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December 30, 2024
As we say goodbye to 2024 and step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to refresh our homes and routines. Whether you’re setting big goals or simply looking forward to a clean slate, starting the new year on the right foot includes more than just tidying up—it means protecting your home from pests. Insects and rodents don’t take time off, and without proper prevention, they can quickly turn into a year-round problem. While we may not have tips for hitting the gym or meal prepping, we do have expert advice for keeping pests out of your home. Read on for practical pest prevention strategies to keep your home protected in 2025!
How to store holiday decorations and keep mice out
We get it—after the holidays, it’s tempting to toss lights, ornaments, and other decor into cardboard boxes and stash them in the attic, a random closet, or even the garage. But doing so could invite trouble—especially in the form of pests like mice. To avoid pulling out decorations next year only to find mouse droppings or chewed-up keepsakes, follow these simple holiday storage tips:
- Inspect and shake out decorations. Give your tree skirt and other fabric items a good shake to dislodge any unwelcome guests. Check decorations as you gather them from inside and outside your home.
- Upgrade to plastic storage bins. Cardboard boxes might seem convenient, but rodents can easily chew through them. Instead, opt for durable plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to keep pests out.
- Store wrapping paper securely. Mice love to use paper for nesting materials, so avoid leaving it exposed in closets, laundry baskets, or between ceiling joists. Instead, pack it away in plastic containers with tight lids.
- Avoid edible decorations. Skip packing away items like candy canes, strings of popcorn or cranberries, and dough ornaments. These treats can attract pests, including mice and ants.
Pest prevention tips for 2025
Once your holiday decorations are stored safely, it’s time to shift focus to pest-proofing your home for the new year. Here’s what our local pest control experts recommend:
- Keep the kitchen clean
Food attracts pests—especially mice and rats looking for a winter meal. Wipe up crumbs and spills promptly, clean up after meals, take out the trash regularly, and store food in airtight containers. - Organize and clean your pantry
After holiday baking, your pantry may have spills or open packages. Start fresh by removing expired items, transferring food to sealed containers, and giving shelves a thorough cleaning. - Tidy the rest of your home
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for bathrooms and living spaces. Vacuum floors, wipe down counters, clean sinks, and empty trash bins to deter cockroaches and other pests drawn to leftover crumbs, soap scum, and hair. - Seal entry points
Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Inspect your home for cracks around windows and doors, gaps under garage doors, and holes near utility lines. Use caulking, mesh screens, and weather stripping to block their access. Don’t forget door sweeps, chimney caps, and vent covers for extra protection. - Declutter and organize storage areas
Garages, basements, and storage rooms often become cluttered, making them attractive hiding spots for pests. Take time to sort through stored items, discard what you no longer need, and organize the rest into durable plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Keeping these areas tidy reduces hiding places and makes it easier to spot signs of pest activity early. - Check gutters and drainage
Clogged gutters can cause water damage that attracts moisture-loving pests like carpenter ants. Clear out leaves and debris to keep water flowing properly and prevent pest-friendly damp spots. - Declutter your yard
Mice, spiders, and other pests often use overgrown shrubs and leaf piles as hiding spots before finding ways indoors. Trim back trees and bushes, rake up leaves, and remove stumps or dead trees to make your yard less inviting. - Store firewood properly
Firewood is a prime hiding spot for mice, ants, and spiders. Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home and stack them off the ground to deter pests.
Let's not forget about bed bugs!
Bed bugs may be a bigger concern in the new year due to increased travel and holiday gatherings, which create more opportunities for them to spread. These tiny hitchhikers often sneak into homes through luggage, secondhand furniture, or clothing, making prevention key. Here are a few tips to help keep them out:
- Inspect used furniture thoroughly before bringing it inside.
- Check hotel beds and furniture for signs of bed bugs when traveling.
- Wash clothes and bedding on high heat after returning home from trips.
- Use mattress and box spring encasements for added protection.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedrooms regularly to remove stray bugs.
- Declutter bedrooms and storage areas to eliminate hiding spots.
If it's too late and you've already spotted signs of bed bugs, contact Pine State Pest Solutions for assistance! We are Maine's premier bed bug control experts and are ready to help you eliminate these biting pests no matter how they got inside!
Year-round pest control for lasting protection
Taking steps to clean, organize, and seal off entry points will reduce the risk of pests in your home—but for the best results, partner with Pine State Pest Solutions. Our year-round home pest control services give you added peace of mind by keeping insects and rodents out no matter the season.
Since 2011, we’ve helped homeowners in Auburn, Augusta, Portland, and throughout Central and Southern Maine tackle pest problems with reliable solutions. Whether you suspect mice are already in your ceiling, you’ve spotted droppings, or you simply want to prevent future infestations, our highly trained and fully licensed pest control specialists are here to help.
Check out our residential plans and pricing below or contact us today to keep pests out of your home in 2025!
*initial start-up fees may apply.
*initial start-up fees may apply.
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