As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to make sure your home is free of pests. Whether it’s a pesky ant problem or a full-on infestation, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and pest-free. Fortunately, there are many holiday pest prevention tips you can use to help keep your home free of bugs this season.
From basic home maintenance to the use of natural pest repellents, there are a variety of ways to keep your home pest-free. So, if you’re looking to enjoy the holidays without the hassle of pests, use these helpful tips to keep your home bug-free this season.
Identify Common Holiday Pests in the Home
There are many different pests that can invade your home during the holiday season. Some common pests you may find in your home this time of year include ants, termites, moths, and cockroaches.
You can help prevent an infestation by taking proactive steps to seal off entry points, keeping your home clean, and storing food properly.
If you suspect you have a holiday pest problem in your home, it’s important to identify what type of pest it is as soon as possible, as each pest requires a different treatment.
Holiday Pest Prevention Tips: Common Critters You’ll Find
These are some of the most common pests you may find in your home during the holidays:
Ants – Ants are one of the most common pests to invade homes during the holiday season. There are many different types of ants and various ways they can enter your home. Some common ant species include Carpenter Ants, Odorous House Ants, Honey Pot Ants, and Pavement Ants.
The best way to prevent ants from entering your home is to keep it clean, seal off entry points, and regularly remove food scraps from your kitchen. If you notice ants in your home, you can use a few simple home remedies to get rid of them.
Termites – Termites are another common pest that can wreak havoc on your home during the holiday season. While termites can be a problem year round, they become an even bigger issue when you are trying to enjoy the holidays. Some common termite species include Formosan, Eastern Subterranean, and Northern Drywood.
The best way to prevent termites from invading your home is to regularly inspect your property for signs of infestation. If you suspect you have a termite problem, you should schedule a professional inspection right away.
Moths – These are a common pest that can invade your home during the holiday season. There are several different types of moths that can invade your home, including the pantry moth and the brown house moth. Fortunately, most moths aren’t dangerous and can be controlled with a simple vacuum. If you have a moth problem in your home, you can help prevent it from spreading by storing your dry foods properly.
Cockroaches – Whether you are hosting a holiday party or cooking your favorite holiday dinner, cockroaches can quickly turn an otherwise happy holiday into a nightmare.
These infamous pests are attracted to sugary foods and can quickly find their way into your home if you are hosting a large holiday party or have a sugar bowl out during the holidays. If you are hosting a large party, be sure to vacuum and sweep floors regularly to keep cockroaches from coming into your home. Encourage guests to properly dispose of unwanted food in the trash can..
Seal off Entry Points
When it comes to holiday pest prevention, one of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your home is to seal off any entry points. This includes sealing cracks and crevices in your home as well as your outdoor property.
Cracks in your home – Cracks in your home can provide easy entry points for pests. If you have trouble sealing these entry points, you can use a pest control contractor to help seal these entry points for you. To keep pests from entering your home via cracks, you can use caulk or sealant.
Entry points outdoors – Pests can also enter your home via cracks outside. This includes areas such as landscaping, porches, and foundations. You can help prevent pests from entering your home through these entry points by sealing them off using standard materials.
Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean is an important step in preventing pests. This includes regularly cleaning your home as well as cleaning up after special events. If you have an upcoming holiday party or special occasion, it’s a good idea to clean up the day after. This helps prevent pests from entering your home and feasting on any leftover food and crumbs.
Store Food Properly
Food is one of the main reasons pests invade homes. This is especially true during the holiday season when there is plenty of food available.
The first thing you can do to help prevent pests from feasting on your food is to clean up after special events and holiday parties. It’s also important to store food properly to prevent pests from getting to it. To keep pests out of your food during the holiday season, store items in airtight containers.
Try Natural Pest Repellents
There are a variety of natural pest repellents you can try to keep pests away during the holiday season. If you regularly use these insecticides and repellents, you can reduce the amount of pests in your home as well as the need for frequent pest control services.
Some common pest repellents include eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, and citrus peel oil.
Eucalyptus oil – Eucalyptus oil is a common pest repellent that is safe for both humans and animals. If you regularly use eucalyptus oil, you can help keep pests like ants and mice away from your home. To use eucalyptus oil, you can either spray it around your home or mix it with water to make a spray.
Cedar oil – Cedar oil is a common repellent used to fend off insects such as mice and fleas. If you frequently use cedar oil, you can help keep pests away from your home. You can use cedar oil in a variety of ways, including in sprays, candles, and diffusers.
Cinnamon oil – Cinnamon oil is a common repellent you can use to keep pests away during the holiday season. You can either spray cinnamon oil around your home or mix it with water to make a spray.
Clove oil – Clove oil is another common repellent you can use to keep pests away during the holiday season. You can either spray clove oil around your home or mix it with water to make a spray.
Monitor Pest Activity
One of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your home is to monitor their activity. If you regularly inspect your property for signs of pests, you can catch an infestation early and schedule pest control service before it becomes a major problem.
To monitor pest activity, you can regularly inspect your property for pests, look for their signs, and listen for their sounds. By regularly monitoring for pests, you can identify pests early and take the appropriate steps to protect your home from infestation.
Invest in Professional Pest Control
If you notice a significant increase in pests in your home, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a professional pest control company. A professional pest control inspection can help you identify the type of pests invading your home and determine the best treatment for your situation.
One of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your home is to regularly schedule pest control service. Many pest control companies offer seasonal pest control services that can help protect your home and family from pests during the holiday season.
We hope these holiday pest control tips bring you peace of mind. If you have concerns about holiday pests this season, contact Drive-Bye Exterminators for holiday pest prevention.
