Top 5 Christmas Decorations That Attract Pests
During Christmas we often decorate our homes with festive holiday displays. But little do we know, some decorations can attract unwanted attention – from bugs. Keep reading to see which holiday decorations are most likely to attract bugs and how to get rid of insects that get inside.
1. The Christmas Tree
A live Christmas tree is by far the biggest bug magnet of the holiday season. There’s a good chance that a pest or two hitched a ride inside, even if you give the tree a good once over beforehand. The USDA Christmas Tree Manual provides a rundown of all the possible pests that could be hiding in your tree.
How to Avoid a Humbug Christmas: Before you decide to ditch the live tree, take a few precautions to keep the bugs from crashing Christmas. First, shake the tree out before bringing it inside and look it over carefully. Inspect the tree regularly after it’s indoors, and if you see an insect suck it out with the vacuum.
#2. Indoor Floral Décor
Mistletoe, poinsettias, miniature evergreen trees – all the festive plants that add to the holiday décor can also harbor pests.
How to Avoid a Humbug Christmas: Carefully inspect all plants before you buy them and then again before you bring them in your home.
#3. Wreaths
It may be on the outside of your door, but every time it’s opened a bug could move from the wreath right inside.
How to Avoid a Humbug Christmas: Selecting a wreath without natural elements is less likely to attract insects. You can also minimize their chance of getting inside by giving the wreath a good shake out in the yard every so often.
#4. Gingerbread Houses
By far one of the most delicious holiday decorations, gingerbread houses attract the attention of guests and sugar-seeking bugs.
How to Avoid a Humbug Christmas: Wrap the gingerbread house up at night and stick it in the fridge to keep from attracting insects.
#5. Pine Cones and Garland
In many areas people will decorate during the winter with pinecones or garland. When either are gathered from the great outdoors rather than being store-bought, they could have an unwanted surprise inside.
How to Avoid a Humbug Christmas: Garland, whether real or not, should be inspected outdoors before being used as a decoration. Pinecones can be baked at 250° for 30-45 minutes to get rid of bugs and sap.
Even in the dead of winter, bugs can find sneaky ways to get inside of a home. Once they’re in they’ll start settling down and waiting for a chance to emerge in the spring. Regular pest control can help you stop the Christmas critters in their tracks. Our monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly pest control service keeps homeowners covered through every season so you can have a happy bug-free holiday!
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/top-5-christmas-decorations-attract-pests/