Look for Pest Warnings Before Holiday Adorning

The National Pest Management Association offers tips to keep homes
pest-free this holiday season

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Holiday decorating can enhance a home’s aesthetics, warming it up with
festive lights and greenery, but could jovial decorations be inviting in
more than just the holiday spirit? To evade these unwelcomed houseguests
such as rodents, spiders, moths and more, the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to examine
holiday décor for signs of pests before decking the halls.

“It’s best to practice caution when unpacking decorations which were
likely stored in ideal pest habitats, such as basements and attics,”
said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Carefully
inspect live greenery including trees and wreathes, and give them a good
shake outdoors before bringing them in. Looking for telltale signs, like
gnaw marks, droppings, and spider egg sacs can also help you avoid
bringing infested items inside.”

In an effort to make holiday arrangements stress-free, NPMA offers
these tips to keep pests from dulling the shine of this year’s décor:

• Shake off trees and garlands. Carefully inspect them for pests or eggs
  that can hide in branches before bringing them indoors.
• If copying a DIY natural decoration from Pinterest or other craft
  site, inspect all foliage outside the home before beginning projects.
• Store firewood on raised structures located at least 20 feet away from
  the home. Inspect firewood for pests and brush it off before bringing
  it indoors.
• After pulling decorations from storage, unpack them outdoors to check
  for pests like mice. Look inside boxes for droppings or gnaw marks.
  Examine string lights to ensure wiring is fully intact.
• When storing décor after the holidays, use durable, sealed containers
  that pests can’t chew through instead of cardboard boxes or plastic
  bags.

These guidelines will make holiday decorating a seamless process year to
year. If you suspect an infestation, a licensed pest control
professional can evaluate the problem and recommend an action plan.

For more information on pest prevention during the holidays, or to find
a licensed pest control professional, visit PestWorld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visit PestWorld.org.

Contacts

Vault Communications, Inc.
Amanda Michelson, 610-455-2757
amichelson@vaultcommunications.com