Resolving Pest Control Issues

Unwrapping The Holidays Without Welcoming Roaches: How To Keep Your Home Bug-Free

18 November 2018 by Lance Burke

Holidays are meant for happiness, not harrowing chases and fights with cockroaches. If you don't have any bugs in your home, you don't want to bring them in over the holidays, but if you do have a few, the population could considerably increase in size during the festivities, if you're not careful. Here's how to approach the coming season with caution, if you're worried about roaches:

Unpacking Your Decorations

All your beautiful holiday decorations are likely stored in the basement, attic or a closet all year long, meaning they could have easily picked up a few roaches. If you believe you have an existing bug problem, unpack these boxes outside, where it's hopefully cold and discouraging for the little scoundrels. Be warned, though, as the undisturbed boxes could house a nest, so you should have some bug repellent or killer on hand. If you discover a swarm of pests, enclose the particular box in an air-tight garbage bag and keep it far away from your home. Then, call a pest control specialist faster than Rudolph can fly.

Under The Christmas Tree

Both real and artificial trees can harbor bugs, and if you don't already have roaches, a tree could allow these stealthy creatures in. If you have a real tree, let it sit outside for a day or so, then shake it off well before bringing it in, inspecting for creatures. Beyond a cockroach or two, real trees might have spiders hiding in them, too, so be forewarned about that.

For brand-new artificial trees, you shouldn't have to do more than double-check the cardboard box, if you even suspect the store or warehouse it came from. Otherwise, if the box has been sitting around in silence for the past year, take it outside and shake off the various parts, looking for bugs. It's not a good idea to spray either type of tree with bug repellent, as the stench will remain throughout the holidays and the spray could make your tree more flammable. 

During Your Holiday Celebrations

Since you don't want to be entertaining the roaches, along with your friends, family and other guests, start sealing cracks, crevices and other passageways throughout your house. Counters, floors and cabinets are all major highways for bugs, where they'll pass through along their way to food and water. Seal and leave traps (where children and pets can't get to them) and if you're very concerned about insects showing up for eggnog, contact a pest control professional, as soon as your quandary becomes known.

While entertaining, the less food out you have, the better. Try serving when your guests are hungry and removing leftovers at once. Limit the consumption of food to one room, picking up after people as quickly as possible. Roaches are usually nocturnal and prefer to wait until the coast is clear to come out; however, if you have a growing population of bugs on hand, they may have to fight for food, meaning they'll come for it as soon as they know it's there.

The best thing for you to do when you suspect roaches are roaming your home during the holidays is to call a pro. Follow their advice, keep food and water they can access at a minimum and try not to be too hard on yourself. Roaches are a major problem for people all over the world, including the cleanest. If you're very self-conscious about the bug problem, ask a relative or friend to host festivities, and offer to help them out, while the pest control service is hard at work over at your house. For more help, contact a service, like Falcon Pest Management.

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