Deck the Halls (But Check the Walls)
Avoiding Holiday Pests in Middle Georgia
It’s December. The turkey leftovers are finally gone, the calendar has flipped, and for most families in Middle Georgia, the "Holiday Scramble" has officially begun.
You are likely dragging boxes out of the attic, buying a tree, and planning menus for family gatherings. The last thing you need on your to-do list is an uninvited guest scurrying across the kitchen floor while the in-laws are visiting.
But December is actually a prime time for pest encounters—often because we wake them up. Here is where pests are hiding right now and how to keep them from crashing your holiday party.
1. The Attic "Surprise" (Decorations)
If you are climbing into the attic or crawlspace this week to retrieve Christmas lights and ornaments, proceed with caution. Those cardboard boxes have been sitting undisturbed for 11 months—which makes them the perfect luxury condos for pests.
- The Threat: Spiders (including Brown Recluses) love the quiet dark of cardboard boxes. Rodents may have also chewed into boxes to use the tissue paper for nesting material.
- The Fix: If possible, unpack your decoration boxes outside or in the garage before bringing them into the living room. This prevents you from carrying a spider or a mouse nest right onto your carpet. (And for next year: switch from cardboard to sealed plastic bins!)
2. Bringing Nature Inside (Trees and Greenery)
Whether you go to a tree farm in Perry or pick up a Fraser Fir from a lot in Macon, remember: you are bringing a live tree into your home.
- The Threat: It is common for spiders, aphids, and even praying mantis egg sacks to be hidden deep inside the branches of fresh-cut trees and wreaths. As the tree warms up inside your house, these bugs think it's spring and wake up.
- The Fix: Give the tree a vigorous shake in the driveway before bringing it in. Inspect the trunk for any webbing or egg masses.
3. The "Holiday Baking" Beacon
December means more baking, more sugar, and more grease in the kitchen than any other time of year.
- The Threat: Even in December, ants and roaches are active indoors. German Cockroaches (the small, fast ones that infest kitchens) are particularly attracted to the warmth of the oven and the smell of food debris.
- The Fix: It’s hard to keep a clean kitchen while cooking a feast, but try to wipe down counters immediately and take the trash out nightly. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight—it's a buffet for bugs.
4. The Silent Fire Hazard
We love our Christmas lights, but so do rodents—for a different reason.
- The Threat: By early December, mice and rats are settled into wall voids and attics to escape the dropping temperatures. They constantly need to chew to keep their teeth sharp, and electrical wiring is a common target.
- The Fix: If you hear scratching in the walls or notice flickering lights that aren't related to a bulb, don't ignore it. Rodent damage is a leading cause of winter house fires.
Give Yourself the Gift of Peace of Mind
You have enough to worry about this month—presents, cooking, hosting. You shouldn't have to worry about what’s crawling in the corner.
If you are noticing increased activity as you unpack for the holidays, or if you just want a quick inspection to ensure your home is guest-ready, give us a call.
Let’s clear the house so you can focus on the festivities.
