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“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a termite infestation?” Wait, that’s not right!
It might surprise you to learn that holiday decorations can become a source of a “nightmare before Christmas”. Who wants a house full of termites, spiders, or some other pest right before the big day? But it’s important to remember that anything you bring into your home has the potential to harbor unpleasant travelers, especially when those decorations were brought in from the great outdoors.
Be careful with your firewood. It might feel cozy to light the fireplace and enjoy its natural ambiance at this time of year, but be careful with your firewood. It can harbor all sorts of unpleasant pests, like termites and ants. Bring only what you need indoors, just before using it, and store the woodpile a reasonable distance from your home. Place firewood at least 20 feet from your house, and on a raised structure if possible.
Inspect your tree. Spiders, mites, moths and other insects commonly take refuge in Christmas trees. While it’s probably impossible to guarantee that zero stowaways will end up in your living room, inspecting the tree for major nests can help a lot. Give it a good shakedown before bringing it inside, too.
Store your decor carefully. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but if you tossed your decorations into cardboard boxes and stored them in a damp crawl space last January, you might have a problem. Crickets, spiders, and other creepy crawlies have probably taken up residence in your favorite garlands and wreaths. These materials make ideal nests for rodents, too. Unpack them outside and inspect them before bringing them indoors. And this year, when packing everything away, go ahead and invest in some large plastic totes with locking lids.
Of course, we’re always here for you if you experience a pest control situation, no matter the time of year. Give us a call if you suspect a problem in your home, and we’ll take care of it quickly.