As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eager to bring out the decorations, lights, and holiday cheer stored away since last year. But beware—uninvited guests, like mice, are often just as excited to cozy up in your seasonal storage. Alaska’s cold winter months drive these critters indoors, and your stored holiday boxes are ideal nesting spots. Here’s how to ensure that when it’s time to deck the halls, you aren’t decorating with rodents!
During the fall, pests like mice, ants, and cockroaches are drawn indoors by the warmth and the abundance of food. At Alaska Pest Management, we want to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday without worrying about unwanted visitors. Here are a few simple tips to keep your home pest-free this season.
Why Mice Love Holiday Storage
In Alaska, the chilly winter months force mice to seek warm, sheltered spaces for survival. Boxes of decorations in garages, basements, or attics offer not only warmth but also ideal nesting material. Strands of lights, soft garlands, and cardboard storage boxes give them everything they need to settle in and make a mess of your holiday cheer.
How to Protect Your Decorations from Pests
- Choose Durable, Sealed Storage
Replace cardboard boxes with plastic bins that have tight-fitting lids. Mice can chew through cardboard with ease, but sturdy plastic offers much better protection.
- Store in High Places
Storing boxes off the ground—like on shelves—makes it harder for mice to reach your items. Elevating storage is especially useful in basements and garages where mice can roam freely. - Inspect Decorations Before Bringing Them Inside
Before decorating, inspect each box for signs of pests. Look for mouse droppings, chewed materials, and nesting remnants. If you spot any signs, dispose of damaged items and clean the boxes thoroughly. - Scented Deterrents
Mice have an aversion to certain scents, such as peppermint oil. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and place them around storage areas. This natural deterrent can help keep mice at bay. - Check for Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Before winter sets in, examine your garage, attic, and basement for any cracks or gaps and seal them tightly. Caulking, weather-stripping, and mesh screens are effective ways to mouse-proof your home.
What to Do If You Find Mice in Your Decorations
If you discover that mice have infiltrated your decorations, it’s best to act quickly to prevent further infestation. Remove any contaminated items, sanitize storage areas, and consider reaching out to a professional pest management team. Alaska Pest Management is equipped to handle these situations efficiently, protecting your home and your holiday cheer from unwanted guests.
Need Professional Help?
Don’t let mice ruin your festive season. Alaska Pest Management can assess your home for any signs of pest intrusion, provide prevention tips, and, if necessary, set up safe and effective treatments. Let us take care of the pests, so you can focus on enjoying a cozy, rodent-free holiday season.
