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AVOID PESTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Now that December is here, many of us are preparing for the holiday season and getting ready to open their homes to family and friends.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can bring about some unexpected visitors if you aren’t careful. Online shopping and the smell of fresh evergreen can put you in the Christmas spirit, but what should you look out for when opening that package or selecting that tree?

 

Christmas Trees

A fresh cut Christmas tree can be home to insects, spiders or mites. The cold temp eratures outside kills most pests, but when you bring your tree inside overwintering insects can wake up due to the heat in your home.

Before picking out your tree, check for signs of pest infestations. Look for nests, webs, empty casings and other signs that might point to a bug infestation. Also shake the tree to dislodge any insects or spiders before securing to your vehicle for transport and before bringing it into your home.

Do not use pesticides on your tree. Not only are they extremely flammable, but it is much healthier to vacuum up dead insects off the floor than to put your loved ones at risk.

 

Cardboard Packages

Packages sent from warm, moist climates could possibly contain some unwanted visitors. The cardboard acts like insulation for insects, such as bedbugs, cockroaches or spiders that might be looking to hitch a ride to your home. Bed bugs, for example, can survive up to a month without food and cockroaches will resort to eating anything, even the glue inside the boxes.

It is best to inspect boxes outside or in your garage. If you can’t, keep the package contained until you open it and remove all garbage as soon as possible. If you’re wondering what you should look for, check for infested cardboard that contains insect eggs or larvae that resemble seeds.  

If you find any signs of infestation, dispose of the cardboard immediately by sealing it in sturdy garbage bag outside your home. Depending on the contents of the package you may be able to wash with warm or hot soapy water.

 

Christmas Decorations

Pests can find their way into your home through Christmas decorations that have been stored in attics, garages and basements. Mice find their way into your decorations during the off-season, so it’s important to inspect the boxes before bringing them indoors or upstairs.

You can prevent pests from invading and destroying your decorations by storing your decorations in plastic containers with hard, sealable lids. They will not be able to chew threw the plastic.

We hope you find these tips helpful as you prepare for the holiday season!

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Trevor Dixon
3 weeks ago

I want to thank Sarah! She really did a amazing inspection! I had a issue with mice. Sarah cover the inside and outside taking care of holes/gaps above the front and back doors. attics and garage. And has a very caring attitude towards her clients! I have know about Environmental Pest control for many years as they looked after issues with a school board I worked for.


Margo Dixon
3 months ago

We just had a fall treatment done at our country property. We never hesitate to call this company to protect us from ladybugs, cluster flies and more. You can count on them for punctuality, professionalism and thoroughness. Shout out to Cody who went above and beyond today: on his own accord, he brought our garbage/recycling bins to our garage door from the road and was able to retrieve a helium balloon that had floated up to the top of our cathedral ceiling. We are seniors, so these gestures of kindness were most appreciated. Highly recommend!


Sherrie Lee Hawley
5 months ago

I cannot rate this company high enough. I first talked with Thomas on the phone. He was so polite and patient with this 79 year old lady animal advocate. He talked me through everything and I made my choice of the service I desired. I got an appointment the next day. Craig was right on time and he went through everything again and made sure I understood the whole procedure. I feel I got a very fair price for the work done. Do not hesitate to call Environmental Pest Control if you need help with wasps as I did!


Heather Lundberg
3 months ago

I recently had the bait boxes refilled to avoid having mice move into my house as the weather turns colder. Mike and Jake arrived at the appointed time. Both gentlemen were polite, friendly and very professional. When they left, I contacted Kassandra to arrange payment. She was lovely, pleasant and polite, a pleasure to speak with. I have used the services of this company for years and have always been pleased.