Bring joy, not bugs into your home this holiday season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That same can be said for pests, who might hitch a ride on your holiday decor like wreaths, garlands and live trees and stay for a while. Yes, the unpleasant reality is such items in the attic could mean bugs and rodents. (Eww!)

Don’t let your festivities go south if these invaders sneak in. To keep them out of your home, consider the following tips:

Properly store and inspect firewood

If you live in a colder climate, you might be in the habit of purchasing firewood for your fireplace or backyard fire pit. Take care that you properly store your wood supply to avoid pests. A rule of thumb: store your stockpile least 20 feet from your home and 5 feet off the ground so it’s not easily accessible. Firewood can be like a magnet to such invasive insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian long-horned beetle. You don’t want to bring them into your home. Experts recommend purchasing firewood that is grown locally as one precaution. Also, know that regulations concerning firewood vary by state, so be mindful of following the protocols.

Once you bring the wood in, you’ll want to do a quick visual inspection again to catch anything you might have missed. Spiders, ants, and termites may be unseen pests that might enter your home if you’re not careful. No one wants to find a family of ants taking up residence in their living room.

Dispose of greenery responsibly

Come January you’ll want to put away all the holiday decor, but do so with caution. When disposing of live greenery, place it as far from your house as possible so you won’t entice pests to sneak inside. If, upon a visual survey, your greenery appears free of pests, it’s OK to throw it in the compost pile. If there appears to be an infestation, you’ll want to put it in the regular trash bin.

Contact a  licensed pest control

If, despite all your efforts, there appears to be a pesky problem, it’s time to call a pro. Pests are no joke and can impact your health and property value. Don’t try to figure it out on your own when there’s a lot on the line. If you’re in need an expert opinion give us a call: (516) 509-8362