The Unexpected Gift Under Your Christmas Tree

With the holiday season in full swing, families across the nation are getting into the holiday spirit. Decorating a Christmas tree, wrapping presents, and hanging festive lights are long-standing Christmas traditions. While fun and festive, Christmas trees, wreaths, and firewood all provide the opportunity for pests to enter your home.

Mites and spiders like Christmas trees for the abundance of tasty insects they offer. Ants, ticks, spiders, and other pests can hide deep inside the branches of trees or crevices in wood. Check your tree for their webs, which they use to catch their prey. When the infested item is brought inside, live pests and the unhatched eggs can cause an infestation inside the home.

Boxes of decorations are another way pests can enter the home. These boxes are often left in the attic, garage, and basements, provide great hiding spots for pests. Upon opening, the owners may find mouse droppings or other signs of pest problems, such as chewed or destroyed materials or spider webs. At the end of the season, hard, plastic containers are better than cardboard. Cardboard and plastic bags can be chewed through and cannot be closed tightly. Choose plastic bins with air-tight lids.

To help prevent bringing pests into your home, follow these steps:

• Thoroughly inspect the tree and other outdoor items for signs of damage or pests
• Vigorously shake the tree before bringing it home & consider hosing it down before you bring it into the garage.
• Leave the tree in your garage or another covered area for at least 48 hours which will allow the unwanted pests to leave the tree
• Once inside, regularly vacuum fallen needles and, if necessary, fallen pests
• Do not discard trees or firewood next to the home, as this can attract termites, mice, and other pests
• Clean up prompt after mealtime

Vogelsang Pest Management offers various pest control services for homeowners and businesses throughout St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis counties in Missouri.