Tips For A Pest-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and if you’re like most people, you’re either looking forward to a day in which you can go to someone else’s house and not have to worry about the meal or are doing all of the planning because you’re the one cooking the meal. If you’re in the latter category, the last thing you need is the worry that pests will ruin your Thanksgiving plans. 

A pest infestation is a real possibility around Thanksgiving, so it's good to know which pests to look out for and how to keep them out of your Arizona home. Northwest Exterminating has the tips you need for a pest-free Thanksgiving.

Which pests to be on the lookout for this Thanksgiving

Many different pests can get into your house in November. Pest infestations increase at this time of year for obvious reasons. As the weather gets cooler and food sources become more challenging to find outside, pests move indoors for shelter and food. Most homes in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona provide the warmth and sustenance that pests need to survive the winter.

Although fall invaders, like boxelder bugs, can be a nuisance at this time of year, it’s the other pests that can cause problems that you should be most aware of. Cockroaches and rodents are two pests that cause significant issues for homes and homeowners at this time of year. Bed bugs can also be a concern.

Why cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs are problematic

Most people are not fans of cockroaches, not just because they’re ugly but they’re also gross. Although you may know that cockroaches can spread germs, did you know they can spread over 30 different bacterial diseases? That doesn’t include the viruses, worms, and other pathogens that they’ve been known to spread. Cockroaches can also trigger asthma and allergy problems in some people.

Rodents are another problematic pest. They are highly destructive, so when they get into your house, it’s not a matter of if they’ll destroy something but how quickly they’ll destroy something. Along with damaging your belongings, rodents can chew through electrical wires and water pipes. They can damage insulation and make a mess of storage areas. They may also leave contaminated droppings all over the place that can make your family sick and introduce parasites into your home.

Bed bugs are in a league of their own because they are nearly impossible to prevent. Although they aren’t known to spread diseases, they will make your life miserable by covering you in itchy bites.

How to keep your Southern Arizona home pest-free this Thanksgiving

Avoiding a pest infestation as Thanksgiving approaches is an excellent goal to have. It’s also an attainable goal. By implementing some pest prevention techniques, you can make it less likely that cockroaches or rodents will ruin your Thanksgiving meal.

• Seal entry points into your house, including cracks, gaps, and holes.
• Fix torn screens.
• Remove debris from your lawn and around the perimeter of your house.
• Check for and repair water leaks and moisture issues around your property, inside and outside.
• Cut back vegetation that touches the sides or roof of your house.
• Store garbage bins a safe distance from your home.
• Clean up dishes after each meal.
• Carefully put food and ingredients away after use, ensuring they’re stored in sealed containers and that no spills or messes occur.
• Wipe counters after each use.
• Sweep or vacuum the floor to keep it free of food particles.
• Reduce clutter inside your home, especially in storage areas that don’t get much foot traffic.
• Learn the signs of cockroach and rodent infestations to identify one in its early stages.

Keeping bed bugs out of your house is trickier since they usually come inside on people’s clothing or in their bags. Bed bug infestations rise during the holidays because so many people visit each other’s homes at this time of year.

If you have friends or family coming to your home for Thanksgiving, the best way to avoid a serious infestation is to carefully inspect your home for signs of bed bugs in the days and weeks after the holiday. Look for:

• Live bed bugs in the seams of mattresses or upholstered furniture, dresser drawers, or between your mattress, box spring, and headboard.
• Red, itchy bites in clusters on areas of your skin that are exposed at night.
• Red spots or tannish-brown streaks on your sheets, blankets, or pillows.
• Black smears or egg casings in the areas where bed bugs hide.

What to do if you discover pests in your home this season

If you suspect pests in your home, contact Northwest Exterminating. We offer effective home pest control for cockroaches, rodents, and other pests, as well as bed bug control. Don’t let pests put a damper on your Thanksgiving plans. Let us help you eliminate the stress of worrying about a pest infestation with our preventative services.