The holiday season has arrived, and for many people, that means lugging boxes of decorations down from the attic. While everyone loves getting out a beautiful cornucopia or Christmas ornaments each year, many people are shocked to find their storage boxes have attracted pests! You are not obligated to let them share in the festivities! 

To ensure you don’t have to deal with critters and creatures this month, we put together a list of simple tips to keep your attic or storage closet pest-free. 

Paper or Plastic?

When it comes to pests, cardboard boxes are not your friend. Cardboard is susceptible to moisture and humidity and attractive to many types of insects. 

Use plastic bins with lockable lids. Not only are these more secure, but using clear boxes allows you to see what is stored inside and can reduce the number of times you are opening and closing them when not in use. Make sure the bins are not cracked or broken. You would be surprised how little space these pests need to make their way inside!

Keep It Clean

Few people love to clean, but it's a much easier chore than dealing with a pest infestation. Regularly dust and vacuum your storage areas, as dirt and dust build-up can provide an environment for bugs to thrive. Sweep up cobwebs as well, but don't be afraid to let a harmless spider roam free. They can be your little helpers by corralling free-roaming bugs. It's okay to let one or two keep watch over the storage area while you're away, but if you see more than that, they have become part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

Do NOT keep food or plants in your storage areas. These may as well be flashing signs advertising free food and lodging to these unwanted pests!

Here are some winter pests to look out for!

Keep It Dry

Keep the humidity low in your storage area. The moisture can attract pests that are looking for a place to warm up in the winter or cool down in the summer. 

Seal gaps in your storage areas to help regulate humidity and prevent critters from finding any access points. 

If you are considering adding or replacing insulation this winter, check out this blog! 

Think Inside the Box

Check the inside of your storage boxes before moving it into the main living areas of your home. This applies whether you are keeping items in a storage closet or an attic. If you inadvertently attracted a family of critters, it will be much easier to handle the problem if it's contained in an area adjacent to your home. 

With boxes of holiday decorations, doing a quick once-over or wipe down for dust can help prevent an infestation from spreading throughout your home. 

Prevention is Protection

It's always a good idea to stop an infestation before it ever starts. In addition to the prevention methods listed, preventative pest control can keep your home and storage areas from inviting any unwelcome guests. 

Keeping up with these vulnerable areas year-round will help keep your boxes and storage from attracting pests -- in every season. Now that's something to celebrate! 

If It’s Too Late -- It’s Not Too Late! 

If this blog didn’t catch you in time to save your storage this year -- that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a pest problem. If you think you have an infestation, whether insects or other pests, call 866.WAYNES1 or fill out this quick form, and we will make sure you don’t have any uninvited guests to your holiday celebrations this year.