Pests Around the Holidays in Florida
The holiday season is a time for gathering with family, decorating your home, and enjoying the warmth and festivities. However, in Florida, the holidays also bring with them an increase in pest activity. Due to the state’s warm, humid climate, pests don’t take a winter break, and in fact, some pests become more active as temperatures cool down elsewhere. Understanding the types of pests you might encounter around the holidays and how to keep them at bay can ensure that your celebrations aren’t interrupted by unwelcome visitors.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common pests around the holidays in Florida, why they become more active during this time, and how you can protect your home from infestations.
Why Pests Are Active During the Holidays in Florida
Unlike other parts of the country where winter means colder temperatures that drive pests into hibernation, Florida’s relatively mild winters create an environment where pests remain active year-round. In fact, many pests will seek shelter indoors as they look for warmth, food, and water. The holiday season, with its increased foot traffic, stored decorations, and abundant food, offers plenty of opportunities for pests to make themselves at home.
Additionally, shipping packages, bringing in Christmas trees, and hosting gatherings can introduce pests into your home in ways you might not expect.
Common Pests Around the Holidays in Florida
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a year-round problem in Florida, but they become even more noticeable during the holidays when people bring in boxes of decorations from the attic or garage. Cockroaches are attracted to warm environments, food crumbs, and moisture, all of which become more plentiful during holiday gatherings and meal prep.
How to Prevent Cockroaches:
- Store holiday decorations in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, which cockroaches can easily hide in.
- Clean up food and drink spills immediately, and make sure to take out the trash regularly during the holiday season.
- Keep areas like the kitchen, pantry, and bathrooms dry to avoid attracting cockroaches looking for water sources.
- Ants
Ants are another pest that can become a nuisance during the holidays. Whether you’re baking cookies or preparing large family meals, the increased availability of sugary and greasy foods can attract ants indoors. Once they find a food source, they will quickly alert the rest of the colony, leading to a major infestation.
How to Prevent Ants:
- Wipe down counter tops and sweep floors regularly to remove any food particles that could attract ants.
- Store leftover food in airtight containers and keep sweet treats like cookies and candy in sealed packages.
- Check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors, as these are common entry points for ants.
- Rodents
Mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter indoors during cooler months, and Florida is no exception. With an abundance of food and a warm place to nest, your home can become an ideal spot for rodents. Rodents can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases, making them one of the most problematic pests to deal with during the holidays.
How to Prevent Rodents:
- Inspect your home for possible entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them to prevent rodents from sneaking in.
- Keep food properly stored, and don’t leave pet food or leftovers out overnight.
- Contact a professional pest control service like Gohannan.com if you suspect a rodent problem.
- Spiders
While spiders aren’t typically associated with holiday pests, they can become more noticeable when you bring in boxes of decorations or fresh-cut Christmas trees. Spiders often make their homes in garages, attics, or other storage areas, and when you bring those boxes into the living room, you might unintentionally invite them inside. While most spiders in Florida are harmless, a few, such as the Black Widow and Brown Widow, can pose a risk.
How to Prevent Spiders:
- Inspect boxes and storage containers before bringing them indoors, and shake out any decorations or artificial trees that have been stored for long periods.
- Keep storage areas clean and free of clutter to reduce the likelihood of spiders setting up webs.
- Use essential oils like peppermint or citrus to repel spiders from commonly infested areas.
- Termites
Termites can be a significant problem during the holidays, especially if you bring a live Christmas tree into your home. While rare, live trees can harbor termites, which can then infest your home. Termites are especially dangerous because they can cause extensive damage to the structure of your home without you even knowing it.
How to Prevent Termites:
- Inspect live Christmas trees for any signs of termites or other pests before bringing them indoors.
- Avoid storing firewood near your home, as termites are attracted to decaying wood.
- Schedule regular termite inspections with a professional pest control service like Hannan Environmental Services to ensure your home remains termite-free.
- Pantry Pests
During the holidays, your pantry is likely stocked with extra ingredients for cooking and baking. Unfortunately, pantry pests like weevils, Indian meal moths, and grain beetles can infest dry goods such as flour, cereal, rice, and pasta. These pests can ruin your food supplies and spread throughout your pantry if not addressed promptly.
How to Prevent Pantry Pests:
- Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent pests from getting into your food.
- Regularly clean your pantry shelves to remove any spilled food or crumbs.
- Inspect packaged goods for any signs of infestation before using them in your holiday meals.
How to Protect Your Home from Pests During the Holidays
To keep your holiday celebrations free from pests, follow these preventative measures:
- Inspect Holiday Decorations and Packages
Pests can easily hitch a ride into your home on holiday decorations, packages, and even fresh-cut Christmas trees. Before bringing anything indoors, inspect items for signs of pests and shake out any boxes that have been stored in the attic or garage. - Keep Your Home Clean
During the holiday season, it’s easy for food and drink spills to accumulate, attracting pests. Make sure to clean up crumbs, vacuum regularly, and take out the trash frequently to keep pests from finding food sources. - Schedule a Professional Pest Control Service
The best way to ensure your home stays pest-free during the holidays is by working with a professional pest control service like Hannan Environmental Services. We offer comprehensive pest control plans tailored to your home’s needs, targeting common holiday pests like cockroaches, ants, and rodents.
Conclusion
Pests are an unfortunate reality for many Florida homeowners during the holiday season, but with proper precautions and the help of a professional pest control service, you can keep your home pest-free. Whether you’re dealing with cockroaches, ants, rodents, or any other pests, Hannan is here to help you enjoy a pest-free holiday season.
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