Keep Pests Away This Holiday Season with a Pest Control Checklist

Inspect Your Home Inside & Out

The holidays are here! With the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s important to take proper precautions to make sure your home is protected from pesky pests as you get ready for family and friends. From preparation to prevention, here’s a holiday pest control checklist that will help you feel confident about your home.

Make your first step in pest control a thorough inspection of the inside and outside of your home. Start on the outside by checking for any entry points such as cracks in walls or windows, gaps around doors and windowsills, spaces around pipes or wires entering buildings, and any other openings that could lead pests inside. If needed, seal up any potential entry points to keep out any unwanted visitors.

On the inside of your home, look for areas where food might be available, such as pet dishes and pantries where food may have spilled on the floor or gone unnoticed. Store food properly in sealed containers, clean up any spills right away, and do not leave dirty dishes unattended overnight. Vacuuming carpets regularly can also help remove crumbs that can attract pests.

Keep Outdoor Areas Clean & Organized

Outdoor areas should be kept tidy year-round, but especially during the holidays when gatherings can become more frequent. Make sure all food is stored properly so it does not attract rodents or other pests; store garbage cans in an area that can easily be inspected; store wood piles away from your house; place screens on attic vents; clear away brush piles near buildings; keep pet food dishes indoors; and make sure all firewood is stored at least 20 feet away from buildings. Additionally, inspect outdoor furniture for signs of infestation and remove leaf litter if possible since this can provide harborage for insects like cockroaches.

Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is an effective approach to pest management that integrates different strategies such as sanitation, habitat modification, exclusion techniques, mechanical controls (traps), biological agents (such as natural predators), and judicious use of pesticides when necessary. Different methods may need to be used depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with—consulting with a pest control specialist who specializes in IPM can help determine what works best for your situation.

Lastly…

 With a few simple steps to inspect both indoors and outdoors plus implementing proper Integrated Pest Management practices where needed to keep pests away during the holidays – you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is safe from unwanted guests this season! Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or just enjoying some restful downtime between celebrations – these tips should help minimize risks associated with holiday pests so you can spend more time focused on fun instead!