Keep Out Those Annoying Pests During the Holidays

Keeping pests from inviting themselves into your home during the holidays is more difficult than at most other times of the year because of the increased amount of cooking that generally occurs. We’re not talking about the family “pests” who visit during the holidays—we’re talking about pantry pests—those critters that are just as attracted to the fresh aroma of cooked and baked goods as we humans. The holiday season is also a time when people tend to have more guests visit and throw more parties. While the point is to have fun and enjoy the season, it’s also a risky time because all of these activities increase the likelihood of attracting bugs, rodents and other pests. If you suspect you might have attracted the interest of local pests, call the Tampa pest control experts at Apex Pest Control—we’ll find them and get rid of them for you. But that’s not the end of the story, of course, there are things you can do to help keep the nasty invaders from becoming a problem in the first place, and most of it starts with your pantry:

• With more parties or guests at your home during the holidays, a lot of food tends to be opened, cooked, consumed and the leftovers stored. Opening bags or boxes with food ingredients in them is akin to sending an invitation to pests looking to celebrate along with you. Put ingredients that are to be stored in sealable containers or throw out those that won’t be used. Above all, keep the pantry clean and dry so that you won’t be embarrassed by something nasty when guests come over.

• Remember that pantry pests are particularly drawn to grain products such as flour used to bake cookies or pasta. Pests such as meal moths, weevils and grain beetles can breed and multiply inside such containers especially, if the air is moist. Also keep sugar and rice bags sealed as they can attract cockroaches, ants and other bugs.

• If you find any signs of an infestation in any food ingredient, throw it away—don’t consume it, heat it, freeze it or try any other old-fashioned remedies for getting rid of the pests. Once foods have bugs or rodents in them, it becomes dangerous to eat them. It’s much better to just throw them away and buy something fresh.

Your holidays don’t have to be ruined by pests—taking a few precautions can make all the difference. If you discover, despite your best efforts, that some pests have taken advantage of your holiday spirit, contact Tampa pest control professionals at Apex Pest Control right away, we’ll stop them from ruining your good cheer.