So have you thought about having a pest free Christmas? Probably not but, it is the season for celebration, people coming together for the holidays. In this blog we will list 5 pest culprits that are likely to try and dampen your Christmas Spirit. Once knowing the potential pest problems you might have over the Christmas period, you can follow some simple tips to make sure you only have to worry about Elf on the Shelf and not about a Rat in a Trap.
By knowing what attracts pests into your Enfield home over the Christmas period, you can take steps to prevent these unwelcome guests. It might not come as a surprise that pests are on the increase as they are after warmth’s, shelter and food, and some pests are accidentally brought into your home by Christmas decorations.
1. Pests that are out to be the Christmas Grinch
1.1 Rodents like mice, rats and squirrels.
Rats, mice and squirrels will be attracted to your house this Christmas as they are looking for basic things namely warmth, food and shelter. We all tend to have more food and treats in the house as Christmas approaches, which also increases food waste. It is not just humans that are attracted to festive foods, but rodents too.
Pulling down that Christmas tree from the loft area, may also bring along surprises , with rodent droppings for decorations. Wrapping paper can also be used for rodent nesting materials.
So now you’ve put up your Christmas tree, and switched the lights, and they’re not popping on. Mice and rats? Could well be, they do like to chew on cables. I know the baubles on these pests, right?
You may notice the kids’ Christmas advent calendars missing from beneath the tree. Rats do have a tendency to drag food items into concealed areas, and sometimes all the way behind kitchen plinths, where they’ve set up a cosy nesting site. They really do feast on those assorted chocolate treats. You’ll definitely be wanting to put a bounty on their heads.
1.2 Insects in your Christmas tree?
Nothing beats the smell of a real pine Christmas tree (not the free ones from the car wash) , a popular choice for many families across Enfield. When you pick up that lovely tree, you might also find some insects hitchhiking all the way to your home. These insects might include aphids, spiders, mites, bark beetles, praying mantis egg masses. Most are harmless and die off indoors, but can be a real nuisance (or not) with the in-laws.
Signs that point to festive insects trying to join in your Christmas fun include webbing (spiders/moths), cocoons, shed skins, or the insects themselves when unpacking.
1.3 Pantry pests
Attracted to stored festive food items (nuts, dried fruit, chocolates) and baking ingredients you might find some pantry pests.
Things that can point to the presence of these pests include damaged food packaging, small moths flying around the kitchen, or larvae in food containers.
1.4 Cockroaches and Pharoah ants
Festive food has a lot to answer too. Cockroaches and Pharoah ants are attracted to food crumbs, spills which may increase with holiday gatherings. They are also after the warmth of central heating and log fires burning. Ants are persistent explorers and can infiltrate your home easily while cockroaches could pose serious health risks to you and your family.
Although the obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is spotting a live one, cockroaches are nocturnal, so it’s unlikely you’ll see them during the day. Instead, you’ll need to check for signs of their presence, which can include obnoxious odour and damage to food or packaging. For more information, check out our droppings identification guide.
1.5 Bed Bugs
So, you’ve invited the friends and family over to stay over the festive holidays. Unfortunately, they’ve also brought some uninvited guests with them. Bed bugs don’t come over for the roast chicken or desserts, they’re after the main host… You! As the travel experts of the pest world, they frequently move around looking for fine cuisine to sample (usually us). Bed bugs can be unknowingly transported into your home via your guests luggage or public transport.
Signs that these travellers have joined in the festive fun includes bites in the night, seeing small red/brown bugs, blood stains on bedding, or tiny eggs/shed skins in mattress seams or furniture.
2. Top Tips To Stop Pests from spoiling your Christmas Fun
2.1 Inspect Decorations and Greenery: Unpack and thoroughly inspect decorations, and shake real trees/wreaths outdoors before bringing them inside.
2.2 Secure Food & Waste: Store all food in airtight plastic containers and use bins with tight-fitting lids for waste.
2.3 Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal any cracks or gaps around pipes, floorboards, and external walls where pests might enter.
2.4 Maintain Cleanliness: Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, especially after hosting parties.
2.5 Bed Bug Prevention: Inspect luggage (or your guests) before bringing it inside. Place it in your bath and we can come out and give a hot steam treatment that not only kills the bed bugs, but also any possible bed bug eggs
2.6 Store Properly After Use: When the season is over, store decorations in sturdy plastic bins with secure lids, rather than cardboard boxes which rodents can chew through.
Conclusion
By knowing which pests are trying to ruin your Christmas, you can take steps to prevent them from being your family’s Christmas Grinch.
Trust Sparta Pest Control For a Pest Free Festive Season. Don’t Let Pests Spoil your Christmas Fun. If you’ve seen any of the signs—or even suspect a problem, despite following the top tips—get in touch with Sparta Pest Control today. Don’t wait for it to escalate. Let us worry about the rat in a trap and you focus on remembering to move the Elf on the Shelf, and making the most of your Christmas with loved ones.
Call us now or request a callback through our contact form. Your pest-free peace of mind starts here.
