Getting your home ready for the holidays should be a fun and festive time—not a moment when hidden critters catch a free ride indoors. At Carney, we want to help you celebrate safely and comfortably, so here’s what you need to know about keeping unwanted guests out this season. If you want to avoid surprises in your holiday decorations this year, remember that reliable pest control in Bucks and Montgomery keeps your home protected from the start.
Check Storage Boxes Before Bringing Them Inside
Those bins, bags, and cardboard boxes that sit untouched for months in basements, garages, or sheds can become cozy hideouts for pests. Spiders, mice, stink bugs, and silverfish love the shelter and darkness these containers provide.
Before carrying any decorations indoors, take a moment to inspect the outside and inside of each box. Look for chew marks, droppings, webs, or insects. Open boxes outdoors whenever possible, giving everything a good shake. Opt for tightly sealed plastic bins instead of worn cardboard boxes. They stand up better against moisture and pests, keeping your holiday items much safer year after year.
Examine Wreaths and Garlands Carefully
Fresh and stored greenery can be beautiful, but they’re also common hiding spots for overwintering insects. Wreaths, dried arrangements, and garlands may shelter spiders, beetles, or mites.
Always inspect natural decor outside and give each piece a firm shake to loosen any hitchhikers. If you use artificial greenery, check it for webs, egg sacs, or dust that may be hiding pests. Storing these items in airtight containers between seasons dramatically reduces the chance of unwelcome visitors settling in.
Be Mindful When Bringing in Firewood
Nothing beats a warm fire during the holidays, but firewood can carry more than just winter cheer. Carpenter ants, termites, beetles, and other wood-loving pests often burrow into logs during cold months.
To reduce risk, store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and never stack it directly against exterior walls. When you bring logs inside, only carry in what you plan to burn immediately. This prevents any cold-stunned insects from warming up and exploring your living room.
Inspect Your Christmas Tree Before Setting It Up
Whether you choose a real tree or store an artificial one in your attic, both can harbor pests. Live trees may contain spiders, aphids, or praying mantises hidden deep within the branches. Before bringing a tree indoors, give it a thorough shake outside. Many tree farms also offer mechanical shakers, so use them if available. Check branches, needles, and the trunk for egg masses or insects. Artificial trees should be unpacked outdoors or in a garage so you can brush off dust, webs, or pests that may have found shelter during the year.
Keep Pests Out for a Happier Holiday
A few simple habits can protect your home from holiday pest problems. And remember, if you ever need extra help keeping your home pest-free, we’re always here to make the season brighter.
Call Carney All Seasons today! We do what’s right for customers.