Keep Unwanted Guests Out of Your Holiday Gatherings
Store Leftovers Properly
Holiday feasts often leave behind a bounty of delicious leftovers—but what you don’t eat can quickly become a buffet for pests. Rodents, roaches, ants, and even flies are drawn to improperly stored food, sugary residues, and organic waste. To avoid an infestation during the festive season, follow these critical food storage practices:
Smart Storage Tips to Keep Pests Out:
1. Use Airtight Containers
Avoid wrapping food loosely in foil or plastic wrap. Instead:
Transfer all leftovers into sealed, airtight containers
Choose BPA-free plastic or glass containers that snap shut to prevent odors from escaping and attracting pests.
Label containers with dates to ensure timely consumption and prevent forgotten spoilage.
2. Never Leave Food Out Overnight
Even a seemingly harmless pie or half-covered casserole dish left on the counter overnight can be a pest magnet.
Store all food within two hours of serving.
Keep in mind that warm kitchens can accelerate food decay and pest activity.
3. Clean Up Food Surfaces Immediately
Crumbs, grease, and sauces may seem minor, but they are feast-worthy for cockroaches and ants.
Wipe down all surfaces—counters, tables, stovetops—right after meals.
Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any hidden debris.
4. Take Out the Trash Nightly
A full trash can, especially one containing food scraps, is a prime attractant for rodents and bugs.
Empty trash every night, even if it’s not completely full.
Use lidded garbage cans indoors and sealed outdoor bins to reduce odor and access.
Place meat scraps, bones, or sugary waste in double-lined bags to minimize leakage and scent.
5. Don’t Forget the Sink and Dishwasher
Leftover food in drains or on dirty dishes can attract flies and cockroaches.
Rinse dishes promptly and run the dishwasher nightly.
Clean the sink trap and flush drains with hot water and baking soda weekly during the holiday season.
Inspect and Seal Entry Points
Pests don’t randomly appear inside your home—they actively seek ways to enter, especially when the temperature drops and food becomes more accessible indoors. Rodents, cockroaches, ants, and even spiders are expert invaders, and your holiday prep is the perfect time to stop them in their tracks.
Before your guests arrive and the turkey goes in the oven, take a proactive approach with this entry-point inspection checklist:
What to Look For and Seal:
1. Gaps Under Exterior Doors
Even a small gap under a door can invite rodents and insects inside.
Install or replace door sweeps to block the space between the door and the threshold.
Use weather stripping along the sides of doors to seal any drafts or pest-sized gaps.
2. Cracks in the Foundation or Siding
Over time, foundation settling can lead to small openings that pests exploit.
Walk around your home’s perimeter and look for cracks or holes in the siding or brickwork.
Seal with silicone caulk or expandable foam for larger gaps.
3. Openings Around Utility Lines and Pipes
Pests often enter through holes created for plumbing, gas lines, or electrical wiring.
Check behind appliances (especially under sinks and near washers/dryers) for light coming in or unexplained gaps.
Use steel wool to plug rodent-sized openings before sealing with caulk or foam.
4. Torn Screens on Windows or Vents
Damaged screens allow flying insects and smaller pests easy access.
Inspect all window and attic screens for rips or loose fittings.
Replace damaged mesh and install vent covers where needed.
5. Chimney Caps and Attic Vents
Rodents and birds can slip into chimneys or attic vents that lack proper barriers.
Make sure chimney caps are intact and securely fastened.
Add screening to attic vents to deter wildlife and insects.
Declutter Storage Areas: Keep Pests Out of Your Holiday Decor
As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners begin pulling out bins of festive decorations from the attic, garage, or basement. Unfortunately, these storage areas are also prime real estate for pests like rodents, spiders, silverfish, and cockroaches. If you’re not careful, you could end up bringing more than just ornaments into your living space.
Here’s how to pest-proof your holiday setup and keep unwanted visitors from tagging along with your tinsel:
1. Inspect Decorations Before Bringing Them Indoors
Unpack items outside or in a garage space with good lighting.
Check for live pests, egg sacs, chewed cardboard, or droppings.
Shake out wreaths, artificial trees, and fabric items to dislodge hidden bugs or rodents.
Look for webs, nests, or chew marks in stored materials—especially if they haven’t been touched in months.
2. Use Pest-Resistant Storage Solutions
Avoid cardboard boxes, which are easily chewed and make ideal nesting material for pests.
Opt for plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids—these are more difficult for insects and rodents to infiltrate.
Label containers clearly to avoid frequent opening and rummaging, which disturbs items and creates more pest-attracting mess.
3. Elevate Stored Items Off the Floor
Use shelves or pallets to keep bins off the ground and away from moisture-prone surfaces.
Elevating items also makes it easier to spot pest activity underneath or behind storage.
Avoid stacking containers too high—this allows pests to nest in between hard-to-see spaces.
4. Keep Storage Areas Clean and Dry
Sweep out dust, leaves, or dead bugs regularly from garages, basements, and attics.
Address any leaks or excess humidity—damp environments attract silverfish, cockroaches, and even rodents.
Install dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers if necessary, especially in humid Louisiana climates.
5. Declutter Regularly
Don’t let your storage area become a forgotten zone. Take time once every season to:
Reorganize boxes.
Discard damaged or unused items.
Inspect corners and behind large objects for any signs of pest activity.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, you deserve a space that’s warm, welcoming, and pest-free. Our family-owned Louisiana pest control team is here to help you make that happen.
