Hoffman’s Exterminators shares smart tips for homeowners to enjoy their holiday celebrations without uninvited guests.
The holidays are a time for family, feasts, and festive cheer — but they can also unintentionally invite unwelcome pests into your home. As temperatures fall and holiday preparations ramp up, rodents, cockroaches, and pantry pests seek warmth and food inside houses across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region. Hoffman’s Exterminators is advising local homeowners to take proactive steps to keep these “uninvited guests” out of holiday gatherings.
“Holiday cooking and gatherings can unintentionally roll out the welcome mat for pests,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, Board-Certified Entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Pests are attracted to cozy indoor spaces with easy access to food and shelter — which makes kitchens, pantries, and entry points prime targets during the festive season.
Essential Tips to Keep Pests Out This Holiday Season
Hoffman’s Exterminators recommends the following pest-proofing steps for every homeowner hosting this winter:
- Seal Up Entry Points. Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps and cracks around doors, windows, pipes, and utility lines. Sealing these openings with caulk or weather-stripping helps prevent rodents and insects from slipping inside. Pests don’t need much space to enter — mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime — so tightening up these areas is essential.
- Manage Firewood and Storage Areas. Holiday firewood should be kept far from your home — at least 20 feet — and stored off the ground to reduce pest shelter opportunities. Piles close to the house can attract termites, ants, and rodents looking for warmth. Basements, attics, and garages filled with clutter can also provide nesting sites; de-cluttering and elevating stored boxes reduces these risk zones.
- Protect Your Pantry. Food preparation is at the heart of holiday gatherings — but flour, grains, and baking ingredients can attract pantry pests like beetles and moths. Store dry goods in airtight containers made of glass or durable plastic to lock out pests. Before bringing groceries inside, inspect packaging for damage or signs of pests. Cleaning up spills, sweeping regularly, and emptying garbage often helps reduce attractants.
- Inspect Holiday Decor and Decorations. Boxes of lights, ornaments, and holiday décor often spend long months in attics and basements — prime hiding spots for spiders, ants, and other insects. Before bringing them inside, unpack these items outdoors and inspect for signs of pest activity such as droppings or egg sacs. Using plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids after the season can prevent future infestations.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best prevention, pests can sometimes find their way in. Hoffman’s Exterminators urges homeowners to consider a professional inspection, especially if they’ve noticed signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, or strange noises in walls. A licensed pest control expert can identify risks and provide targeted treatments before pests ruin holiday celebrations.
“Our goal is to help homeowners enjoy the holidays without the stress of dealing with rodents or insects,” says William T. Hoffman, President & CEO of Hoffman’s Exterminating. “With a few simple precautions and expert support when needed, you can keep your home festive and pest-free.”
South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia homeowners — don’t let pests crash your holiday cheer. Call Hoffman’s Exterminators at (856) 463-3628 today to schedule a pest inspection or treatment plan tailored to your home. Our experienced professionals are ready to help you enjoy a safe, pest-free holiday season.
Do you have a pest problem in your South Jersey home? Trust the best pest control team in the region. Reach out to Hoffman’s Exterminating today.
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Source: National Pest Management Association — Holiday Hosting Without the Uninvited Guests — PestWorld.org: https://www.pestworld.org/multimedia-center/press-releases/holiday-hosting-without-the-uninvited-guests/
