How to Keep Pests Out of Holiday Decorations and Storage Boxes

 

Storing your holiday decorations correctly is the best way to keep pests such as mice, cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish from damaging or infesting your festive items. The key is to use the right type of storage, keep everything clean and dry, and make your storage area uninviting to pests. Here’s how to do it step by step, along with important explanations and tips from years of pest control experience.

 

Use Airtight, Hard Plastic Storage Bins

 

• Choose hard plastic bins that seal tightly instead of cardboard boxes. Cardboard is easy for rodents and insects to chew through or sneak into. Plastic doesn’t let pests in and doesn’t absorb odors or moisture that attract bugs.
• If possible, pick bins with locking lids or latches. Even some larger plastic bins come with gasket seals to further block entry.
• Label each bin clearly so you know what’s inside without opening everything and risking contamination each year.

 

Clean Decorations Before Storing

 

• Wipe off all decorations, especially if they were used around food (like wreaths, stockings near the table, or nutcrackers on the buffet). Food crumbs, grease, or sugar attract pests.
• If decorations have fabric, textiles, or artificial greenery, shake them out and vacuum if possible. This will remove dust, spider eggs, or insect larvae that may have settled.

 

Avoid Storing Edibles or Food-Based Decorations

 

• Don’t pack candy garlands, gingerbread ornaments, or anything made from popcorn, dried fruit, or nuts with your other decorations.
• If you want to use food-based decor for the holidays, dispose of them after the season, rather than trying to store them. Even small crumbs left behind can attract pests.

 

Add Natural Repellents to Storage Boxes

 

• Place a few sachets of cedar chips, lavender, or whole bay leaves inside your bins. These naturally repel many kinds of insects and rodents. You can also use commercially available pest-repellent pouches.
• Avoid using mothballs, as they are toxic and the smell lingers on your decorations.

 

Store Bins Properly Off the Floor

 

• Place your storage bins on shelves or pallets at least a few inches above the floor. This makes it much harder for pests to get access and prevents water damage in case of minor flooding or leaks.
• Keep bins away from walls to allow air to circulate and reduce hiding places for pests.

 

Seal the Storage Area

 

• If you store decorations in attics, basements, or garages, inspect these areas for any cracks, gaps, or holes. Even a tiny opening is enough for a mouse or insect to get in.
• Use caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to fill holes around pipes, vents, or windows.
• If you use shelves, wipe them down and keep the area free of clutter that gives pests hiding places.

 

Control Moisture and Temperature

 

• Pests love damp places. Use a dehumidifier if your storage area gets humid, and try to maintain a cool, dry space. Dryness makes it hard for insects and mold to thrive.
• Check for any leaks or signs of water and fix them before storing your decorations.
• Silica gel packets can be added to bins to absorb excess moisture.

 

Inspect Annually Before Decorating

 

• When you bring out decorations, carefully examine each item for evidence of pests: chewed wires, droppings, webs, cocoons, dead bugs, or shredded materials.
• Address any pest problems before bringing infested items into your home.

 

Keep the Storage Area Clean Year-Round

 

• Don’t stack storage bins near things that attract pests, such as pet food, garden seeds, or bags of birdseed.
• Regularly sweep or vacuum the storage area, and don’t allow piles of old paper, cardboard, or clothing to accumulate nearby.

 

By following all these steps, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of pests getting into your holiday decorations and storage boxes. Properly packed and stored items stay safe, clean, and ready for use year after year, and your home stays pest-free.