Don’t Invite Pests Home For The Holidays

Ah, here we are again, ringing in the holiday season. Your home is twinkling from all the lights, the aroma of freshly baked treats is in the air, and the anticipation of friends and family gathering for merry celebrations is building. But while you’re decking the halls, pests are quietly looking for a place to enjoy the Christmas festivities, and your home might be the perfect spot for them.

From mice sneaking into the pantry to ants marching across your countertops and spiders spinning webs in the corners, even a few unnoticed crumbs or small gaps around doors and windows can invite trouble. The good news? With a bit of preparation and the right pest control plan, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

What This Blog Will Cover

In this post, we’ll help you protect your home from unwanted holiday guests by covering:

• Common holiday pests in Jacksonville homes, including rodents, ants, cockroaches, and spiders
• Practical prevention tips to keep pests out year-round
• Inspection and treatment steps that pest control professionals use for effective results
• Why Lindsey Pest Services is the trusted choice for efficient and lasting pest control

Common Holiday Pests

Rodents

Mice and rats are especially active this time of year. They’re looking for shelter and easy access to food. Even a single sighting can indicate a larger infestation. Signs of rodents include droppings, chewed packaging, and gnaw marks on building materials and personal belongings.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings on the outside of your home from the foundation to the top of the roof (check out our rodent exclusion services)
• Keep food stored in airtight containers
• Regularly clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food

Ants

Holiday treats, such as cookies, candy, and pies, are irresistible to ants. A small sugar spill can quickly result in an infestation of ants, if not wiped up right away. Some ant species even nest indoors, making them challenging to remove without professional help.

Prevention Tips:

• Wipe counters and sweep floors frequently
• Store sweets and baked goods in sealed containers
• Don’t leave dirty dishes or trash exposed overnight

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are attracted to warmth, moisture, and food scraps. American and German cockroaches, as well as other roach species, can be a problem year-round, but holiday cooking and entertaining can make your kitchen especially appealing.

Prevention Tips:

• Fix leaky faucets and pipes
• Take out the trash regularly
• Keep sinks and counters dry and free of crumbs

Spiders

Spiders often seek out cozy, dark corners to settle into. While most are harmless, their webs and presence can be an unwelcome sight during holiday gatherings. Also, if they’re showing up in or around your home, you can bet the insects they eat are too. 

Prevention Tips:

• Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and behind furniture
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents
• Reduce clutter that provides hiding spots
• Eliminate their food sources

Ongoing Pest Control in Jacksonville

Professional pest control is the most effective way to keep your home pest-free during the holidays and beyond. At Lindsey Pest Services, our Greater Jacksonville pest control pros perform thorough inspections, identify problem areas, and implement pest treatments tailored to your home and the pests you’re dealing with.

Regardless of the pest, we use effective and environmentally responsible methods to keep your home comfortable and pest-free all year.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Christmas and Holiday Season

A little preparation goes a long way. By combining preventative measures at home with professional pest control, you can focus on celebrating the holidays with your family, without worrying about uninvited guests.

Providing home pest control in Jacksonville and along the First Coast since 1957, local, woman-owned Lindsey Pest Services is the pest control company you can trust to protect your property now and all year long. Contact us today to schedule your inspection; you’ve got nothing to lose except those nuisance and potentially harmful pests! 

This blog was originally published on December 11, 2016; it has been updated to reflect the most current information.