ENJOY A PEST-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON

Arrow Exterminators Offers Tips to Prevent Pests from Spoiling Holiday Cheer

As many homeowners across our area enjoy the holiday season with unusually mild temperatures, the local pest population is celebrating as well.  Typical weather this time of year goes a long way to diminish the overall number of pests, but our weather of late has been anything but typical so Arrow Exterminators is encouraging homeowners to be extra vigilant this year.

"It takes a sustained period of overnight temperatures below freezing to significantly reduce the pest population," said Arrow Pest Expert, Shay Runion. "Homeowners are often engaging in activities this time of year such as baking, parties and decorating that can provide an entryway or welcoming environment for pests."

A flurry of baking in the kitchen is a sure sign the holidays are here.  Cookies, cakes and candies are delicious treats for the holidays, but are also attractive to pests.  Many types of ants are attracted to sweets and pantry pests such as Indian meal moths and merchant grain beetles can be found lurking in flour, cake mixes, dried fruits and corn meal.

Decorating is also a time for family fun, but it is important to take precautions when bringing live trees and wreaths inside as they can provide the perfect hiding spot for pests such spiders and ants.  Additionally, decorations coming out of storage into the main living areas of the home may be harboring rodents and other wildlife. And while a roaring fire is a welcome holiday sight, that stack of firewood is also the perfect nesting spot for many pests including spiders, termites and rodents and provides easy transportation into the home.

Finally, holiday gatherings are filled with a lot good food and good times, but can also provide a feast for uninvited guests like mice, cockroaches and ants looking for food and shelter this time of year.

To help keep homes pest-free this holiday season, Arrow Exterminators recommends the following tips:

• Clean up spills immediately and store holiday goodies in airtight containers.
• Before baking, inspect all food for potential infestations and check expiration dates.
• When stocking up, only purchase sealed packages that show no signs of damage.
• Inspect  Christmas trees, wreaths and other live greenery thoroughly before  bringing into the house.
• Store all holiday decorations in plastic, airtight containers and when retrieving from the attic or basement, inspect them outdoors before bringing inside.

• Store firewood off the ground and at least 20 feet away from the home.

• Seal all holes and cracks along the foundation and any openings around exterior doors and windows.
• Place  screens over vents and openings to chimneys.
• Vacuum and sweep often around the home.