The holiday season is a festive time to gather with friends and family, but the last visitors you want at your parties are pests. Colder weather and increased indoor activity can invite anything from ants to rodents into your Meridian home. Don’t let pests crash your holiday parties this year. Here are some proactive steps you can take to ensure your holidays remain focused on celebration, not critters.
Why Are Pests More Active Around the Holidays?
As temperatures drop, many pests look for warmer shelter indoors. Once there, they’re further enticed by holiday activities that include:
- Yummy food preparation and leftovers
- Decorations pulled down from storage areas
- Doors opening frequently for guests
- Extra moisture from cooking and cleaning
These factors can create the perfect storm of attraction for pests of all kinds. Don’t let them feel welcome!
Deep Clean Your House
First, do a thorough cleaning of your house before the holiday gatherings start:
- Wipe down kitchen counters, appliances, and pantry shelves
- Vacuum crumbs from floors, rugs, and furniture
- Take out trash regularly and make sure lids are tightly sealed
- Clean under appliances where crumbs and spills can accumulate
Seal Entry Points
Before guests arrive, look around your house for potential pest entry points:
- Cracks in foundations or siding
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Damaged weatherstripping or door sweeps
- Vents without proper screens
Even the smallest of gaps can allow entry by ants, spiders, and mice.
Be Careful With Decorations and Storage
If you store your holiday decorations in basements, garages, or attics, be careful when pulling them out each year:
- Inspect boxes before bringing them inside
- Shake out artificial trees, wreaths, and décor
- Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
Manage Moisture and Humidity
Silverfish, cockroaches, and rodents in particular love moisture. Control moisture levels in your home by:
- Fixing leaky faucets or pipes
- Using exhaust fans while cooking and showering
- Running a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces if needed
Be Diligent in the Kitchen
Holiday meals mean increased food traffic, so follow these tips to keep your kitchen as unattractive to pests as possible:
- Store leftovers in sealed containers promptly
- Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight
- Keep pet food sealed and off the floor
- Clean spills immediately
Just because your kitchen is a busy kitchen doesn’t mean it has to be a hotspot for pest activity.
Check the Exterior
Outdoor conditions can send pests indoors. Take time to:
- Clear leaves and debris from around your foundation
- Trim bushes and tree branches away from your home
- Keep firewood stacked away from the house and elevated off the ground
Schedule Preventive Pest Control in Meridian
Proactive pest control is the best way to enjoy critter-free holiday gatherings. Our Boise pest control technicians can provide preventative treatments designed to stop pests before they become a problem. We can identify seasonal risks, seal up entry points, and apply safe, effective solutions.
With a little prevention, routine maintenance, and professional attention from a trusted pest control company in Meridian, you can celebrate the holidays with confidence.
Contact Eco Pest Control in Meridian, ID
Schedule your holiday-ready pest inspection today and keep unwanted guests out this season. Please contact us at 208-600-8734.
