How To Keep Pests Out Of Your Maine Home This Holiday Season
Thanksgiving and the holiday season are quickly approaching, and for many Mainers, that means cozying up indoors, baking or cooking up a storm, and decking the halls. Unfortunately, along with all the decorations and festivities, our warm, inviting homes can also become targets for unwanted insects and rodents. With that in mind, here are some practical tips to keep your home pest-free and comfortable this holiday season so you can focus on what matters most—spending time with family and friends!
Protecting your pantry from pests
Have you started stocking your pantry with flour, sugar, spices, and other ingredients to be ready for all the holiday baking? Keep in mind that pantries, kitchen cabinets, and other food storage areas could attract pests, including mice.
To keep all your ingredients safe, store ingredients in airtight containers, and try to use up any half-empty bags first before opening a new one. This is an easy way to keep pests out of your pantry and helps avoid wasting food later.
Decorating without the pests
If you’re bringing in a fresh Christmas tree or a live wreath, it’s a good idea to give it a close look before it comes indoors. Often, spiders or other bugs hitch a ride on fresh greenery. Just give the branches a good shake outside, and if you find any critters, knock them off.
For those decorations you’re bringing out of storage, it helps to check for any signs of nesting pests. Decorations stored in basements or attics are especially inviting to mice and spiders over the off-season, so a quick dust-off or inspection will go a long way.
Bringing in firewood without bringing in bugs
There’s nothing like a roaring fire on a cold Maine night. But when you’re bringing firewood indoors, it’s a good idea to store it outside until you’re ready to use it. Firewood can house insects, so keeping it several feet away from the house is best.
When it’s time to bring in some logs, give them a quick look to make sure you’re not accidentally inviting any bugs inside. This small step will help keep pests where they belong—outside.
Bed bug prevention for holiday guests
The holiday season usually means visitors, whether you’re hosting family or staying somewhere yourself. Unfortunately, bed bugs can sometimes join in the holiday fun by hitching a ride on luggage or clothing.
If you’re hosting, you can check guest room bedding before guests arrive and again after they leave. For anyone staying in hotels or with others, inspect suitcases before they come back indoors. And washing sheets and bedding on a hot cycle is a quick way to keep bed bugs from sticking around.
Winter pests to watch out for
Even in cold weather, some pests stay active. Rodents, in particular, love to sneak inside for warmth and shelter. To avoid uninvited guests, keep an eye out for droppings, small chew marks, or nests in warm spots like near your furnace or in your attic.
If you spot any signs of mice, it’s always a good idea to address it quickly before a minor issue turns into a major problem.
Contact Advanced Pest Solutions for help eliminating pests!
If you’re already dealing with insects and rodents in your home, don’t let these pests spoil your holidays. Instead, contact Advanced Pest Solutions for effective and affordable home pest control services in Litchfield, Belgrade, and throughout our central and coastal Maine service area.
In addition to providing pest control services that eliminate and prevent common house-infesting insects and rodents all year round, we also offer bed bug treatments that exterminate these biting pests, no matter how they arrive in your home.
Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company is just a click or phone call away. Reach out today to request an estimate!
Here’s to a happy, cozy, and pest-free holiday season!