The holidays are all about good times, festive décor, and filling your home with love, laughter, and maybe even the scent of a fresh pine tree. But guess who else loves a warm, cozy space during the winter months? Uninvited holiday “guests” like beetles, centipedes, and other pesky critters.
“Insects that overwinter—a fancy way of saying they hide out in warm, safe spaces until Spring—see gaps under baseboards, spaces behind kitchen cabinets, and dark corners of attics as prime real estate,” says Brittany Foulger, Creative Strategy Manager at Pestie. “And if we’re not careful, our homes can turn into their very own all-you-can-eat buffet.”
In fact, a recent Forbes Home survey found that 50% of people have experienced structural damage to their home because of bugs. Yikes!
The good news? You can protect your space and keep the holidays stress-free. Here are a few smart tips to make sure pests don’t crash your holiday party.
1. Seal The Deal
Check for tiny gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Even the smallest opening is a welcome mat for insects. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up the cozy corners they love most.
2. Tidy Up The Tree
Nothing beats the charm of a real Christmas tree—the scent, the quirky branches, the natural beauty. But before bringing it indoors, give it a good shake and inspection. Tiny critters sometimes hitch a ride in the needles. A quick shake outside can save you from some unexpected company.
3. Store Food With Care
Holiday baking means cookies, pies, and plenty of sweet treats. Keep all dry goods like flour, sugar, and snacks in airtight containers. Pests have a serious sweet tooth and can sniff out crumbs faster than Santa spots cookies by the fireplace.
4. Don’t Forget The Attic & Basement
These tucked-away spaces are insect hideouts. A seasonal declutter not only makes room for holiday decorations but also helps you spot and eliminate potential pest dens before they settle in.
5. Call In The Pros (If Needed)
If you notice signs of an infestation—droppings, chewed wood, or actual bug sightings— it may be time to call in pest control. Think of it as adding an extra layer of protection, so you can enjoy the holidays worry-free.
Your home should be filled with holiday joy, not holiday pests. With a little preparation and care, you can keep insects out and focus on what matters most: celebrating with family and friends in a cozy, bug-free home.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
