The holidays are a prime time for pest issues to develop. From selecting a Christmas tree to decorating the house, the spirit of the season can cause homeowners to let their guard down, creating the perfect opportunity for an infestation. Prevent this from happening to you by following this simple guide for effective holiday pest control.

3 Steps for Effective Holiday Pest Control

1. Inspect the Tree

While a Christmas tree may look pretty sitting in the living room all decorated with lights and ornaments, it can be home to any number of tiny insects and critters. The easiest way to keep these pests from entering your home is to perform a detailed inspection of the tree. Stand it up in the lawn or on the driveway and look through the branches for signs of pests, such as egg sacks, webs, or actual insects. Shake these out before bringing the tree inside.

2. Sort Through the Ornaments

Boxes of decorations can create cozy living conditions for unwanted guests. Stack the boxes outside and inspect them for chewed areas. Open them one at a time and sort through each of the ornaments to check for droppings, gnawed materials, or living pests, while disposing of any damaged items.

3. Use Caution When Repacking

Pest prevention continues while packing up for the holidays. Purchase plastic bins with tightly sealed lids instead of placing ornaments back into their cardboard boxes to keep curious critters out and preserve your decorations. When taking the Christmas tree down, throw it out somewhere far away from the house. Dead branches tend to attract pests who are looking for shelter.

If you’re concerned about the possibility of pests during the holiday season, schedule an appointment with Aloha Termite & Pest Control. These professionals have provided quality pest control services throughout Oahu since 1999. Each of their licensed exterminators undergoes regular development training and offers a satisfaction guarantee on all of their work. For additional information on their services, visit their website. Set up a free inspection by calling (808) 622-2268 today.