Have a Holly, Jolly Home for the Holidays

The holiday season means hot chocolate, cozy fires and frost-covered windows. But beneath those gleaming presents and twinkling trees, there is the hidden danger of unwanted houseguests. And no, we’re not talking about the dreaded in-laws or your crazy cousin Doug.

All those pests that thrive in the heat of summer want to come home for the holidays too — though, unfortunately, it’s your home they’ll be snuggling up in. Winter may mean a break from mosquitos, flies and bees, but the frosty season belongs to spiders, rats, mice, cockroaches, beetles, box elder bugs, ladybugs, stink bugs and ants. If you want your holidays to be warm, happy and healthy, read on to discover all the ways you can keep your home pest free for the season.

Get Warm by the Fire — Mice and ants love nesting in woodpiles, so keep firewood five feet off the ground and 20 feet from your home.

Check Santa’s Chimney — St. Nick may object, but screen chimney vents and openings, and remove bird’s nests from gutters, chimneys and overhangs.

Deck the Halls — Store holiday decorations in airtight plastic containers in dry basements or attics. Inspect your items carefully for rodent or insect damage before bringing them into your living space.

Oh Christmas Tree — Christmas trees carry up to 25,000 mites, insects and spiders. Avoid this buggy fate by shaking out your tree or greenery before bringing it inside.

Look Before You Frost – Last year’s flour and frosting might be stale, so check expiration dates and inspect dry goods for sweet-loving invaders like ants and Indian meal moths. Throw any contaminated food in outdoor trashcans and clean the area with soap, water and a vacuum.

Jingle Bell Rock – Pour the bubbly and break out the hors d'oeuvres, but don’t forget to clean up any party spills as soon as the fun is done.

Visions of Sugar Plums — A crumb can be a feast for a mouse, so keep Santa’s sugar cookies under wraps and your party trays sealed in airtight containers.

The holidays should be about family, friends, and lots and lots of cookies. No one wants to think about pests and presents at the same time, so call Arrow today and keep tiny intruders from spoiling your festivities.