Thanksgiving is the season for delicious food, family gatherings, and creating memories. But while we’re all for stuffing the turkey, we definitely don’t want any unexpected guests at the table – especially the creepy-crawly kind. Whether it’s ants hunting for pie crumbs or rodents sniffing out Thanksgiving leftovers, pests have a way of showing up uninvited. Here’s a handy guide to make sure your only guest with feathers is the turkey!
Store the Feast Properly
- Before the Big Meal: As you prep your Thanksgiving ingredients, remember that food left out or improperly stored is an open invitation for pests. Rodents and cockroaches are particularly fond of loose food packaging and open bags. Seal all ingredients like flour, sugar, and seasonings in airtight containers.
- Leftover Safety: After the feast, make sure to store leftovers promptly. Pests can smell food from far away, and if your delicious turkey is left out, you may have some unwanted fans coming for a midnight snack!
Clean as You Cook
- Thanksgiving cooking can get messy, and a lot of crumbs and spills end up on the floor or countertop. Crumbs are like a buffet for ants and roaches! Keep a sponge handy, and wipe down surfaces regularly while you cook. Use a broom or vacuum to pick up any stray crumbs or bits that fall on the floor.
- Tip: Don’t forget to clean under large kitchen appliances. Food debris can collect there, and pests love dark, hidden spots.
Take Out the Trash Frequently
- During holiday cooking, garbage bins fill up quickly with turkey trimmings, potato peelings, and more. Overflowing trash is a dream come true for pests, especially rodents who are scavengers by nature.
- Solution: Use a sturdy trash bag, tie it tightly, and take it outside to a sealed trash can. This simple step can keep rodents and raccoons from sniffing out your Thanksgiving waste.
Watch Out for Firewood Pests
- If you’re using the fireplace this Thanksgiving, remember that firewood can be a pest highway. Bugs like spiders and beetles love to hitch a ride on logs. Store your firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and bring it inside only when you’re ready to use it.
- Tip: Give logs a quick shake before bringing them in, just to be sure any tag-along pests stay outside where they belong.
Have a Pest-Free, Feast-Ready Thanksgiving!
If you have any pest worries before Thanksgiving, give Country Boy Pest Control a call! We know that this holiday is about gathering with your family and eating delicious food, and we don’t want your special day ruined by pesky pests.
Here’s to a cozy, pest-free Thanksgiving that’s all about family, friends, and that perfectly roasted turkey. 🦃