Common Pests That People in St. Louis Deal With During the Holidays
The holiday season in St. Louis brings chilly weather and warm gatherings. But it can also bring household pests. During winter, many pests look for food, warmth, and shelter. That is why your home becomes a perfect target for these creatures. While you are unpacking decorations or welcoming guests, pests might be infiltrating your space through cracks, boxes, or doors. That is why you may want to know what pests to watch out for during the holidays. This can improve the effectiveness of pest control in St. Louis and help you determine when it is time to work with experts. Here are pests that may ruin your holiday:
Rodents Looking for Warmth
As temperatures drop in St. Louis, mice and rats find warm, dry places to nest. Homes offer them shelter, food, and water. Rodents can squeeze through small holes, sometimes as small as a dime. They often enter through gaps in foundations, vents, or under doors.
Once inside, they may chew on wires, insulation, and boxes. They can also leave droppings around pantries or behind appliances, contaminating food and surfaces. Holiday treats are major attractions for mice and rats. Be sure to keep snacks sealed and surfaces clean.
Spiders Hiding in Decorations
Holiday decorations stored in attics, basements, or garages can collect more than just dust. Spiders often hide in storage boxes, wreaths, and artificial trees. You might carry spiders along with these items when you bring them indoors.
While most spiders in St. Louis are harmless, the brown recluse can pose health risks. They prefer quiet spaces and may not be noticed right away. Always check decorations and shake out stockings. Also, inspect tree skirts before setting up your holiday décor.
Cockroaches in Kitchens and Storage
Cockroaches love heat and moisture. That is why kitchens and bathrooms are popular hiding spots for these pests. During the holidays, cockroaches become more active indoors as they search for crumbs, grease, and food scraps. Festive cooking and increased foot traffic can lead to more messes, giving cockroaches easy access to food. They can use cardboard boxes, paper grocery bags, and cluttered pantries as shelter. Cockroaches also spread bacteria and allergens. Keeping your kitchen clean and storing leftovers properly can help reduce your chances of an infestation.
Pantry Pests in Holiday Ingredients
Many people stock up on baking supplies during the holiday season. Unfortunately, these dry goods can attract pantry pests like weevils, flour beetles, and Indian meal moths. These tiny insects often go unnoticed until you open a bag and see them crawling inside.
Pantry pests can enter your home through packaged goods or hide in forgotten containers. They reproduce quickly, spreading to other items in your pantry. To avoid them, store baking ingredients in airtight containers and check expiration dates before using holiday supplies.
Ants Seeking Sweets
Although ants are more active in spring and summer, some species remain a problem year-round. If your home has consistent indoor heat and accessible food, ants may show up during the holidays. Sugar ants and pavement ants are especially attracted to sweet treats, baked goods, and anything sticky.
Holiday baking can leave behind crumbs and spills that are perfect for ants. If they find a reliable food source, they will leave a scent trail that invites more ants to follow. You can keep ants out by wiping surfaces and sealing food. Also, check window frames and doors for gaps to prevent ants from entering.
If pests turn your holiday cheer into stress, call the professionals. Pointe Pest Control in St. Louis, MO, offers dependable pest control services tailored to seasonal issues. Their experienced technicians understand the unique pest problems that St. Louis homes face during the busy holiday months. They can help protect your home and your peace of mind, so you can focus on spending time with loved ones.
