Tips To Keep Your Holiday Decorating Pest-Free

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you may find yourself not paying as much attention to the details of pest prevention. So, how about we save you some time and give you a few simple things to watch for to avoid a visitation from intrusive pests over the holiday season? Done!

Check the Green Garnishments

Living decorations bring the beauty of nature into your home, but sometimes they bring in a little too much nature (remember the squirrel in the tree in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?). Trees, wreaths and other live decorations can harbor hitchhikers such as spiders, moths and other pests. Therefore, it’s wise to inspect and shake live greenery out before bringing the decorations into your home.

Inspect Ornament Boxes

The joy of opening those holiday storage boxes that have been sitting in the basement or attic all year long can quickly become a nightmare if they weren’t stored properly. To keep from bringing any critters into your main living area, check and unpack items from boxes while they are still in storage for signs of pests such as droppings, chewed cords and gnaw marks.

After the holidays, give yourself some bonus gifts and repack your decorations in brand new, tightly-sealed storage containers and save yourself from surprises next year.

A Final Tip to Warm Up To…

If your holiday plans include snuggling up next to the fire and sipping your choice of holiday cheer, remember to inspect your firewood for any pests before bringing it indoors.

Outdoor tip: Storing firewood at least 20 feet from your home and on a raised structure will help keep pests out of your firewood.

If you’re in need of professional assistance with a pest issue, give us a call at our Muskego office at 262-679-4422, our Oshkosh office at 920-385-0412 or toll free at 800-956-0800. 

Visit us on the web at: Safeway Pest Management

Why Pests Love the Holiday Season Too

Image by http://www.123rf.com/profile_trancedrumer/123RF

While you’re getting ready for holiday festivities, in the background, some pests may be celebrating right along with you!

 

 

You may not realize it, but pests can be commonly introduced into your home via some surprising ways, such as your Christmas tree! Other easy access routes may originate from wreaths and firewood. Some pests can live deep in the crevices of wood. To prevent bringing pests into your home, inspect wood for eggs, pests and nests and shake off trees and greenery outdoors before bringing them inside.

Decorating your home and tree can bring much joy, but also can bring about another way in which pests can enter your living space. Boxes of decorations kept in storage areas such as garages, attics and basements are great places for pests to hide. Unpack any holiday decorations outside or in the garage and keep decorations sealed up in storage bins with tight-fitting lids for an extra dose of protection.

Looking forward to all of those holiday goodies? So are pests! It’s no secret that pests love FOOD. Before making those delicious treats, check your pantry for any expired ingredients and also check items that haven’t been used in awhile. For best pest prevention, keep food items stored in containers, clean up food messes and don’t let those dirty dishes sit overnight.

If you’re planning a holiday getaway, keep in mind that you may not escape hidden pests. Bed Bugs specialize in holiday travel and are sneaky hitchhikers. Bed Bugs travel easily in your luggage and personal belongings. If you’re checking in somewhere, put your luggage in the bathroom tub or elevated on a rack away from the bed and wall and closely inspect mattresses, paying special attention to crevices.  Perform an outside inspection of your luggage upon returning home.  Lastly, as an added safety measure, place dryer-safe clothing items in the dryer for 15 minutes or more on the highest setting.

All of us at Safeway Pest Management wish you a happy and pest-free holiday season!

If you’re in need of professional assistance with a pest issue, give us a call at 262-679-4422 or toll free at 800-956-0800 or visit us on the web at http://www.safewaypest.net.

A Pest-Free Holiday to You and Yours

Holiday fun can come to a quick halt when unwanted insects or rodents bust in on the festivities. Below are some common holiday pest-related issues and some advice on how to avoid problems before they ruin your jolly spirit.

The Christmas Tree

If you’re bringing in a live tree, shake off the branches and check for insects and/or rodent nests.

The Decorations

Before decorating, check all cardboard boxes outside of the home in case insects or rodents have made a home in boxes.

Tip: To prevent future pesky box residents, keep decorations in sealed plastic containers or bins instead of cardboard boxes.

The Food

Food and waste is what pests love the most. Keep food stored in seal-tight containers, even during festivities when between meals and snacks.

Throw away any garbage.

Wipe up any spills.

Tip: Pests even love food drippings, so wipe off the outside of those storage containers for an extra ounce of prevention. 

Basic Prevention

These tips will help keep you pest free all year round!

• Store firewood at least five feet off the ground and at least 20 feet from your home
• Screens can be installed over attic fans, chimney vents and other openings
• Seal cracks and holes on the exterior of your home
• Replace weather-stripping around windows
• Inspect wiring and insulation for any signs of chewing and gnawing
• Call a professional if need be

Safeway Pest Management is licensed, certified, knowledgeable and available to answer any questions or help with treatment of your pest problems. Please call our office at 262-679-4422 or 800-956-0800 or visit us on the web at http://www.safewaypest.net.