Pest Control: Keeping Bugs Away from Your Thanksgiving Celebration

As Thanksgiving approaches, the last thing you want is to have uninvited guests of the six-legged variety crashing your dinner party. To ensure a bug-free holiday season that extends through the winter months, consider these valuable pest control tips.

1. Securely Store Food Items

When stocking up on ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast, it’s essential to store food items securely in your kitchen and pantry. Cardboard boxes and wrappers are not bug-proof, and insects and mice can easily chew through them. To thwart pantry pests, especially when purchasing items in advance, opt for airtight containers that provide a full seal. Additionally, consider storing boxed and bagged items in the freezer or refrigerator for added protection.

2. Maintain a Clean Kitchen

The kitchen is a haven for bugs, particularly roaches, due to the enticing scent of food. To keep these unwelcome visitors at bay, start by giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning and make a habit of maintaining its cleanliness. Food remnants are a primary attractant for roaches, so ensure that any crumbs or spills are promptly swept and wiped away. When preparing Thanksgiving dinner, be diligent about putting away ingredients as soon as you’re done with them. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink, as this can also attract pests. If you spot a roach, there could be dozens more hidden, so it’s wise to seek professional pest control services rather than relying solely on DIY remedies.

3. Dispose of Food Trash Properly

To prevent pests like rats, raccoons, and skunks from raiding your trash, ensure that all perishable items are either securely stored or disposed of promptly. Place trash bags inside lidded trash cans, and promptly remove them from your home. If outdoor placement isn’t an option, store the trash in your garage, making sure it’s tightly sealed to deter critters.

4. Perform a Bed Bug Check

If you plan to travel and stay in a hotel during the holiday season, take precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs back home with you. Upon entering your hotel room, conduct a quick inspection. Use a flashlight to examine mattress crevices for any signs of bed bugs, as they are small but visible to the naked eye. Check the sheets carefully for unusual stains, as bed bugs leave small blood stains behind. If you detect any evidence of bed bugs, request a different room immediately.

Once your room passes the bed bug check, follow additional measures to ensure you leave without any unwanted hitchhikers. Never place your suitcase on the bed or the floor; instead, use a luggage rack or chair. Keep your suitcase zipped up when not in use. When you return home, wash all washable clothing from your trip, as heat kills bed bugs. Use a heated drying cycle if the manufacturer’s instructions allow.

5. Seek Professional Pest Control

In the unfortunate event that you discover bed bugs in your home, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional. Home remedies for bed bugs are often ineffective and may exacerbate the problem. By following these tips and seeking professional assistance when necessary, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your holiday season with only the guests you intended to invite. Now, that’s something to be truly thankful for!