Tips To Avoid Pests In Halloween Décor
Pest expert Matthew S. Hess
10/01/2023
Between September 21st and September 24th each year, as autumn approaches, life begins to take on a slower pace. As the temperatures begin to decrease, the leaves begin to transform into an array of colors, and the aromas of chili and soup start to waft from the kitchen. Additionally, our living spaces begin to transform with the emergence of various autumn and Halloween decorations that are taken off the shelves or out of storage. However, along with these festive decorations, there are often some spine-chilling pest decorations as well, and many of them have been in storage. So, let’s explore a few tips to avoid pests in Halloween décor.
During the Halloween season, it’s not uncommon for mice, rats, spiders, cockroaches, snakes, centipedes, and other creepy crawlies to make an appearance in festive decorations. Most people are willing to tolerate them during this time of year, but what if these pests became a reality and invaded your home? Unfortunately, fall is prime time for them to do just that, and decorative items can serve as a convenient mode of transportation for them. As a result, it’s important to be prepared with effective Halloween pest control measures to keep your home safe and pest-free.
What Pests Invade During The Fall?
As the fall season approaches, some pests tend to seek temporary shelter. These include overwintering pests such as wasp queens, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and others. Furthermore, certain pests can enter homes through decorations or be attracted to holiday decor. Many pests prefer an undisturbed environment, like decorations sitting in storage for a year. Mice could be nesting, spiders could be infesting, and other pests could be resting right in your décor. Let’s take a closer look at some of these pests.
Mice and Rats
During the holiday season, various decorations are composed of a multitude of seed and plant-based materials. Decorative items such as wreaths, garlands, and other plant-based adornments may contain seeds and other nutrient-rich sources of food that mice and rats find appealing. Although plastic rodents in your holiday decor may be amusing and eerie, actual rodents can have adverse effects on property and health. To prevent mice and rat infestations caused by holiday decor, there are some effective rodent prevention recommendations and tips to avoid pests in Halloween decor:
- Before introducing stored items back into your living space, inspect them for rodent excrement, urine, nesting material, and other signs of rodents.
- Avoid using decor that contains seeds and seed pods.
- Do not create decorations using birdseed or other types of seeds.
- Ensure that decorations are stored in tightly sealed containers.
- Implement routine pest control measures wherever the decorations are stored.
Rats and mice are not only associated with the frightening nature of Halloween but have been linked to death and destruction dating back to ancient civilizations. In fact, there are several modern health concerns associated with rodents and rodent infestations. Ensuring that your Halloween decorations do not contribute to rodent infestations can help safeguard the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. If you find yourself plagued by rodents this Halloween season, give the pros at Four Seasons Pest Solutions a call. Our rodent programs are effective and affordable.
Mice and rats can potentially infest stored holiday decorations, leaving behind urine, feces, and even dead and decaying corpses.
Spiders in Halloween Decor
Spider-themed decorations are a common sight in homes during the Halloween season. These items are often used to create a spooky atmosphere, whether it’s fake cobwebs or realistic spider figurines. However, the presence of actual spiders in one’s home can be a different story altogether.
With the arrival of stored Halloween decorations, a variety of spider species can enter the home, including cellar spiders, American house spiders, brown recluses, wolf spiders, and others. While most of these spiders are not harmful to humans, taking precautions to prevent their introduction into your living space is still important. Here are some tips to keep on how to stop spiders when dealing with Halloween decorations:
- Always store your decorations in sealed containers to prevent spider infestations.
- Avoid storing your decorations in areas that are prone to spider activity.
- Use cedar blocks or other repellent products to deter spiders in your storage containers and storage area.
- Regularly practice pest control to eliminate any potential spider populations in your storage area.
- When unpacking your stored decorations, make sure to do so outside.
- Inspect all of your decorations carefully for any signs of spider activity.
- Discard any items that show visible signs of spider infestation.
Following these tips can help reduce the likelihood of unwanted spider guests in your home this Halloween season. It’s better to have the appearance of a little spookiness than to have the real thing!
While fake spiders may add to the spookiness of Halloween, ending up with real spiders from stored decorations won’t be so exciting.
Cockroaches
Kentucky and Tennessee are home to various species of cockroaches, including the oriental, American, and German types. While some enthusiasts may enjoy using decorative cockroaches as part of their Halloween decorations, it’s important to be aware that an infestation of real cockroaches can quickly ruin the festivities. By following the previously mentioned tips for spiders and rodents, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a cockroach infestation this Halloween season.
While inspecting your Halloween decorations, look for signs of cockroach infestation. Infestation may include:
- Fecal deposits that resemble coffee grounds
- Ootheca (egg casings)
- Molted exoskeletal remains that look like roach carcasses
- Nymphal cockroaches (babies)
- Dead or live roaches
- Musty, unclean odors
If any of these indicators are observed, it is advisable not to bring the decorations inside. Instead, dispose of them in a bag and place them in a garbage receptacle away from the residence. Cockroach control can be difficult if infestations get out of hand. Stopping them before they start is the best scenario.
Halloween decorations may contain products cockroaches find tasty and nutritious. Check those decorations coming from storage!
What To Do If You Find Pests In Your Halloween Decor
If you’re unfortunate enough to find unwanted pests infesting your stored holiday decorations, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do. First of all, if the infestation is bad, it may be wise to simply discard the decorations and purchase new ones. However, if there are only a few pests, you may be able to clean the decor.
- Start by separating the items out so you can easily inspect them. Do this outside or in an outbuilding.
- Next, remove any visible pests. You could do this with a vacuum or by hand. (Note: if rodents are present, it’s best to discard them and start over for safety.)
- Then, you can gently mist with alcohol or other cleaning and disinfecting agents and gently wipe them down. (Some items may not take this step well.)
- Once all items are clean and free of pests, you can begin to take them inside to decorate.
Always inspect decorations coming out of storage before you reintroduce them into your home.
What If I Have Already Brought The Halloween Decor Inside?
Sometimes it’s too late for prevention. If you’ve already brought your decor inside before you realized there were pests and hadn’t read about any tips to avoid pests in Halloween decor, don’t panic. There’s still time to fix the problem. Depending on the type of pest and how many are present, you could try an over-the-counter, do-it-yourself treatment. Only a few roaches, spiders, or mice could be easily eliminated with the proper treatment. Be sure to read the entire label and apply as directed.
If you don’t want to take the chance of a failed DIY attempt, call the local pest pros at Four Seasons Pest Solutions. We’re available to treat your Kentucky and Tennessee property at any time. Spooky crawlspaces, basements, closets, attics, old storage sheds, and cellars may instill fear in you but not in us! It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!
It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!
Four Seasons Pest Solutions
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