A Pest-Free Thanksgiving: How To Keep Insects & Rodents Out

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! This holiday is many people’s favorite and for a good reason. It’s a time to sit down with friends and family and reflect on everything we have to be thankful for without as much of the planning and stress that goes into other holidays.

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving celebration this year, you want to keep it as stress-free as possible. One of the ways you can do that is by making sure that you have pest prevention methods in place so that you don’t have to worry about insects or rodents ruining the festivities.

Why are pests a problem around Thanksgiving time in Hampton Roads?

Pests are often considered a summertime problem, but the truth is that there is an uptick in pest infestations in the fall. This happens because pests begin to look for warmer accommodations when temperatures drop each fall. They also must look for food as the sources they relied on outside all summer begin to disappear.

If pests enter your house, they’ll likely find the warm shelter and steady food supply they need to survive the winter. Some insects might use your house as a place to overwinter, while others will remain active throughout the winter months. Either way, you don’t want these pests making themselves a nuisance or a problem at your Thanksgiving meal.

What problems do pests cause at Thanksgiving?

Many pests that get indoors are simply a nuisance. Fall invaders, such as stink bugs, aren’t going to cause any harm, but you still don’t want them in your house.

However, other pests are much more than nuisances. Roaches, rodents, and bed bugs are three of the most common pests around the Thanksgiving holiday, and all three cause serious problems.

Roaches are known for the diseases they spread. Over 30 different types of bacteria have been found on these pests and several other pathogens. When cockroaches get into your house, they can spread these disease-causing pathogens around your home, including on food and food prep areas. The last thing you want is a roach infestation causing you to provide contaminated food to your Thanksgiving guests.

Mice and rats are also disease-spreading pests. In addition to contaminating your food, rodents can introduce parasites into your house and cause damage to the areas where they spend time, such as crawl spaces and attics. Water leaks, electrical malfunctions, and damaged belongings are just a few of the problems you might encounter if rodents enter your house.

Bed bugs don’t enter your home in the same way that roaches and rodents do, but they’re no less of an issue at this time of year. Typically, a bed bug infestation starts when they ride into your home on a person’s clothing or in an item that is brought inside. The holidays are a time of year when new infestations are common because so many people travel and visit each other. If one of your Thanksgiving guests accidentally brings a bed bug into your house with them, it’s only a matter of time before these parasitic pests become a major problem.

How can pests be prevented this Thanksgiving?

Although the information above can be alarming, the point of this information is to help you avoid these pests and the stress they cause so that you can have an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Putting some pest prevention strategies into action can help protect your home, family, and guests from harmful pests. The pest professionals at Getem Services recommend the following prevention tips:

• Seal or cover all entry points into your house. This includes:
• Cracks in your foundation
• Holes in your siding
• Tears in your window screens
• Gaps around windows and doors
• Open vents
• Cut back vegetation around the perimeter of your house.
• Reduce moisture outside your house and take care of any leaks and drainage issues.
• Store garbage bins and firewood away from your house.
• Remove any potential food sources outdoors. This includes:
• Bird feeders
• Pet food
• Fruit that has fallen from trees
• Keep your yard tidy, your grass trimmed, and your property free of debris.
• Inside your house, store all food in sealed containers.
• Clean up after each meal by washing dishes, wiping counters, and sweeping floors.
• Take out your trash regularly.
• Reduce humidity in your house and make sure there are no water leaks.
• Eliminate clutter in all areas of your house, including storage areas.
• Inspect beds, upholstered furniture, and dressers for any signs of bed bugs.

By taking the proper precautions, you can avoid a rodent or roach problem. Bed bugs are more complex to prevent, but by being diligent, you can identify an infestation before it has a chance to grow or spread.

Our local pest control pros are here to help!

If you want even more effective prevention and control, contact Getem Services. Our home pest control eliminates active infestations and prevents new ones before they start. We also offer bed bug control services to take care of an infestation, no matter how big or small. For a stress-free Thanksgiving in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, Getem Services is the smart choice!