At Christmas, the festivities take on another meaning when you welcome guests other than the in-laws. By following the tips below, you’ll be sure to have a holiday season free of unwanted guests… no pests or rodents.
IF YOU BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE, EXAMINE IT CAREFULLY
Santa validates who has been good every year. You should also check whether or not your Christmas tree has small intruders.
To wake up and get rid of parasites that could camouflage their eggs in the branches of your tree, shake it vigorously before installing it in the house. Since spiders, butterflies and spider mites are not welcome in your tree, check if it has cobwebs, cocoons or egg sacs.
When the holiday season is over and it’s time to get rid of the tree, be sure to vacuum to remove residue, such as pine needles, insect eggs or any other element from fir tree.
HOW TO STORE YOUR ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE
If you opt for an artificial Christmas tree, the way you choose to store it is important in order to ensure adequate protection against rodents. instead of keeping it
in its original cardboard box, store it instead in a bag designed for this purpose to prevent rodents from nibbling the cardboard box and destroying the tree.
CLEAN YOUR DECORATIONS BEFORE STORAGE
Even if you believe you have eliminated all parasites and eggs before installing the tree indoors, you will now have to be doubly careful before dismantling and storing it. As you remove the decorations from the tree, check them for signs of pests, such as cobwebs, mouse droppings, or chew marks. Even if you don’t see any signs of pests, it is recommended that you clean your decorations with a damp cloth or a feather duster. This way, your decorations will be clean for the following year and free from any parasitic activity.
CLEAN THOROUGHLY AFTER A RECEPTION
Everyone knows the importance of cleaning dishes and cutlery after a festive meal in good company. Don’t forget to wash tablecloths and napkins before putting them back in their storage space, in order to protect yourself against rodents. In fact, rodents and insects are constantly looking for crumbs, liquid traces or leftover food. Clean the surfaces well to avoid attracting pests, leaving a scent trail that they could follow into the drawers.
INSPECT YOUR FIREWOOD
During the holidays, there’s nothing better than sitting comfortably in front of a fireplace, with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand.
In addition to bringing warmth and comfort to your home, be aware that firewood can also carry pests, some of which are excellent at tunneling. Indeed, ants, termites, wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants regularly find refuge in piles of firewood, especially if they are damp or piled on the ground.
OPEN DECORATION BOXES OUTSIDE
Insects like dark, quiet places. So what better way for insects than to colonize in decorative boxes that are stored away for 11 months!
The risk of pest infestation increases when these boxes are stored in a damp place, such as the basement, crawl space or attic. It is common to find mice, rodents or other pests in decorative boxes.
To make sure you don’t open a box full of parasites inside the house, take the boxes outside and inspect them for live or dead parasites, droppings, bite marks or other damage. Wipe down the boxes and put up your Christmas decorations to add a festive touch to your home!
HOW TO STORE YOUR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
While it’s best to open Christmas decoration boxes on the outside to prevent any pests from getting inside, here’s what you can do to prevent them from taking up residence in your home. decoration boxes the rest of the year.
Mice and rats can break into the boxes, destroy your decorations and leave their droppings there to ruin the holiday spirit.Cardboard boxes or plastic bags are no match for rodents trying to get inside. Instead, opt for plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids so pests can’t get in. In addition, such containers will protect your decorations from humidity, water damage or mold.
CHECK STORED ITEMS OCCASIONALLY
It is recommended to check stored items a few times during the year. Check for pests, water damage or leaks. Plus, protect your home from pests and rodents by repairing cracks in the foundation, floors and walls. This will also help protect your decorations and preserve your memories.
Our various tips should reduce the risk of pest infestations during the holidays and give your family peace of mind.