As you pull out the festive decorations, you may unintentionally invite pests into your living space. Attics, basements, and storage areas are common hiding spots where rodents, spiders, and insects can settle in for the winter, especially when they find cozy cardboard and fabric. Since these areas are quiet and undisturbed for much of the year, they become perfect "pest hotels" where invaders can nest, breed, and multiply.

Do your storage areas show signs of uninvited holiday guests, such as droppings or chewed boxes? We understand that finding pests in your storage is frustrating. Take action now to protect your home! Contact us for responsive, helpful service by calling us at (360) 813-6590 or visiting our website to schedule an estimate.

Why Pests Love Holiday Storage

Rodents and insects are attracted to storage areas for three main reasons: shelter, nesting materials, and easy access. Cardboard boxes, fabric wreaths, and garlands provide ideal nesting materials for mice and rats. Also, if there are gaps in your attic or basement, these pests can move freely between your storage space and the outdoors, making your home a highway for pests.

The key to keeping your decorations safe is to replace materials that pests love with materials that they hate.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Decor

Ditch the Cardboard: Mice can easily chew through cardboard boxes to make nests. Switch all holiday storage to hard plastic bins with secure, tight-fitting lids.
Use Scents to Avoid Pests: Natural scents like peppermint oil or cedar chips can help deter pests. Place a few cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil inside the plastic bins and refresh them before storing the bins away.
Elevate Storage: Store boxes on sturdy metal shelving units instead of directly on the floor. This makes inspection easier, reduces moisture, and provides easy access for ground-level pests.

Inspecting Your "Pest Hotels" for Activity

Before putting anything away (or before bringing anything down), look for signs of pests. A quick check now can prevent a larger problem later.

What to Look For:

Droppings: Tiny, rice-shaped pellets (from mice) or larger, capsule-shaped droppings (from rats) are a definite sign of activity.
Nesting Material: Look for shredded paper, torn fabric, or gnawed insulation. Rodents use these to build their winter homes.
Chew Marks: Visible teeth marks on plastic boxes, wires, or even wooden supports are a clear sign that rodents have been active.

If you find any of these signs, it is essential to address the pest issue before sealing the storage area. For help dealing with pests that have already infested your attic or storage, you can learn about our rodent control solutions in Bellingham, WA, which are both responsible and effective.

Secure Your Attic and Basement Access

The best way to protect your stored items is to prevent rodents from gaining access to the storage area in the first place. This is where structural sealing, or exclusion, is essential.

Check the following areas around your attic and basement:

Attic Vents: Ensure all roof and soffit vents have intact metal screens that rodents cannot chew through.
Pipe Entry Points: In the basement, check where water or sewage pipes enter the home. Seal any gaps around these lines using metal mesh and strong sealant.
Crawl Space Access: Ensure the crawl space door or hatch is tightly sealed and protected from damage.

By making your storage areas less appealing and structurally securing them, you can enjoy a pest-free holiday season and protect your belongings throughout the year.

Protect Your Investment This Holiday Season

Don't let your cherished holiday decorations provide a winter refuge for unwanted pests. Taking these responsible, structural steps now will safeguard your home and belongings. The team at Bio Bug Pest Management is here to assist with professional inspections and structural sealing to ensure a secure and comfortable winter in your home.

To get help defending your property, call us directly at (360) 813-6590 or visit our website to get started.