guests that can hitchhike into your home include:

• Ants
• Mice
• Roaches
• Spiders
• Termites
• Ticks

Here are 6 tips for pest-free holidays this year:

1. Cardboard Boxes

The cardboard box that has stored decorations for many years is a great hiding place for bugs. Roaches in particular like eating the glue used in some cardboard. This year, unpack cardboard boxes outside. Look for droppings or chewed decorations.

2. Check All Greenery

Are you in a hurry to bring that wonderful smell of evergreens and firs into your home? Slow down long enough to inspect all garlands and wreaths for pests. Look for insects, nest-like attachments, or eggs that will hatch later, creating an infestation issue.

3. Guess What Loves Potpourri?

Eucalyptus is a natural bug repellent, so consider using it as part of your holiday décor. Did you know incense attracts mosquitos? You probably don’t need to worry about mosquitos swarming your home this winter.

However, the fragrant dried flowers and fruit strategically placed throughout your house can be bug magnets. Before opening potpourri, put the bag in the freezer for a few days. This should rid the mix of hungry pests.

4. Keep Food in Airtight Containers

You don’t do this throughout the year, but during the holidays you want to display (and eat) Grandma’s pralines, attractive candies, and tasty cookies on festive dishes. Unwrapped candy canes look so nice on the tree and you can use them for package decorations, too! This year, don’t. Welcome your aunts, but discourage ants and other pests by keeping food in covered, airtight containers.

5. Replace Cardboard Boxes with Plastic Tubs

Toss cardboard boxes into the recycle bin this year. Durable, sturdy plastic tubs can protect your decorations. When sealed properly, they prevent access to unwanted pests.

6. Store Firewood Away from the House

Arizona’s Drywood Termites live in the wood they eat. For pest-free holidays, stack firewood in a place far enough away from your home to lessen the risk of insect hitchhikers. Always visually inspect logs before bringing inside. Soil-dwelling termites and other pests can travel indoors on or in your stacked firewood.

Enjoy Pest-Free Holidays This Year…Every Year

Don’t be embarrassed, because it happens. If you suspect pesky pests have slipped into your home, call the Budget Brothers Termite & Pest pros of Arizona. We service homes and businesses throughout the Valley, and we have 25 years’ experience dealing with Arizona’s indigenous insects.

What’s embarrassing is avoiding managing your pest problem. A small infestation can escalate quickly! We’ll also try to find the source of your infestation as well as provide the solution.

We have offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and West Valley to serve you. Contact Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination to learn more about insect control for pest-free holidays.