Christmas is only a few days away and Texans throughout the state have lots of reasons to celebrate. Many people chose to stay at home last year and have virtual gatherings, or to limit the amount of people they saw to slow the spread of COVID-19. This year, however, people are getting ready to host all of their family and friends and take part in festivities as they traditionally have.
As people prepare to ring in the holidays though, they may be surprised to find they are bringing pests in with them, too. Below, our Austin pest control experts explain the most common types of pests people run into this time of year, and why pests are seen so frequently at this time of year.
Why Do Christmas Decorations Attract Pests?
One of the main Christmas decorations that attract pests is the Christmas tree. Venturing out to find the perfect tree and then bringing it home to decorate is a treasured tradition in many homes. Unfortunately, many people may not realize that they may also be bringing pests into their house. Bark beetles, aphids, praying mantises, mites, spiders, and moths are just a few common pests that invade Christmas trees.
According to Texas A&M, pest populations in Texas pine trees are usually fairly low due to naturally occurring parasites and predators. Still, many people that own Christmas tree farms use insecticides and pesticides to reduce pest populations. Unfortunately, while these products may get rid of one type of pest, they can also leave trees vulnerable to other pests because the natural predators have all been eliminated.
Although the Christmas tree is certainly one type of decoration that could bring pests into the home, there are others, as well. Many Christmas decorations are fitted with lights, whether they are actually on the tree or making garland on the railway a little brighter. Pests are attracted to lights and warmth, but the lights used in holiday decorations do not usually emit enough of either to attract pests. Lights on decorations that are much larger, on the other hand, can attract pests.
Large standing decorations can also provide shelter for larger pests, such as rodents. When these are in the yard, they are still very close to the home, which could make it easier for these pests to make their way inside. Spiders will also use these decorations to create their webs and nests, which could also mean that they will soon enter your home.
Common Holiday Pests
Due to the fact that Texas enjoys such a beautiful climate all year long, any type of pest could potentially become a problem during the holidays. Still, there are some pests that are more common during this time of year than others. These include:
- Rodents: No one wants rodents such as rats or mice in their home, but these critters are much more than just an unpleasant nuisance. Rodents carry many different types of parasites and diseases, and they can spread these to humans and their pets. Rodents can also easily destroy the contents within the home, including electrical wiring, walls, food packages, and utility piping.
- Spiders: Not many of the spiders in Texas are considered dangerous, but there are some that pose a real risk. The black widow and the brown recluse, in particular, are very dangerous and can make high-risk populations such as children and the elderly very sick. Even when a spider is not dangerous, when a home becomes overpopulated with them, it is time to get rid of them.
- Ants: Ants are another common type of pest during the holidays. They will sneak into homes looking for food and when they do, they can transmit diseases such as Salmonella onto food preparation surfaces and the actual food itself. Fire ants are a particular problem in Texas and they pose a number of problems, including mental health issues for some.
- Aphids: Aphids take advantage of the cooler winter months to reproduce and so, it is not uncommon to find them in Christmas trees. Aphids do not pose a danger to humans but they can become a nuisance when populations grow too large.
Unfortunately, the above are just a few of the pests that are common during Christmas in Texas. To ensure that your home is only full of invited guests during the holidays, it is important to know the top pest prevention tips.
How to Prevent Pests During the Holidays
Of course, the best way to deal with pests is to never have to deal with them at all. By taking certain steps to prevent pests from entering your yard or home, you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays without being bothered by them. The best prevention tips are as follows:
- Double check the tree: Before bringing your Christmas tree home, or even putting it on or in your vehicle, it is important to check it for pests. If a tree houses a large aphid population, it will probably show damage on the trunk and leaves. Still, tap it lightly against the ground or other hard surface to see if aphids and other pests fall out of it. If so, you may want to get a different tree.
- Look for signage: Christmas tree vendors will usually post signage if they had a fire ant outbreak. Look for these signs and if you see them, ask the vendor what they have done about the problem.
- Open boxes carefully: When unpacking boxes filled with holiday decorations, do so very carefully. There may be rodents, spiders, and other dangerous pests in there that could pose a problem, particularly if you were not expecting them.
Lastly, if you do notice a problem, contact a professional pest control company that can eliminate it for you. Doing so on your own could cause even bigger problems.
Our Pest Control Experts in Texas Can Help with Your Problem
If you have uninvited guests at your home during the holidays, our Texas pest control technicians at Stride Pest Control can get rid of the problem and make your holidays even more magical. Call us today at (512) 777-1339 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
