Seal and Store Food Properly

Holiday hosting often means more food in the house—pantry staples, baked goods, and leftovers. Unfortunately, pests like rodents, ants, and cockroaches are drawn to these easy food sources. Taking the time to secure food storage not only prevents infestations but also keeps your kitchen clean and organized during the busiest season of the year.

Here are the key steps to pest-proof your holiday food supply:

1. Use Airtight Containers

   • Transfer dry goods like flour, sugar, cereals, pasta, and snacks into sealed plastic or glass containers.

   • Avoid leaving items in original cardboard or paper packaging, which pests can easily chew through.

   • Label and date containers so you always know what’s fresh and what needs to be used first.

2. Refrigerate or Freeze Perishables

   • Store leftovers in tightly sealed containers and refrigerate within two hours of serving.

   • Freeze baked goods or meats you won’t use within a few days to prevent spoilage and pest attraction.

   • Keep a dedicated space in your fridge for holiday treats so they aren’t left sitting out on counters.

3. Dispose of Trash Quickly

   • Empty kitchen trash bins daily during the holidays to avoid food odors that attract pests.

   • Use trash liners and ensure lids are secure to keep rodents and insects from accessing scraps.

   • Rinse recyclable containers (like soda cans or jars) before placing them in recycling bins.

4. Clean Crumbs and Spills Promptly

   • Wipe countertops and dining tables after every meal or snack.

   • Sweep and mop floors in high-traffic areas where food often drops.

   • Don’t forget hidden zones: check under appliances, around baseboards, and beneath cabinets where crumbs may accumulate.

5. Pay Attention to Pet Food

   • Store pet food in sealed bins rather than open bags.

   • Avoid leaving bowls filled overnight, as rodents often target them.

   • Wash pet food dishes regularly to reduce leftover residue and odors.

Inspect Storage Areas Before Decorating

Pulling holiday decorations out of storage can reveal more than just festive lights and ornaments. Attics, garages, and crawl spaces are prime hiding spots for rodents, spiders, and silverfish. Taking time to inspect these areas before bringing boxes inside helps you avoid introducing pests into your living spaces.

Follow these steps to pest-proof your storage areas before decorating:

1. Check for Droppings, Nests, or Damage

   • Look for small, dark droppings in corners or along walls—these are common signs of rodent activity.

   • Inspect stored boxes for gnaw marks, shredded insulation, or paper, which could indicate nesting.

   • Pay attention to spider webs or egg sacs in undisturbed areas, especially in attic rafters or garage corners.

2. Open Boxes with Caution

   • Use gloves when opening storage bins to protect against accidental contact with droppings or insects.

   • Open boxes outdoors or in a garage first, rather than directly in your living room, in case pests are inside.

   • Shake out decorations before bringing them indoors to dislodge any hidden critters.

3. Swap Cardboard for Sturdy Plastic Bins

   • Replace flimsy cardboard boxes with heavy-duty, sealed plastic bins.

   • Rodents can chew through cardboard with ease, but durable bins create a strong barrier.

   • Choose transparent bins so you can easily see the contents without needing to open them.

4. Declutter and Organize Seasonal Storage

   • Remove old, unused items that only add to clutter and provide more hiding spots for pests.

   • Donate items in good condition and discard anything damaged beyond use.

   • Organize remaining items on shelving units or racks to keep them elevated 6–12 inches off the floor.

5. Inspect Entry Points in Storage Areas

   • Seal gaps around attic vents, garage doors, or crawl space openings with rodent-proof mesh or caulk.

   • Check weather stripping on garage doors and replace if it’s cracked or loose.

   • Cover vents with screens to block insects while maintaining airflow.

Keep Entertaining Areas Pest-Free

With family and friends gathered, your home’s busiest spaces—like the kitchen, dining room, and living room—quickly become hotspots for crumbs, spills, and moisture. Without consistent upkeep, these areas can attract pests such as ants, cockroaches, and even rodents. A little extra attention during the holidays can go a long way in keeping entertaining zones clean, welcoming, and pest-free.

Here’s how to protect your entertaining areas this season:

1. Wipe Surfaces Frequently

   • Clean countertops, dining tables, and serving areas immediately after food prep or meals.

   • Use disinfectant wipes or mild cleaners to remove sticky residues that can attract pests.

   • Don’t forget less obvious spots like coffee tables, bar counters, or side tables where snacks may be set down.

2. Vacuum and Sweep Regularly

   • Vacuum under tables, couches, and chairs where crumbs often fall unnoticed.

   • Sweep kitchen floors daily during the holiday season to catch food debris before pests do.

   • Pay attention to rug edges and corners, which are common hiding places for ants and silverfish.

3. Empty Trash and Recycling Daily

   • Use trash cans with lids to prevent pests from accessing leftovers.

   • Empty bins every evening, especially in the kitchen, to reduce food odors.

   • Rinse bottles, cans, and containers before placing them in recycling bins to avoid sticky residue.

4. Address Moisture Issues Promptly

   • Fix leaky faucets or pipes that create damp conditions attractive to pests.

   • Wipe sinks and counters dry after heavy use to prevent standing water.

   • Empty mop buckets or trays under houseplants, which can become unnoticed water sources for insects.

5. Use Preventative Practices During Gatherings

   • Encourage guests to keep food in designated areas, such as the kitchen and dining room, instead of throughout the house.

   • Place coasters and trays under drinks and snacks to catch spills.

   • Keep serving utensils covered when not in use to reduce exposure to pests.

If you’re preparing to host family and friends in Monterey this holiday season, don’t let pests spoil the celebration. Schedule your winter inspection with Western Way Termite & Pest Services today, and make sure your only guests are the ones you’ve invited.

[https://westernwayservices.com/]