How to protect yourself from pests this Christmas

Families across the country are getting into the holiday spirit by decorating their homes, stringing lights and wrapping presents. Although these holiday preparations seem innocent, they can lead to pests such as ants, ticks and spiders being accidentally brought indoors. You need to know some pest control tips for the holidays.

The most common way pests get into homes is through Christmas trees, wreaths, and firewood. Spiders, ants, and ticks are all common pests that hide in wood crevices or in the branches of trees. Sometimes, the insects might even lay eggs in garland or trees. The eggs can hatch indoors and cause major pest infestations.

Pest Control Trips For The Holidays

Before bringing in live trees or other greenery to your home, make sure you carefully inspect them. To catch any unwanted tenants, inspect for nests, eggs and insects.

Pests also have a way to get into our homes at this time of the year by stealing decorations from our basements, garages, and crawlspaces. During the off-season, mice and other pests can find their way into boxes. There may be live or dead pests, droppings, and debris inside decorations that homeowners have unpacked. In some cases, homeowners may find their holiday decorations chewed up or destroyed by pests.

Before decorating, take your holiday decorations outside. Exterminator Conway SC says that you should check for any signs of pests or droppings. To ensure that the wiring is not damaged by pests, pay special attention to the strings of lights.

The most important rodent control step you can do to avoid pests during holidays is to remove the decorations and take down the tree. Instead of storing holiday decorations in cardboard boxes or bags that are easily chewed through, store them in plastic bins with tight seals. Avoid storing discarded firewood or live trees near your home as they can attract termites, mice and other pests.

It’s easy to forget about pests during busy times like this. But you can reduce the chances of having to deal with them in your home by following these simple steps. If you suspect that your holiday festivities are being disrupted by pests, you should immediately contact a licensed pest control specialist to inspect your home.