Are you traveling for the holidays? Leaving your home unattended during our colder weather in New Jersey can be an enticing invitation for pests. Like you, many insects and rodents want warm shelter with plenty of food and water over the winter season. An empty home can make you’re residence even more appealing to pests.
If you’re gone for the holidays, there are some steps you can take to make sure pests won’t be throwing their holiday party in your home. Here’s how to protect your home from pests while you’re away.
Clean Before You Leave
Getting ready to travel during the holidays can be stressful so cleaning may be challenging. In particular, make sure you’re kitchen is clean. Crumbs and food spills can be a feast for bugs. Make an effort to clean counters and floors to avoid attracting pests, such as roaches or rodents. Don’t leave any dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher. Wash and put away dishes and utensils before you leave.
Store Your Food With Care
Go through your cupboards or pantry and make sure to pest-proof your food storage. Ideally, store food products, especially starches or sweets, in airtight containers. Both glass and plastic containers work well. Cereals, oatmeal, rice and other grains are tempting to pests. But don’t forget to store cookies and any holiday sweets, too.
Check Your Yard
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure to store your woodpile away from your house. Woodpiles are great shelter for roaches, spiders and rodents. And when the pile is next to your house, it’s only a short distance to enter your home. Likewise, if you have any leaf piles near the house, remove them. The decaying matter is a good source of food and cover for many pests.
Remove the Garbage
This probably goes without saying, but make sure to take out the garbage! This is especially true of your kitchen garbage. If you’re garbage will be in outdoor bins, make sure they aren’t next to your house.
If you’ll be gone over the holidays, preventing a pest invasion may not be on your mind. Having a worry-free trip is important. No one wants to come home to uninvited guests. Abarb Pest Services is happy to discuss your concerns with you. We provide free estimates on pest control inspections. Contact Abarb Pest Services today for your appointment and have a pest-free holiday season!
