Bugs in your baubles? Keep pests out of your Christmas cheer!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... down under! Yep, the festive season has arrived, and whether you're firing up the barbie for a backyard Christmas lunch in Brisbane or dreaming of a white (sand) Christmas in Waiheke, there's no denying that festive feeling is in the air. But while we're busy stringing up the fairy lights and wrapping pressies, there's a tiny army of unwanted guests that might be planning their own Christmas invasion: pests. From ants in the pavlova to spiders in the tinsel, holiday pests can quickly dampen the Christmas cheer. Don't let those pesky party crashers spoil your holiday cheer! This year, we’ve got your back with some top-notch tips to keep your Christmas celebrations pest-free, from Perth to Palmerston North.

1. The Christmas tree conundrum:

Ah, the Christmas tree, a festive centrepiece. But whether you're opting for a real pine or a pre-lit artificial beauty, it can be a haven for creepy crawlies.

• Real trees: Before bringing that fragrant pine indoors, give it a good shake to dislodge any hidden hitchhikers like spiders, ants, or even the odd Christmas beetle. For more details, check out the relevant Wikipedia page.
• Artificial trees: Dust off your artificial tree (especially if it's been stored in the garage or attic) to remove any dust mites or spiders that might have taken up residence.

2. Decorations of doom:

Those boxes of tinsel, baubles, and festive figurines? They've been sitting in storage for a year, possibly in the dampest corners of your home. Perfect conditions for spiders and silverfish!

• Unpack outdoors: Unpack your decorations outside to prevent any unwelcome guests from making a beeline for your home.
• Inspect everything: Check for any signs of pests, like cobwebs, droppings, or chewed decorations.

3. Festive feast frenzy:

Christmas feasts are a pest's paradise! All that delicious food and those tempting leftovers are a magnet for ants, flies, and cockroaches.

• Clean as you go: Wipe up spills immediately and don't leave dirty dishes lying around.
• Store food properly: Seal leftovers in airtight containers and store food in the fridge or pantry.
• Bin it right: Ensure your bins are tightly sealed and dispose of food scraps regularly.

4. Outdoor entertaining essentials:

Christmas Down Under often means outdoor entertaining. But while you're enjoying the sunshine, mosquitoes and flies are plotting their attack.

• Mosquito management: Eliminate standing water where mozzies breed, use citronella candles, and consider installing mosquito screens.
• Fly fighting: Keep food covered, use fly traps, and consider professional help for effective fly control.

5. Post-Christmas clean-up:

Once the festivities are over, don't let those decorations linger. Pack them away promptly in airtight containers to prevent pests from moving in.

Rentokil's holiday helpers:

If you're facing a pest problem that's putting a damper on your Christmas spirit, don't hesitate to call in the experts. Rentokil offers a range of pest control solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring you can enjoy a truly happy and pest-free holiday season.