Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes—your stomach is likely already rumbling in anticipation of Thanksgiving dinner. But the most impressive spread can be swiftly ruined by a swarm of pests. Here are the creepy crawlers to keep an eye out for and some pest control steps you can take to ensure they don’t crash your holiday get-together.

3 Pest Control Steps for Thanksgiving Cooking

1. Seal Up Extra Food

Place any scraps of food or discarded containers in a sealed trash container to prevent pests from catching their scent. Also, store any leftover ingredients in secure plastic containers. The tighter the seal, the harder it is for pests to sneak in.

2. Clean Spills Right Away

Even the most experienced chef will spill here and there. Clean up any messes as soon as possible. If left too long, pests will sniff out residues and crumbs and find their way to your kitchen. Wash dirty areas thoroughly with soap and water to remove traces of food.

3. Rely on Your Fridge & Freezer

Whenever possible, place food in the fridge or freezer for temporary storage before the Thanksgiving dinner. Anything sitting out in the open is an invitation for pests, but ants, rodents, and roaches are unable to get inside of household appliances easily. If you’re keeping scraps of food for your compost pile, consider storing those in the freezer as well. This precaution will keep bugs at bay and reduce odors in your kitchen, allowing you and your guests to focus on the delicious scents of the Thanksgiving feast.

If roaches, mice, or ants show up uninvited to your holiday celebration, Aloha Termite & Pest Control in Wahiawa, HI, is ready to take care of them. Since 1999, the experienced pest control company has provided infestation relief to homeowners and businesses across Oahu. The company’s dedication to high-quality work and customer service embodies their motto, “Service With Aloha.” Visit the website for service and pest identification information, and call (808) 622-2268 to request a free estimate.