Bugs in Your Holiday Decorations & How to Prevent Them

The holiday season is here again, and for many of us, decorating our homes both inside and out is one of the most important parts of holiday prep. Decking the halls with lights, tinsel, a tree, and other seasonal decor helps usher in the Christmas spirit, and extra special decorations can even be passed down through the generations and become a treasured tradition in their own right.

However, if certain steps aren’t taken throughout the year, your holiday decorations can go from being a festive element of the holiday season to a haven for various bugs and pests. Protect your home and make sure pests don’t put a damper on your holiday memory-making with a few simple precautions, so you can focus on joy, love, and celebration instead of pest control this Christmas.

Why are Pests an Issue During the Holidays?

During the Christmas season, many people decorate their homes with natural evergreen trees, garlands, and wreaths, as well as various decor made from wood, berries, pine cones, and other organic material. These items are beautiful and nostalgic (and smell great!), but any time you bring the outdoors inside your home, there’s a risk of insects coming as well.

Holiday decor also goes into storage for most of the year. This creates an ideal environment for bugs to live undisturbed for long periods.

Commonly Seen Bugs at Christmas Time

As a general rule, any pest that can find its way into your attic, basement, or other storage area could be brought into the main living spaces of your home by way of your holiday decorations.

Christmas trees—as well as wreaths and garlands made from evergreen boughs—can be host to a variety of pests, including mites, ants, spiders, termites, and more. Boxes of ornaments, stockings, and other decorations can be home to cockroaches, spiders, rats, and mice that enjoy chewing on wires like your strings of Christmas lights.

How to Avoid Bugs During the Holidays

Luckily, there are some strategies to prevent bugs from making a home in your holiday decorations. Some materials, like metal or recycled plastic, are less hospitable to pests in general, so opting for these types of decorations could reduce or eliminate the likelihood of insects moving in.

Regardless of the decoration’s material, be sure to store your holiday decor in sealed plastic boxes or bags. Cardboard or fabric storage containers are not airtight and allow insects to live inside. Inspect your items before placing them in storage and again before bringing them out. Avoid storing food items like candy canes or popcorn garlands.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control in St. George, Utah

If you’re dealing with a pest infestation during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to call the professional pest control technicians at Nature’s Gate Sustainable Pest Control. We have the experience, expertise, and technology necessary to safely rid your home of insects, rodents, and other pests. If you’re not dealing with a current situation but want to protect your home for the future, we can also set up personalized preventive treatment plans that will keep pests out of your family’s home.

At Nature’s Gate, we put our customers first and are committed to providing you with effective treatment services at a fair price. Contact us today to learn more, schedule an appointment, or request a free quote.