Holiday Pest Prevention 101, Fend Off Uninvited Guests
The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends and eating lots of food. However, the tasty treats and crumbs we leave behind can attract some uninvited four- and six-legged guests. Keep your home pest-free this holiday season with these holiday pest prevention 101 tips for deterring ants, cockroaches, mice, and other common household pests.
Holiday Pest Prevention Tips and Trick
Do a Deep Clean
To begin with holiday pest prevention 101 tips, and before holiday decorations and food come out, do a deep cleaning of your kitchen, dining room, and anywhere else the food will be served. Sweep floors, mop hard surfaces, vacuum carpets and upholstery, and remove the garbage to eliminate crumbs and spills that pests could feast on. Pay special attention to corners, cracks, and crevices where grease, dirt, and food particles accumulate.
Seal Up Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime and cockroaches through cracks as thin as a quarter. Inspect inside and outside your home for gaps and cracks pests could use to enter, especially where utility lines and pipes come in outdoors—seal openings with weatherproof caulk or foam sealant. Repair torn window screens and make sure doors seal tightly when closed.
Store Food Properly
Keep all food sealed tightly in pest-proof containers, and promptly store leftovers in the refrigerator. Glass, metal, and rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids help deny pests access to your food. Clean up spills immediately and avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight—just asking for pests to join your holiday celebrations.
Manage Waste Properly
Empty garbage cans frequently in indoor and outdoor areas. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or keep lids closed when not in use. Remove recycling items containing food residues, rinse containers before recycling, and avoid letting things pile up outside recycling bins. Compost food scraps in securely closed bins if you have an outdoor compost pile.
Notice & Address Signs of Pests
Inspect your kitchen, bathrooms, basement, attic, and anywhere you store food regularly for signs like droppings, bites on food packages, grease marks, and insects. Address any evidence of pests immediately by sanitizing areas and sealing their entryways.
You can try deploying sticky or pheromone traps to monitor potential problem areas and guide pest control efforts. However, they must be kept far away from children and pets. In addition, they may be a temporary fix for one or even two, but if you have an infestation, these traps can be a waste of time.
Keep It Clean & Dry
Moisture sources like leaking pipes, standing puddles, condensation, and water intrusion after heavy rains can attract pests. Fix any leaks and thoroughly dry out wet spots from flooding or leaks within 24 to 48 hours using fans, heaters, or dehumidifiers: clean gutters and direct rainwater and HVAC condensation away from your home’s foundation.
Use Pest-Deterring Plants & Herbs
Certain plants like mint, lavender, chrysanthemums, garlic, and basil contain oils that repel insects. Interplant these throughout your landscape beds. Don’t plant them right next to your home’s foundation, as excessive watering could create pest problems.
Bring Tidings of Comfort and Joy to Your Home Pest-Free
If you already have an established pest problem and reside in New Hampshire, contact Garfield Pest Control, a licensed exterminator, to control it safely before the holidays get into full swing.
With commercial-grade products, equipment, and expert knowledge in eliminating current infestations and preventing future ones, you can rest assured a pest-free holiday. The indoors and outdoors can be treated. Additional tips will be given to make your home less inviting to holiday crashers.
By taking some holiday pest prevention 101 tips, you’ll keep your home cleaner and enjoy the holidays more without uninvited little guests trying to join the festivities. Be proactive now because prevention truly is the best medicine. Contact Garfield Pest Control this holiday season.
