Avoid Unwrapping Unwanted Surprises: Keep Rodents and Pests Out This Season

Unpacking holiday decorations is a magical moment for your family—the lights, the ornaments, the nostalgia. But nothing can spoil the excitement faster than finding rodents or wildlife where your favorite holiday memories are stored. Those attics, basements, and garages you use for storage are prime real estate for wildlife and rodents. The last thing you want is to stumble upon an unwelcome nest when reaching for your tree topper. Here’s how to keep pests from turning your holiday preparation into a nightmare, with simple tips for pest-proofing your decorations before and after the season.

Why Holiday Storage Attracts Rodents, Wildlife, and Other Pests

Ever wonder why decorations seem to draw in the critters? Here’s what makes your storage spaces so appealing:

• Cozy and Quiet: Warm, dark storage areas are ideal shelter spots for rodents and wildlife.
• Nest-Building Materials: Garlands, fabric, and cardboard make prime nesting materials.
• Edible temptations: Depending on what you store (we’re looking at you, homemade macaroni ornaments!) there may even be food for bugs and rodents packing inside.

Among the most common culprits you may encounter are house mice, deer mice, white-footed mice, and various types of rats, such as Norway rats and roof rats. These tiny (and not-so-tiny) invaders can squeeze through openings as small as a dime or quarter, making their way into your storage areas. Squirrels and raccoons may also find their way into attics or garages, especially during colder months, causing damage to wires, insulation, and your stored decor. Deer mice, in particular, can carry hantavirus, which poses health risks to humans. But don’t worry—with a little preparation, you can keep your holiday decor off-limits to these unwelcome guests.

6 Simple Tips to Avoid a Pest Holiday Surprise

Taking a few precautions now can save you from unwanted surprises later. Here are six easy tips:

1. Inspect Before You Unpack: Before bringing decorations inside, check boxes for droppings, nesting materials, or chewed edges.
2. Check Lights and Wires: Look for frayed wiring on strings of lights—it’s a common sign of rodents.
3. Shake Off Greenery. If you’re using real Christmas trees or wreaths, give them a good shake outdoors to ensure no hidden bugs or wildlife are tagging along.
4. Use Sealed, Plastic Containers: Swap out cardboard boxes for sturdy, sealed plastic bins that pests can’t chew through.
5. Store High and Dry: Keep storage bins off the ground in cool, dry areas to minimize access points.
6. Keep it Clean: Use a HEPA filter vacuum and disinfectant on all areas and items.

If you discover droppings, nests, or signs of wildlife in your holiday storage, it’s time to call the pros. Ford’s Hometown Services specializes in pest control, wildlife exclusion, and wildlife trapping, ensuring your home stays safe.