The holiday season is here, and with it comes family gatherings, home cooking, and cozy nights in. But while you’re preparing for Thanksgiving guests, unwanted visitors like mice, cockroaches, and pantry moths could also be eyeing your kitchen.
November in Central Virginia brings cool, crisp days and colder nights—the perfect conditions for pests to seek warmth and food indoors. Between unpacking groceries, decorating, and all the foot traffic of holiday hosting, even the tidiest homes can accidentally invite them in.
Luckily, with a few simple preventive steps (and the help of Pest Now of Central VA), you can keep your home comfortable, welcoming, and pest-free all season long.
Why Pests Love the Holiday Season
When temperatures drop, pests like rodents and cockroaches begin searching for shelter—and your home offers everything they need: warmth, food, and water. Add in the abundance of Thanksgiving leftovers, cookie crumbs, and pantry staples, and it’s basically an open invitation.
Even something as small as a cardboard box of decorations from the attic can carry hitchhiking insects like spiders or silverfish. Plus, with holiday guests coming and going, doors stay open longer, giving pests a chance to sneak inside unnoticed.
Some of the most common holiday intruders in Central VA include:
- Mice and Rats: They love cozy crawl spaces and kitchens stocked with food.
- Cockroaches: Drawn to warmth and moisture, especially around sinks and stoves.
- Ants: Always on the hunt for sweets and crumbs.
- Pantry Moths: Often found in stored flour, cereal, or baking mixes.
- Spiders: They move indoors to escape the chill and hunt other insects.
A Thanksgiving Pest Prevention Checklist
Before you light the candles and set the table, take a few minutes to protect your home from these sneaky seasonal pests.
- Deep Clean Your Kitchen
Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean under appliances—crumbs and spills are major pest attractants. Don’t forget to empty the trash regularly, especially after food prep. - Inspect Pantry Items
Check flour, sugar, cereal, and baking mixes for holes or clumps that could signal pantry moths or beetles. Store all dry goods in airtight containers instead of open bags. - Seal Cracks and Gaps
Before guests arrive, take a quick look around doors, windows, and under the sink. Seal any gaps or holes where pests could sneak in. - Store Firewood Properly
Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet from your house. Mice, spiders, and beetles often hide inside logs and can easily make their way indoors. - Watch Pet Food and Water Bowls
Rodents and insects are drawn to pet food left out overnight. Feed pets at consistent times and store food in sealed bins. - Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you’ve noticed pest activity or just want peace of mind before the holidays, Pest Now of Central VA can perform a quick inspection and preventive treatment to keep your home safe through winter.
Enjoy the Holidays—Pest-Free
Thanksgiving is about food, family, and gratitude—not worrying about what’s lurking in the pantry. Staying one step ahead with simple prevention habits can make a big difference, especially as temperatures continue to drop.
At Pest Now of Central VA, we know that pests don’t take holidays off. That’s why we offer year-round protection plans and seasonal inspections designed specifically for Central Virginia’s climate. Whether it’s mice in the attic, cockroaches in the kitchen, or overwintering bugs sneaking in, our team can handle it quickly and safely—so you can focus on what matters most.
Don’t let pests crash your holiday celebrations. Call Pest Now of Central VA (804) 589-1009 today or visit PestNowCVA.com for a home inspection and ensure your Thanksgiving guests are the only ones enjoying your warm, welcoming home.
