The holidays are here! Your home is sparkling, the food is prepped, and the guest rooms are ready. But the last thing you want is an uninvited guest, the six-legged kind, making an awkward appearance during Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve.
The reality is that increased traffic, open doors, and holiday decorations create opportunities for common pests to sneak indoors.
At Green Pest Solutions, we believe pest control is about protecting your home and ensuring peace of mind with your loved ones. Here are five easy steps you can take this weekend to pest-proof your home for a smooth, joyful holiday season.
1. Inspect Luggage, Gifts, and Decor
The most common way pests enter a clean home during the holidays isn’t through a crack in the foundation, it’s riding in on imported items.
- Guest Luggage: Before storing guest luggage in the bedroom closet or on the floor, politely ask guests to keep their bags elevated on a rack or dresser. Bed bugs are the biggest concern here, and they love soft luggage stored near the bed.
- Wreaths & Trees: If you use real greenery, give it a good shake outside before bringing it in. Spiders, mites, and even praying mantis egg cases can hitch a ride on wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees.
- Stored Boxes: Pests love storage boxes. Always check storage tubs from the garage or attic for signs of silverfish, spiders, or rodents before bringing them into the main living areas to unpack decorations.
2. Eliminate Food Sources and Prevent “Crumbs”
With more people and more cooking, your kitchen and dining areas become high-traffic zones for food debris. This is a massive invitation for mice, roaches, and ants.
- Immediate Cleanup: After meals, clear all dishes and wipe down counters immediately. Even small grease splatters or sugar crumbs left overnight are enough to draw pests.
- Secure Trash: Use bins with tight-fitting lids and empty them frequently, especially after large family gatherings. Trash stored inside is a prime attraction for rodents.
- Pet Food: Don’t leave pet food bowls full overnight. Excess kibble is an easy meal for mice and roaches.
3. Seal Cracks Before the Deep Freeze
Cold weather drives pests indoors, and even a tiny opening is a welcome mat. The cold season is the best time to check your home’s exterior integrity.
- Focus on Utility Lines: Look for gaps around pipes, cables, and vents where they could enter the home. Small gaps can be filled with caulk or copper mesh.
- Door Sweeps: Check the seals under all exterior doors. If you can see light coming through, mice and insects can easily enter. Install or replace door sweeps for a tight seal.
4. Manage Moisture from Extra Showers
With a house full of guests, your bathrooms will see a lot more activity, which means more condensation and moisture. Excess moisture is the primary attraction for pests like silverfish, drain flies, and woodlice.
- Run Exhaust Fans: Encourage guests to run bathroom fans for at least 15 minutes after showering to pull out humidity.
- Check Under Sinks: Look for any slow leaks or condensation under bathroom and kitchen sinks. Fixing even a small leak eliminates a vital water source for pests.
5. Review Your Exterior Barrier Treatment
If you are a current Green Pest Solutions customer, the last step is simply ensuring your exterior barrier is up to date.
Our safe, targeted exterior treatments create an invisible defense line around your foundation, repelling pests before they ever step inside. Maintaining this barrier is the single most effective way to ensure a Pest-Free, Worry-Free environment, even with holiday traffic coming and going.
Protect Your Home, Protect Your Peace of Mind.
Don’t let unexpected visitors ruin your holiday cheer. If you’re concerned about pest activity, call us today for a quick consultation and professional service.
Ready to secure your sanctuary before the festivities begin?
Topeka/Lawrence: (785) 384-5920
Kansas City: (913) 354-6570
