Bug-Proof Your Holiday Decorations Before Putting Them in Storage

With the new year upon us, it’s time to do all of the dirty work: taking down lights and putting holiday decorations back into storage. While this may be an activity that you have done year after year, it’s still important to take necessary precautions to protect precious ornaments from a full-blown bug invasion while in storage.

Think about it. Most people store boxes of holiday decorations in damp, dark places like the attic, garage, or basement. This poses an issue because your favorite decorations and keepsakes are no longer in a temperature controlled environment. They may risk warping because of excessive moisture and heat, not to mention damage from infesting insects.

How to Protect Holiday Decorations in Storage

Bug-proofing your holiday decorations in advance will keep them safe and sound until next year. If you plan to store decorations in a potentially damp area like a basement, make sure to check for water leaks that could cause a box to mold or mildew.

You can also use these helpful tips to safely store holiday ornaments throughout the year:

1. Place ornaments in sealed plastic bins. This is another excellent way to organize holiday decorations by color coding or labeling different bins that hold lights, ornaments, wreaths, and more. Remember, the more specific, the better. You’ll thank yourself next winter when it’s easy to find your family’s stockings in the box labeled “Holiday Stockings.” 
2. Organize decorations before packing. Make sure that all light strands are neatly wrapped individually to prevent an unfortunate tangle in storage. It also helps to wrap individual ornaments in dry tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage and keep moisture and bugs out. More precious items like cloth napkins, tablecloths, and Christmas tree skirts can be stored in individual Ziploc bags to keep them safe and dry throughout the year. 
3. Use regular pest control. Unfortunately, insects in a home are easily attracted to a comfy box full of linen, tissue paper, and other decorations. If you don’t want your holiday ornaments to be destroyed by creepy, crawly critters, take action by contacting pest control services in Birmingham to schedule quarterly visits. Keeping bugs out of your home entirely will prevent insect infestations in high-risk areas, like attics, crawl spaces, and garages.

 

By using these three simple tips, you can keep precious family keepsakes and ornaments in the best condition until the holiday season rolls around again.