It’s the season of cozy nights, twinkling lights, and festive cheer—but for many Virginia homeowners, it’s also the season when uninvited guests make an appearance. As you start pulling holiday decorations out of storage or hanging lights around your home, you might find more than just tinsel and garland hiding inside those boxes.
At Pest Now of Central VA, we know that pests like rodents, spiders, and even roaches often turn storage bins and attics into winter homes. November is the perfect time to prepare your home and decorations so you can celebrate pest-free all season long.
Why Decorations Attract Pests
Over the year, your stored holiday items can become the perfect pest hideaway. Boxes left in attics, basements, or garages are dark, undisturbed, and often filled with cozy materials like fabric, cardboard, and paper—ideal for nesting. Mice, in particular, love these spaces for warmth and safety, and spiders often spin webs in corners and inside storage bins.
Even outdoor décor can draw pests. Wreaths, firewood, and string lights stored in sheds or garages can harbor insects that come inside when temperatures drop. By the time you start decorating, pests may already have moved in unnoticed.
The Most Common “Holiday Hitchhikers” in Virginia
Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for chewing through cardboard and wiring—often damaging lights and decorations in the process. They leave behind droppings and can spread diseases, making it important to inspect boxes before bringing them indoors.
Spiders: Many Virginia spiders—including house spiders and wolf spiders—nest in boxes and bins. They’re not necessarily aggressive but can startle you when unpacking decorations.
Cockroaches: Warm, cluttered storage spaces with even small crumbs or moisture can attract roaches. Once indoors, they can quickly multiply.
Overwintering Insects: Stink bugs, lady beetles, and boxelder bugs often hide in wreaths and artificial trees stored in sheds or garages. When you bring them inside, they may emerge once the warmth hits.
How to Keep Decorations Pest-Free
You don’t need to sacrifice your holiday spirit to keep pests away—just follow a few simple prevention steps before and after decorating:
- Inspect Before You Unpack:
Take boxes outdoors before opening them. Look for droppings, chewed materials, or live insects before bringing items inside. - Switch to Plastic Bins:
Replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic storage totes. Cardboard absorbs moisture and is easily chewed through by rodents and insects. - Clean Before Storing:
After the holidays, wipe down decorations before putting them away. Pests are drawn to food residue, glitter glue, and organic materials. - Store Strategically:
Keep decorations off the floor and away from walls in your attic, basement, or garage. Use shelving when possible to prevent easy pest access. - Inspect Natural Décor:
Check live wreaths, greenery, and firewood before bringing them indoors. Many overwintering insects hitch a ride this way. - Seal Entry Points:
Before decorating, check your attic and crawl space for gaps where pests can enter. Seal around vents, doors, and window frames with caulk or weatherstripping. - Schedule a Preventive Treatment:
A quick professional inspection from Pest Now of Central VA can ensure your home—and your decorations—stay pest-free through the winter months.
Let Pest Now of Central VA Keep the Season Merry and Pest-Free
The holidays should be full of warmth, family, and celebration—not pests hiding in your décor or crawling out from the attic. With our seasonal pest control services, Pest Now of Central VA helps homeowners across Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding areas enjoy the holidays without unwanted guests.
We provide pet-safe, family-friendly treatments, crawl space inspections, and exclusion services to ensure your home stays protected through winter. Whether you’re seeing signs of activity or just want peace of mind, now is the perfect time to schedule a pre-holiday inspection.
This season, focus on what matters most—family, comfort, and celebration. Let Pest Now handle the pests, so your holidays stay merry, bright, and bug-free. Visit PestNowCVA.com to schedule your free pest inspection.
