If you purchase a live tree, be sure to shake the tree before bringing it indoors. Some pests like to hide out in Christmas trees, hitching a ride and eventually making their way into your home. Everything from ants to spiders have been known to infest pine and fir trees, and there’s the possibility of insect eggs inside your Christmas tree, too.
Poinsettias are susceptible to invasion from mites, gnats, and flies. Bottom line, all greenery coming into your house should be inspected and left outside for at least 24 hours, if possible.

It is easy to store Christmas decorations in the cardboard boxes they came in. These boxes sit, untouched for the year and can become home for many pests. Termites, spiders, cockroaches, and rodents will make a home of your cardboard boxes.
We recommend you replace the cardboard boxes sealable, plastic bin. Plastic lasts longer than cardboard and it’s harder for pests to enter plastic bins. Be sure to inspect your cardboard boxes and the items inside on an outside surface before bringing them into your home.

Firewood is notorious for being home to termites. Rodents and ants can also create a nest in bundled up firewood. Leave your firewood outside for at least 24 hours before using it, if possible. Never bring wet wood inside your home.
We recommend keeping your firewood pile away from your home about 20-30 feet. Never keep it next to your home.

Holidays are often crazy, and it is easy to forget to clean up our leftovers. Sometimes food gets left out overnight or dirty dishes stack up in the sink – DON’T DO IT. This is a great way to attract roaches and rodents. Make sure all leftovers are sealed in glass or plastic containers and stored in the refrigerator.

Spiders, mice, and scorpions all enter homes through small gaps or cracks. It’s important to have your home exterior inspected each season, for any current or potential damage.
No matter how well you keep the interior of the home clean, if exterior entry points are not sealed off, you will attract unwanted winter pests into your home. Don’t let unwanted pests like mice make their way into your home this winter!