Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones to celebrate what you’re thankful for and enjoy a delicious meal. You’ll likely be inviting many people to your table to gather in thanks, but if you’re not careful, there could be some unwanted visitors, such as pests, at your table as well. Here’s how to keep common household bugs out of your Nashville home this holiday season.
If you do spot pests, call a Nashville exterminator at the first sign.
Securely Store Food
When stocking up on your ingredients for your Thanksgiving banquet, make sure you store the food safely in your pantry, fridge, and cooking area. Cardboard wrappers and boxes are not pest-proof and can easily be chewed through by bugs and mice. Instead, use sealed, airtight containers to keep pests out of the kitchen, especially if you’re stocking up on items ahead of time.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
The worst culprit in inviting pests such as ants, mice, and cockroaches into your home is a dirty kitchen. Make sure you thoroughly clean your kitchen every week, and give it a wipe down every single day. Removing crumbs and spills as they happen can make all the difference between a pest-free home and one with unwanted visitors.
When prepping food for your Thanksgiving feast, tightly seal and store leftover ingredients. Don’t leave dirty pots, pans, and dishes in the sink, as moisture attracts pests.
Eliminate Food Trash
Put all perishables away safely or throw them out. Store your trash bags inside a lidded trash receptacle as an extra preventative measure. As soon as you fill a garbage bag, seal it up and throw it in the outside trash. Do not store trash cans near the home. Make sure to tightly tie the bag, as you don’t want critters such as rats, raccoons, or skunks to get at it once outside.
Check for Bed Bugs
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel while visiting family this Thanksgiving, check for bed bugs before you settle in. Using a flashlight, check all mattress crevices and the headboard for the presence of bed bugs. They may be tiny, but you should still be able to see them. Inspect the sheets thoroughly for tiny blood stains left behind by bed bugs. If you see any signs of infestations, ask for a different room or ask for a refund and go elsewhere.
If you do not see bed bugs, there are other preventive measures you can take. Don’t place your suitcase on the bed and don’t leave it open on the floor. It’s better to use a travel luggage rack or chair. Once you have taken all items out, zip up the luggage completely. Once you arrive back home, throw all your clothes into the washer with hot water, followed by a tumble in the dryer on high heat.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, it always pays off to be diligent in planning ahead for unwanted guests.
Call PureGuard Pest Solutions in Nashville, TN
Don’t let pests sideline your Thanksgiving dinner. Schedule a free inspection and quote when you contact us today at 615-502-2855.
PureGuard Pest Solutions