Keep Pests Out of Your Home with These Tips for Holiday Decor

The holiday season is a time for gathering, decorating, and filling our homes with festive cheer. However, while you’re focused on decking the halls, pests may also be looking for ways to join the celebration. Holiday decorations, especially those stored outside or in less-used areas like garages, attics, and basements, can provide the perfect hiding spots for unwelcome guests. From spiders nestled in wreaths to rodents finding comfort in cozy tree boxes, knowing how to safeguard your decorations can keep these intruders from sneaking into your home.

Properly Storing Outdoor Decorations

Outdoor holiday decorations bring seasonal cheer to yards, porches, and roofs, but they’re also vulnerable to pests looking for shelter and food. Wreaths, lights, and garlands often attract insects, and rodents may find these items an ideal place to nest. During storage, decorations are frequently left in sheds or garages, where they’re exposed to fluctuating temperatures and reduced human activity. As a result, pests feel emboldened to hide among the holiday gear.

When it’s time to store outdoor decorations, place them in airtight containers instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic containers with secure lids act as barriers, keeping pests from gaining access to your décor. Cardboard, on the other hand, can be easily chewed through by rodents and doesn’t offer protection from moisture, which can encourage insects and mold. Using containers that seal tightly can prevent bugs and rodents from making your decorations their new home.

In addition, consider storing decorations on elevated shelves or in overhead bins, which reduces the chance of them coming into contact with ground-dwelling pests. Storing items off the ground adds an extra layer of protection against critters that may wander in from door gaps or other openings. A simple reorganization of storage space can drastically reduce the risk of pest encounters during the holiday season.

Cleaning And Inspecting Decorations

After months of storage, holiday decorations can accumulate dust, dirt, and potentially even insects. When bringing these items inside, it’s crucial to inspect and clean them thoroughly. Unpacking in a garage or outdoor space is ideal, as it allows you to detect and remove any pests without risking them entering your home. This step is especially important for items with hidden crevices, such as artificial trees, wreaths, and nativity sets, where small critters could easily hide.

For artificial trees, shake them gently to dislodge any insects or small rodents that may have nestled among the branches. Using a soft brush or cloth to wipe down ornaments and wreaths helps remove any dust or debris that might harbor tiny insects or their eggs. For lights, especially those stored outdoors, wiping the strands with a damp cloth can remove dirt, cobwebs, or any insects clinging to them. This simple but effective cleaning process ensures that no hidden pests make it indoors with your holiday décor.

For more delicate decorations, such as figurines or intricate ornaments, a quick examination for signs of pests—such as droppings or tiny nests—can help you identify any infestation risk. If you find anything unusual, it’s best to clean and sanitize the items before they become part of your holiday display. These extra few minutes spent cleaning will allow you to enjoy a pest-free and safe holiday season.

Safeguarding Natural Decorations

Natural decorations like pinecones, wreaths made of real evergreen branches, or dried flowers add an authentic touch to holiday decor. Unfortunately, these organic materials can also attract insects looking for food or shelter. Freshly cut branches and wreaths may harbor small insects that are dormant during cold weather but become active once brought indoors. Pinecones, too, can house tiny bugs that are difficult to spot at first glance.

To prevent pests from infiltrating through natural decor, freeze these items for a day or two before bringing them into your living spaces. Freezing kills most insects and their eggs, ensuring that your natural decorations are pest-free. If freezing isn’t possible, another option is to shake them thoroughly outdoors, allowing any hidden critters to drop off before you bring the items inside. Additionally, spraying a light mist of diluted vinegar or an essential oil solution on the decorations can deter pests while preserving the natural look and smell of your seasonal greenery.

Be cautious when purchasing natural decor items from outdoor vendors or markets, as these items may not have been treated for pests. Inspect them closely before purchasing, looking for signs of insects or mold. Taking these precautions with natural decorations will keep your home festive and pest-free during the holiday season.

Managing Storage Spaces

Holiday decor is often stored in spaces that attract pests year-round, such as attics, basements, or garages. By managing these storage areas effectively, you can minimize the risk of pests finding your holiday items appealing. Start by thoroughly cleaning storage spaces before placing decorations back in them. Remove any food sources, such as old cardboard boxes, which can attract rodents and insects. Regularly sweep floors, and use a vacuum to eliminate dust, cobwebs, and potential insect eggs that can gather in corners and crevices.

Sealing cracks and gaps in storage areas is another essential step in preventing pest access. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and insects can enter through even smaller spaces, so inspecting walls, floors, and windows for any gaps is essential. Using caulk or weatherstripping, seal these points of entry to ensure pests remain outside, where they belong. Dehumidifiers in basements or attics can also help, as pests are often drawn to damp, dark environments.

Consider checking on your holiday decor boxes a few times during the year, especially in the fall, to ensure no pest activity has occurred. Catching signs early, such as droppings, chewed materials, or insect nests, will prevent surprises when you unpack decorations during the holiday season. A little proactive maintenance in your storage spaces can prevent major pest issues in the long run.

Post-Holiday Cleanup

Once the holiday season is over, the way you handle post-holiday cleanup can also impact pest prevention. When taking down decorations, inspect each item as you pack it away, ensuring no pests have latched on or left behind droppings. Cleaning decorations before storage keeps them in good condition and reduces the chances of pests being attracted to residues or organic material. Properly storing everything in sealed containers, as mentioned, should be part of the post-holiday routine.

Furthermore, if your home experienced any pest activity during the holidays, it’s wise to schedule a thorough cleaning and inspection of storage areas to prevent issues from lingering into the new year. Make sure decorations are dry before storing them, as moisture can encourage mold growth, which attracts certain pests. A well-organized, clean storage space goes a long way in maintaining a pest-free environment and ensures that your decorations will be ready for use year after year.

Preparing holiday decorations and keeping them pest-free doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a few strategic steps. Taking care of how decorations are stored, cleaned, and handled will reduce the likelihood of pests infiltrating your home along with your holiday cheer. At Perks Worx Pest Control, we understand how pests operate and how to keep them from invading even during festive times. Contact us to learn more about our pest prevention services and enjoy a holiday season that’s as safe and comfortable as it is joyous.