NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING. NOT EVEN A MOUSE!

Nader's Pest Raiders Offers Tips to Keep It That Way

The holidays are here and it is time to unpack the holiday decorations and go pick out the perfect tree.  While decorating really gets the holiday spirit going, there are steps homeowners can take to make sure they don't bring unwelcome guests into the home. 

"Holiday decorations are only used once a year and the rest of the time, they are usually stored in basements and attics. These undisturbed locations create the perfect environment for rodents such as squirrels, mice and rats to build their nests," said Shay Runion, Nader's Pest Expert. "Christmas trees, door wreaths and firewood also provide the perfect hiding spot and transportation for pests such as brown recluse spiders." 

The most common rodent encountered this time of the year is the house mouse as they seek food and shelter from the cold. Typically found in basements and attics, house mice breed rapidly and can bring other pests along with them such as fleas, mites and ticks. Their droppings and urine can trigger asthma attacks in children.

 Brown recluse spiders are another pest to be aware of this holiday season. These pests can easily hitch a ride into homes on firewood or Christmas trees. Brown recluse spiders hide in dark areas, near woodpiles and debris. While these spiders are mostly considered a nuisance pest, they will bite when disturbed and produce painful, open sores on the skin. 

To help keep homes pest-free this holiday season, Nader's Pest Raiders recommends the following tips:

• Store holiday decorations in plastic airtight containers.
• Inspect Christmas trees and other greenery thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
• Store firewood away from the home and on raised structures off the ground.
• Thoroughly inspect decorations outdoors before bringing into the home.
• Seal all holes and cracks in and around the home that are larger than the diameter of a pencil.
• Keep garages, attics and basements clean and clutter-free.
• Place screens over vents and openings to chimneys.
• Vacuum and sweep often around the home.