Top Holiday Traditions That Attract Bugs
If it weren’t for the biting cold weather bugs would probably love the holiday season. It’s a smorgasbord of easy pickings. So many holiday traditions give insects the opportunity to get cozy inside and feast on treats. Simply taking decorations out of storage can be enough to stir up pests.
Which holiday traditions attract the most insects? Let’s find out!
Pumpkin Décor
Jack o’ lanterns are fun holiday décor during Halloween, but many people continue to decorate with pumpkins for Thanksgiving. As they age the pumpkins soften and become more susceptible to insect attacks. Pumpkins that are healthy when they’re picked can last 8-12 weeks at most. After that they should be tossed.
Gingerbread Houses
A house made of sweets is a dream home for bugs – food and shelter in one! Gingerbread houses are a fun holiday tradition for many families, but you have to be careful with how they are stored. Wrapping the gingerbread house in plastic wrap and putting it in the fridge each night will help preserve it and prevent insects from moving in.
Hanging Wreaths
Traditional wreaths are made with natural materials that naturally attract insects. Common elements include:
- Fir branches
- Pine clippings
- Pine cones
- Cedar greenery
- Holly clippings
- Dried berries
Before hanging your wreath carefully look it over to make sure no bugs are hiding inside. Check out this post on bug-proofing outdoor holiday displays for additional tips on keeping insects out of wreaths.
Hanging Garland
Another natural decoration rooted in tradition is garland. You can get natural garland pieces at home good stores that can be strung together and wrapped around banisters or placed along mantels. It’s an easy way to add holiday décor, but it’s also a great hiding place for insects. Before buying, shake out the garland to get rid of insects.
Floral Displays and Holiday Plants
Even if you don’t normally have indoor plants, during the holidays that could change. Poinsettias, miniature Norfolk Island pines, dwarf Alberta spruces, holiday cacti and red amaryllis are all common ways to decorate indoors and outdoors. No matter where your holiday plants come from, carefully inspect them for insects before you buy and then again before bringing them inside.
Christmas Tree
There’s a good chance at least a few bugs hitched a ride inside on your Christmas tree. When you bring a full-sized tree into your home you’re guaranteed to have insects hiding somewhere. They will likely be dormant, but once they’re in your warm home they can become active.
That’s why it’s extremely important to give your tree a good once over before you buy. In addition to bugs themselves look for:
- Spider webs
- Bird’s nests
- Discoloration
- White egg masses
- Cottony wax filament
- Small holes in the trunk
If the tree lot has a mechanical shaker ask them to use it on your tree before you load it up. Give it another good shake before bringing it inside your house to dislodge bugs and loose needles.
Strings of Popcorn
One of the most popular homemade decorations is popcorn strung on long pieces of thread that are then wrapped around trees, wreaths and banisters. It’s best to avoid edible decorations all together, but if this is a family tradition there are a few work-arounds you can use. First, use plain, air-popped popcorn. Second, use a clear spray adhesive to lightly coat the popcorn after it’s strung.
Leaving Cookies Out for Santa
We adults know that Santa and his reindeer won’t get the cookies that are left out on Christmas Eve. Hopefully, you’ll remember to pick them up in your rush to get everything prepped for the next morning. If not the bugs that are snug in one of your rugs will get a Christmas surprise.
If you’ve gotten an unexpected insect invasion for the holidays give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. a call. Our professional pest control experts are standing by to help you get rid of the uninvited house guests.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/top-holiday-traditions-attract-bugs/