The holidays are behind us, and it’s time for a well-deserved reset. We’ve done the cooking, the hosting, and the visiting, and now it’s time to pack away the decorations and get everything organized for the new year. It’s the perfect opportunity to tidy up, sort through everything, and make sure everything is stored properly. A fresh start with a clean kitchen can help ensure you won’t have any unwanted bugs in the kitchen or other surprise guests (and no, we’re not talking about the ones who overstayed their welcome during the holidays!).
We’ve got some great tips for you. Check it out.
Bugs in the kitchen? Time to deep clean.
Raise your hand if you baked or cooked something during the holidays! If you’re anything like me, cooking can get a little messy. It’s just part of the fun. But no matter how well we think we’ve cleaned up, there are always little things we miss.
Take a moment to think about your pantry and cabinet shelves. Are there spices scattered underneath all your bottles? When was the last time you pulled out the fridge or stove to vacuum up those crumbs hiding underneath? Food debris can easily attract pests to your kitchen. Spotting one bug might seem like a fluke, but if you’re seeing more than just a few, it’s time to bring in the experts. That’s where we come in!
Full-blown infestations can develop quickly in the world of bugs and rodents. Don’t wait for it to get out of hand. Regularly take out the garbage, clean dishes, and wipe down counters. Store baking ingredients like flour and oats in airtight containers, or at the very least, in zippered plastic bags, to keep pests at bay.
Store holiday decorations properly.
Take your time when packing up holiday decorations. Don’t rush through it—how you store those precious items matters. Many of us tuck away seasonal decorations in basements, attics, garages, or closets. Sound familiar? These spaces have one thing in common: they don’t get a lot of foot traffic. And when humans aren’t around, critters move in.
What kind of critters, you ask? Mice are drawn to fabric, paper, and natural materials like pine cones for nesting. Silverfish love hiding in the tiniest crevices you can’t even see. Spiders? They’ll happily spin webs and lay eggs in your cherished items. Yikes! If you have artwork from childhood, handmade decorations, or special ornaments, it’s worth investing in durable plastic containers with tightly sealed lids. That’s the best way to keep unwanted critters out. Trust me, they won’t get through a solid, lidded plastic container.
Seal up cracks and crevices
If you can see light or feel a draft around your windows or doors, there’s a good chance pests are finding their way in. Mice, in particular, are the flexible acrobats of the rodent world. It’s incredible how they can flatten themselves to squeeze through even the tiniest spaces. Curious about how they do it? You can read more about their sneaky habits here.
The good news is, sealing up those entry points is easy and affordable. Caulk and door sweeps are simple, inexpensive fixes that can close up any gaps around windows and doors. Door sweeps and rubber seals will eliminate the space between your doors and the floor, keeping pests out. Be extra mindful of exterior doors, garage doors, and windows—those are key areas. Most insects and rodents tend to crawl from the ground up, so don’t forget about window wells. Take a quick walk around your home’s foundation and make sure everything is sealed up tight before the weather changes and the white stuff starts to pile up.
Store Firewood Away from the Home
Fires are so cozy and set the perfect vibe for a relaxing night in. But if you’re bringing in firewood, be aware of the little critters that might hitch a ride on those logs. Wood-dwelling pests love making their way indoors on firewood. Before you stack those logs by the fireplace, take a moment to inspect them. Brush off any spiders, and be sure you’re not bringing in egg sacs, mice nests, or even bird nests. Ant colonies, wood-boring beetles, and fungi can all live in or on firewood too. The list of what could be hiding is long, and trust me, you don’t want any of it making its way into your home.
Pest-Proof Your Yard
Throwing your dried-out Christmas tree in the yard is a great first step to preventing a pest problem. But be sure not to leave it there for too long—if you do, it could quickly become home to more critters than you’d like to deal with. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of removing dead bushes, branches, and fallen leaves from your property throughout the year. These can easily become hiding or nesting spots for pests. While mosquitoes might not be a concern yet, it’s never too early to start clearing thick brush and pooling water where they can breed. When temperatures warm up and the weather turns mild and wet, mosquito larvae can hatch fast. Keeping your yard clean now will help avoid an infestation later.
If you feel like you have taken all of these actions and you’re still finding some pests lingering around, give us a call. We will help.
