The holidays bring warmth, family gatherings, and festive decorations—but they also bring unwanted guests of a different kind. As temperatures drop, many pests look for food, water, and shelter inside homes, making December a peak season for pest activity. At Rapid Pest Solutions, we call them the 12 Pests of Christmas, and knowing how to prevent them can save you from a seasonal nightmare.
Whether you’re unpacking decorations from the attic, storing leftovers in the kitchen, or lighting the fireplace, here’s what you should know about the most common holiday intruders—and how to stop them before they ruin your cheer.
1. Mice
Small, sneaky, and quick to nest near warmth, mice can enter through openings as tiny as a dime. They contaminate food, chew wiring, and reproduce rapidly.
Prevention Tip: Seal gaps around vents, pipes, and doors. Store pantry goods in airtight containers and clean up crumbs daily.
2. Rats
Larger and more destructive than mice, rats often invade garages, attics, and crawl spaces when temperatures fall. They can chew insulation and even gnaw through walls.
Prevention Tip: Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet from your house, and avoid leaving pet food or garbage accessible overnight.
3. Spiders
When insects move indoors, spiders follow. While most are harmless, no one wants cobwebs near the stockings.
Prevention Tip: Dust and vacuum corners regularly, and shake out stored decorations before hanging them.
4. Cockroaches
These pests thrive in kitchens where warmth and moisture combine. Once inside, they multiply quickly and can contaminate food and surfaces.
Prevention Tip: Wipe counters nightly, clean under appliances, and fix any leaky pipes that provide moisture.
5. Ants
Winter ant activity slows but doesn’t stop—especially in heated homes. They invade pantries and bathrooms in search of food or water.
Prevention Tip: Rinse recyclables, store sweets securely, and seal entry points around windows and baseboards.
6. Pantry Moths
Holiday baking supplies like flour, nuts, and dried fruit attract pantry moths. Their larvae can contaminate entire cupboards.
Prevention Tip: Inspect dry goods before use, and keep baking ingredients in sealed jars or plastic containers.
7. Silverfish
These small, shiny insects thrive in damp, dark spaces such as basements, attics, and behind baseboards. They feed on paper, fabric, and glue.
Prevention Tip: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and store keepsakes in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
8. Carpet Beetles
Often mistaken for moths, carpet beetle larvae feed on wool, silk, and stored clothing—right when you pull out holiday sweaters.
Prevention Tip: Clean and store fabrics properly, and vacuum frequently around baseboards and closets.
9. Squirrels
These furry invaders often enter attics through roof gaps or soffit vents. Once inside, they can chew insulation and wiring, posing a fire risk.
Prevention Tip: Trim overhanging branches and inspect your roofline for loose shingles or vent openings.
10. Birds
Chimneys and eaves provide ideal nesting spots for birds seeking warmth. Their droppings and nesting materials can block ventilation and spread disease.
Prevention Tip: Install chimney caps and keep vents screened to prevent entry.
11. Raccoons
Raccoons are clever and persistent, breaking into attics, garages, and trash bins. They can damage insulation and carry parasites.
Prevention Tip: Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and eliminate outdoor food sources.
12. Centipedes and Millipedes
Though less harmful, these pests thrive in damp basements and bathrooms during colder months.
Prevention Tip: Reduce humidity levels and ensure good ventilation in lower areas of your home.
Holiday Pest Hotspots
The holidays create unique opportunities for pests to enter unnoticed. Keep an eye on these common sources:
- Stored Decorations: Cardboard boxes in attics or basements can harbor insects or rodents.
- Firewood: Often shelters ants, termites, or beetles when brought indoors.
- Outdoor Lights and Garlands: Gaps in siding and soffits near decorations invite nesting.
- Warm Kitchens: Holiday cooking and leftovers attract cockroaches and rodents.
Being proactive during December helps prevent infestations that often become apparent only after the new year.
Rapid Pest Solutions: Your Partner for a Pest-Free Holiday
At Rapid Pest Solutions, we offer seasonal pest inspections and customized treatments to keep your home secure all year long. Our team understands how winter weather drives pest behavior and uses targeted methods to eliminate existing problems and block future invasions.
Our services include:
- Attic and crawl space inspections
- Rodent exclusion and sealing
- Moisture control and dehumidification
- Preventive barrier treatments
When you work with our experts, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home—and your holiday festivities—are protected.
Schedule Your Holiday Pest Inspection Today
Don’t let pests crash your Christmas celebrations. Take action now to secure your home before the coldest months hit.
Contact Rapid Pest Solutions today to schedule your winter pest inspection.
Call (219) 836-5066 or visit www.rapidpestsolutions.com to request service.
Let our experts keep your home safe, warm, and pest-free this holiday season.
