It’s the time of year when everyone gets their holiday decorations out of storage for the end-of-the-year celebrations. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when many people remove their holiday decorations from storage areas and discover that they are full of bugs. Pests and bugs love living in holiday decorations – and often do. It’s because holiday decorations create an ideal environment for bugs.
People often store holiday decorations in cool, dark places like basements or closets. Here these once pest-free holiday decorations can remain undisturbed for most of the year until December comes around.
See why bugs love holiday decorations so much?
Guide To Pest-Free Holiday Decorations
The Creepy Crawly Time Of The Year
A Pest infestation during the holidays can take the fun out of decorating. This doesn’t mean bugs have to spoil all of the fun!
Worried about potential pests once your decorations have come out of storage? Here’s how to ensure you have pest-free holiday decorations from here on until next year’s holiday season.
Why Do Bugs Live In Holiday Decorations?
Holiday decorations are home to bugs because they create an ideal environment. Bugs don’t get bothered or moved much after being placed in an attic or basement.
More often than not, decorations are made from things that bugs love – either to live in or to eat.
Imagine decorations like pine cones. When placed into storage, they can become homes for all sorts of crawlies that you would rather not share the Christmas tree with.
How Should I Store Holiday Decorations?
To prevent pests, store holiday decorations in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Ensure that there’s no moisture trapped inside of it – and make sure that no air can get in or out. It’s the best way to ensure bugs don’t get in. If there are bugs, they can’t become a problem if the container remains properly sealed.
Avoid storing decorations in cardboard boxes or bags. This can make the problem worse.
Even better, store holiday decorations with incense sticks. Bugs find most types of incense unpleasant and will prefer not to nest anywhere near it.
What If My Decorations Have Bugs?
If you’ve noticed signs of pests in any of your holiday decorations, remove these from the main decorations immediately. This can stop the problem from spreading further. Discard these decorations if possible.
Signs may include:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Damage to a storage container
- Odors
If you would prefer to keep these decorations, seal them in an airtight Ziploc bag. Infestations can’t survive when they are being starved for air (and often, where they have no host).
Which Decorations Are More Likely To Have Bugs?
Decorations made from wood, paper, grass, or any untreated natural substance are more likely to attract pests. This can include trees themselves. Both live trees and artificial trees make great hiding spots for bugs. They can even make a home out of a simple holiday wreath garland in storage from last year.
Is it organic? Natural? Untreated? It could have bugs.
Can Holiday Decoration Bug Infestations Spread?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the type of bugs that might have moved in.
Bugs can be seen as opportunistic. If there’s something else in your house that acts as a potential habitat or host for the same type of bug, it’s possible.
Which Decorations Won’t Keep Bugs?
Replace decorations with ones that are less likely to keep bugs.
Materials like metal, recycled plastic, and even some 3D Printed holiday decorations are less likely to become home to bugs or pests.
These types of decorations can go into storage for a longer period. You won’t have to worry that they might become home to anything you don’t want to share your holiday period with.
What If Bugs Are A Regular Problem?
Bugs can become a problem over other times of the year, too. If you have noticed signs of an infestation or suspect that you have one, contact a professional pest control expert who can take care of the problem in a safe way.
Learn more: Does a Warm Winter Mean More Bugs in Spring?
Shop Local for Holiday Decorations
We know a lot of holiday shoppers are looking for meaningful and quality decorations and gifts. Avoid worrying about pest problems from homemade decor and buy from a local store. We’ve got a few suggestions where you can help support your community.
Lincoln
Omaha
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