It’s the most wonderful time of the year…with holiday decorations, family feasts, and bug infestations! Wait – what?
That’s right. Summertime isn’t the only buggy time of year. Between chilly weather, year-old storage brought about, and the influx of greenery inside, it’s unfortunately also the season of bugs burrowing into your home. While it’s not the first thing you think of when you think of the holidays, bug control is better to be taken care of before all the relatives come over.
When in Doubt, Shake it Out
With lots of rummaging around in our attics and garages for our winter apparel and decoration boxes, you’re sure to find a few unwanted friends lingering about – especially if you use cardboard boxes or plastic bags to keep your things in. We recommend you open your bins and boxes outside or in your driveway first so that any pests that might be hiding can’t escape to other parts of your home too.
When taking your faux Christmas tree out of the box, begin by gently shaking the tree pieces before constructing them. If you’re bringing home a fresh tree and garland from a farm or pop-up shop, they will usually have a mechanical shaker on location. However, an additional shake after the car ride home definitely won’t hurt either. This can shake loose any pests nestled into the tree bristles. Follow with dusting the branches, which can assist with any remaining bugs, and clears out any eggs that might’ve been laid. This will keep your tree mite-, bark beetle-, and spider-free!
Check for Holes or Gaps
While most spiders are harmless, their webs can be unsightly and the sight of them can stir up fear in some individuals. They also don’t enjoy cold weather, so it’s not surprising that they will try to scurry into the confines of your warm home this winter. Double-check that there are no gaps in window/doorframes, torn window screens, or foundation cracks, and seal them accordingly.
Clean & Store Properly
Gingerbread house making can be messy, and even Santa is known to leave quite a few crumbs in his wake. With so many delicious treats around during the holidays, ensure that you wipe down counters and vacuum regularly to deter ants and cockroaches looking for food of their own. Or if a creature is stirring, you will need some assistance with rodent control.
When it comes to packing back up for next year, instead of using cardboard boxes or plastic bags to store any ornaments of house décor, we insist you try a material that’s harder for pests to chew right through. For example, hard plastic bins are tougher than cardboard. Anything that can be sealed well, air-tight, or taped tightly is your best bet.
If you are worried you have a pest infestation or want to recruit preventative care from a professional, Russell Pest Solutions is merrily ready to be of assistance. Contact us today for a quick quote or to make an appointment for pest control services near/around Jacksonville, Fl and nearby towns.
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