Yuletide Invasions
It’s Christmas time again, and along with that come the many wonderful traditions built into our families over generations, bringing joy to household after household. Several of these traditions come with some side effects, ones that perhaps are quite unexpected. Almost no one would think of how pest control can become an issue around Christmas time… Except for Canton Termite and Pest Control. We focus on these problems for you, so that you might be able to better enjoy your holiday time with the family! Let’s address some of the pest issues you might have so that you don’t get caught off guard.
The Christmas tree: It’s easy to forget that when you cut down a living tree and bring it into your home, you’re bringing a veritable ecosystem into the house! Christmas tree farm owners are caught in between a rock and a hard place when deciding whether or not to use pesticides on their trees, because if they don’t, bugs cover the Christmas trees, sometimes injuring them! If tree farm owners use too many pesticides, they themselves may injure the trees, or put too many chemicals on the trees for them to be safe for keeping in homes. They walk the line for us! Where does this leave you, the innocent guy/gal just looking to get a nice tree for your family? Well, you can first talk to the vendor you buy your Christmas tree from, and see what they’re doing to protect your interests in the tree market and the safety of your home. Then, once you have decided which tree you will purchase, look it over for visible bugs, and make your purchase! If we at Canton Termite and Pest Control service your home, then give us a call if you are bringing home a Christmas tree and are concerned about pests. We will protect your home from potential issues with the tree and other winter pest control problems, such as those mentioned below.
The National Pest Management Association has provided you with some advice on how to protect your home!
“- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent rodents from getting inside. Be sure to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
– Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and
windows.
– Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home. Mice and ants can make their nests in wood piles and easily gain access to your home if the pile is nearby.
– Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep storage areas well organized, and store boxes off of the
floor.
– Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains. Extra attention
should be paid to kitchens and bathrooms as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
– Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens in windows.
– Screen vents to chimneys. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.” (NPMA)
Even though the mosquitoes, gnats, and other bothersome pests that fly around during the warmer months may not be around, other insects, rodents, and pests will enjoy the chestnuts you roast over an open fire if you don’t prevent their presence by contacting a professional. Here are some other tips when preparing for the Christmas season.
1- Check your décor before you put it up: The tendency of bugs, rodents and other pests to invade boxes in the attic or basement is well known, so keep that in mind as you unbox your elves and nativity scenes!
2- If it’s coming inside, look for bugs: Don’t forget that we bring in other Christmas items besides trees. Live garlands and wreaths will be nice homes for mites, spiders, aphids, and even fire ants! Make sure to check for sure creatures before allowing their presence in your home. They make the holiday cheer much less enjoyable!
3- Check your coats: If your winter coats and boots just sit in the closet for months at a time until they are needed, make sure to perhaps wash them or clean them thoroughly to make sure that there are no fabric-devouring moths or dangerous brown-recluse spiders hiding. Canton Termite and Pest Control can easily handle these problems and eliminate chance of future problems with routine inspections and treatments, so make sure to mention this to the pest control professional that visits your home!
4- If it’s firewood, burn it: Keep firewood away from the home until you are ready to burn it— many bugs enjoy the protection of the logs in the colder temperatures, and if you bring the logs inside where it is warm, then the bugs have new areas to explore!
If you need more advice on how to protect your home from invasion during the winter months, feel free to call Canton Termite and Pest Control at 770-479-1598. We will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.
God bless and Merry Christmas!
By:Tim
