The holiday season brings happiness, decorations, deliveries, and lots of activity within and outside of your home. However, sometimes, unwanted, microscopic guests manage to enter your home amidst all the festivities.
At Womack Pest Control, we see firsthand each year the way pests will hide inside boxes, holiday decor, firewood, or even evergreen trees, just to enter your home. But don’t worry! There are a number of things that you can easily do to have a pest-free holiday season.
What Are Pest Hitchhikers?
These “pest hitchhikers” are insects or small animals that accompany humans unknowingly by hiding in objects brought into a home. They don’t enter on their own; they need a “ride” in order to gain access.
Common ways they enter homes include:
- Online shopping packages
- Holiday decorations stored in garages, attics, or basements
- Fresh wreaths, garlands, or holiday trees
- Firewood brought indoors for warmth
In Maryland, residents should be especially alert to species that may hitch a ride during the holidays:
- The Spotted Lanternfly: It’s an invasive species that can appear on plants and other items such as boxes and outdoor decorations.
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): Foreign insect that attacks ash. The Emerald Ash Borer can be introduced by moving firewood.
- Spongy Moths (Formerly Gypsy Moths): The eggs or small larvae may be transported indoors along with stored furniture or firewood.
- Eastern Tent Caterpillars and Fall Webworms: These insects come in with the branches when trees are brought in as decor.
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB): An invasive stink bug that likes to overwinter inside homes. Usually found on the sunny side of homes. Can enter homes through items that are brought inside.
- Boxelder Bug: Native to the Mid-Atlantic. Often found in groups on buildings. Enters structures when housing materials are present.
- Mice & Rats: These small rodents may be hiding in boxes, firewood, and other decorative items and seeking warmth inside homes.
- Cockroaches, Ants, Spiders, Silverfish, and Pantry Beetles: May come in packaging, stored food, or decorations and could enter and settle in if not controlled.
Why the Holidays Are Prime Time
Cooler temperatures cause pests to seek warmth, shelter, and an easy meal. During the holidays, homes are filled with activity, with deliveries of packages, unpacking of holiday décor, and getting a tree for Christmas and other decorating purposes. All these supplies offer a quiet, dark hiding place for pests. Once inside your home, they remain if they can find food or warmth.
Where Pests Hide and How to Prevent Them
“Hitchhiker” pests are experts at getting into tight spaces. These hiding spots often include:
- Cardboard boxes or any packaging materials
- Storage bins that have not been opened for months.
- Attics, Basements & Garages
- Firewood that is kept near the doors and walls of the
- Fresh Wreaths, Garlands, or Holiday Greens
Simple prevention methods:
- Check or examine shipments in a yard or in a garage.
- Shake the greenery and the decorations before taking them inside.
- Use plastic containers instead of cardboard to store decorative items.
- All firewood must be kept outside and not near the exterior of the dwelling.
- Take apart and discard empty boxes.
PestWorld.org is reminding homeowners that a little awareness now can prevent bigger problems later.
Tips for Renters and Shared Living Spaces
Even in apartments or shared buildings, you can reduce risks:
- Inspect packages before bringing them inside.
- Keep personal storage areas organized and sealed.
- Report pest sightings to property management early.
Early awareness and action are key to keeping shared spaces pest-free.
When to Take Action
Finding a single insect or rodent doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. But repeated sightings, droppings, or chewed items may show that pests have settled in. Addressing the issue early makes treatment simpler and protects your home from damage or contamination. Getting help from professional pest control experts can help eliminate and keep your home pest-free.
Enjoy the Holidays Stress-Free
Holidays are about family, comfort, and peace of mind, not worrying about pests hiding in a box or decoration. With a little awareness and preparation, most holiday hitchhikers can be stopped before they cause problems.
If you notice signs of pests or want added protection this season, we at Womack Pest Control are here to help. Our experienced professionals know the patterns of pests in Maryland and can assist in effectively protecting your home.
Call Womack Pest Control today for an inspection or for information on keeping your home pest-free for the holiday season.