December is the time when homeowners begin to haul all those boxes of Christmas decorations out of storage, whether they be in the attic, shed or garage. Unfortunately, these boxes that have been stored away all summer make perfect homes for mice, rats, and other rodents, and you may find some furry friends inside your decorations when you open them! Below are some ways you and your family can practice pest control and ensure you have a pest-free holiday at your home.
- Before you pack away those stockings, tablecloths, and holiday hand towels, wash them. Any material that smells like food can attract rodents, and they will seek these objects out to use in their nests.
- Maximize your pest control by packing your decorations in airtight, sealed bins. This keeps the rodents out and your decorations safe. No one wants to open a cardboard box of holiday decorations and find droppings in the bottom – a telltale sign there have been furry visitors.
- Store Christmas lights separately. Mice and rats will gnaw the wires to sharpen their teeth; if they do happen to get into your lights, at least your other decorations will be safe.
- Do not toss used Christmas trees into your yard. This provides an extra shelter for rodents to live in and can attract unwanted insects as well. Instead, make sure your live Christmas tree is disposed of properly.
As always, Quality Control, Inc. is here to handle all of your professional pest control needs. We hope the suggestions above help you have a rodent-free holiday. Happy holidays from our family to yours!