With Christmas around the corner, the time for baking delicious treats, sharing festive meals, and enjoying the warmth of family and friends is here!. However, the same food that brings holiday cheer to your home can also attract some unwelcome pests, like cockroaches, ants, and rodents. To make sure your cookies make it to Santa’s plate and not become a critter’s midnight stack, follow these holiday pest-proofing tips below.
Store Ingredients Properly
Holiday baking means stocking up on flour, sugar, and other cooking ingredients. Since pests are particularly drawn to dry goods, make sure you store them in airtight containers and bags. Glass or heavy-duty plastic containers are also really good options to keep the cockroaches and other pests at bay.
Clean as You Go
Baking can be very messy, but leaving spills and crumbs on your counters can cause big pest issues in a short amount of time. Don’t forget to wipe down counters, sweep the floor, and wash dishes immediately after baking or cooking. Also, make sure to clean under and behind appliances like the toaster and microwave where crumbs often gather.
Seal Entry Points
As the temperature slightly drops in Central Florida, pests are on the lookout for warmth and easy access to food. Inspect your kitchen for gaps around windows, doors, and pipes, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Even the tiniest crack can be an invitation for a cockroach!
Empty the Trash Regularly
Holiday cooking often means creating extra trash, and the last thing you want is a cockroach infestation during your celebrations. Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid, and empty it regularly, especially if it contains food scraps.
Inspect Holiday Decorations
Pests can hitch a ride into your home through holiday decorations that have been stored in attics, basements, or garages. Before bringing them inside, inspect items like wreaths, ornaments, and stockings for any signs of pests.
Don’t Leave Pet Food Out
If you have pets, make sure their food dishes aren’t left out overnight. Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and will happily feast on pet food. Make sure to store pet food in sealed containers and clean up any spills.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pests can still sneak in. Scheduling a professional pest inspection with us at Country Boy Pest Control before the holiday season can ensure your home is pest-free. Our experts can quickly identify potential problem areas and provide solutions to keep your kitchen and home safe from unwanted guests!
By taking these simple steps, you can make sure that your holiday baking and festivities stay stress-free and pest-free. If you would like to have a professional pest inspection before the holidays, call us at Country Boy Pest Control and we will make sure Santa is the only thing coming down your chimney this Christmas! There’s nothing more satisfying than leaving out a plate of cookies for Santa, knowing they’ll reach the right recipient without any unwanted competition from pests. Merry Christmas!