Tips to Keep the Holiday Season Holly, Jolly and Pest-Free

To many, the holiday season in December is the most wonderful time of the year. When baking festive treats and shopping for gifts for loved ones, pest control is likely not top of mind for homeowners. However, before rushing to deck the halls, Cowleys, in partnership with the National Pest Management Association, is warning homeowners to proceed with caution as holiday décor could inadvertently be causing pest infestations.  

“Putting up decorations is a fun tradition for many families across the U.S.,” said Bill Cowley, Co-Owner of Cowleys Pest Services. “Unfortunately, items such as fresh wreaths and trees, as well as firewood, can carry spiders, mites, and other pests into the home. To avoid any additional stress this time of year, there are a few extra steps that can be taken to make sure these items are pest-free.” 

Cowleys offers the following advice to keep the season holly, jolly and pest-free:

• Inspect greenery, such as wreaths, trees, and garlands, for signs of pests. These items provide the perfect shelter for spiders and ticks, making it important to shake all greenery outside before bringing indoors.
• Unpack stored décor found in attics, basements, or garages outside of the home for signs of pest activity, including rodent droppings or eggs. 
• When the holiday season is over, use plastic containers with airtight lids rather than cardboard to keep pests out. 
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and brush it off before bringing indoors. Pests such as termites, spiders, and ants are likely to be hiding inside logs.