Bringing out seasonal decorations is often a joyful tradition. Whether you’re untangling lights or unboxing treasured ornaments, the goal is to fill your home with cheer. Unfortunately, you might be unknowingly inviting some unwelcome guests—pests. Storage boxes filled with decorations can become a perfect hideout for insects and rodents, turning your festive preparations into a stressful ordeal.

These pests aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause real damage. Rodents can chew through electrical wiring, creating fire hazards, while insects like silverfish and carpet beetles can destroy fabrics and other stored items. Before you hang that wreath or place that centerpiece, it’s crucial to inspect your decorations for any signs of pest activity.

This guide will walk you through how to identify common pests that hide in decorations, what to do if you find them, and how to store your items to prevent future infestations. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your home remains a pest-free zone, leaving you to focus on the fun of decorating.

Common Pests Found in Decorations

Your garage, attic, or basement provides an ideal environment for pests seeking shelter, food, and a place to breed. When you store your decorations in these areas, you’re essentially offering them a five-star hotel. Here are some of the most common culprits you might find.

Rodents

Mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in dark, undisturbed places. Cardboard boxes filled with soft materials like garlands, fabrics, or shredded paper make a perfect nesting spot.

• Signs of an Infestation: Look for droppings, which are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. You might also notice gnaw marks on boxes or the decorations themselves. A musty, unpleasant odor is another strong indicator of a rodent presence. Rodents often chew through electrical cords on string lights, which can create a serious fire hazard.
• What to Do: If you find evidence of rodents, it’s important to act quickly. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up droppings to avoid contact with harmful bacteria. Set traps in the area where you found the activity. For a larger infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control service.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are incredibly resilient and can thrive in almost any environment. The glue on cardboard boxes is an attractive food source for them, and the dark, tight spaces inside provide excellent hiding spots.

• Signs of an Infestation: The most obvious sign is seeing live or dead cockroaches. You might also find their droppings, which look like black pepper or coffee grounds. Another tell-tale sign is the presence of egg casings (oothecae), which are small, brown, and oblong.
• What to Do: If you spot cockroaches, immediately take the infested boxes outside. Carefully inspect all items, shaking them out to dislodge any hiding insects. Clean the area thoroughly with a vacuum and disinfectant. You can use cockroach baits or traps to handle a small problem, but a widespread infestation requires professional help.

Spiders

While most household spiders are harmless, finding them and their webs all over your decorations is never a pleasant surprise. They are drawn to quiet, cluttered areas where they can build their webs and catch other insects.

• Signs of an Infestation: The most common sign is, of course, the presence of webs. You may also see the spiders themselves. Some species, like the brown recluse or black widow, can be dangerous, so it’s important to be cautious.
• What to Do: Vacuum up any webs and spiders you see. Carefully inspect all your decorations, especially in small crevices. To prevent them from returning, reduce clutter in your storage areas and seal any cracks or openings that could serve as entry points.

Silverfish and Carpet Beetles

These smaller insects can cause significant damage to your stored decorations. Silverfish are attracted to starches and adhesives, so they love to munch on cardboard, paper, and book bindings. Carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, felt, and feathers.

• Signs of an Infestation: For silverfish, look for small, irregular holes in paper or fabric items, along with yellow stains. For carpet beetles, you might see the small, hairy larvae or their shed skins. Damage to fabric decorations is a key indicator.
• What to Do: Take the infested items outside and shake them out thoroughly. Vacuum the inside of the storage boxes and the surrounding area. Discard any heavily damaged items. Storing your decorations in airtight containers can prevent these pests from getting in.

How to Inspect Your Decorations for Pests

Before you bring any decorations into your main living space, a thorough inspection is a must. Follow these steps to ensure you’re not bringing any pests inside with you.

1. Inspect Before You Bring Them In: Do your inspection outdoors, in your garage, or on a porch. This prevents any pests from scurrying into your home if they fall out of the boxes.
2. Check the Boxes: Before even opening them, examine the outside of your storage containers. Look for any holes, gnaw marks, or stains that could indicate pest activity.
3. Open with Caution: Slowly open each box and look for any immediate signs of pests, such as droppings, webs, or live insects. Use a flashlight to get a good look into dark corners.
4. Unpack and Inspect Each Item: Carefully take out each decoration one by one. Shake out garlands, wreaths, and any other items where pests could hide. Check electrical cords on lights for any signs of chewing.
5. Clean as You Go: As you inspect, have a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on hand. Wipe down any non-porous items with a damp cloth and a mild disinfectant. For fabric items, a good shake and a quick vacuum can remove dust and potential pests.

Preventing Future Pest Infestations

Once you’ve dealt with any current pest problems, the next step is to prevent them from happening again. Proper storage is your best defense.

Choose the Right Containers

Cardboard boxes are a pest’s paradise. They provide food, shelter, and are easy to chew through. Instead, invest in durable, airtight plastic containers with secure lids. These create a physical barrier that most pests can’t penetrate.

Store in a Clean, Dry Place

Pests are attracted to damp, cluttered environments. Store your containers in a clean, dry area off the floor. Using shelves will help keep your decorations safe from moisture and make it harder for pests to access them. Avoid storing them in areas prone to humidity, like damp basements.

Clean Decorations Before Storing

Before you pack everything away at the end of the season, make sure all your decorations are clean and dry. Food crumbs or residue on kitchen-themed decorations can attract pests. Give everything a quick wipe-down or shake-out before packing.

Consider Natural Repellents

For an extra layer of protection, you can add natural pest repellents to your storage containers. Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil can help deter common pests like moths, spiders, and rodents. Just be sure these items don’t come into direct contact with delicate decorations to avoid staining.

Secure Your Seasonal Decor

Decorating your home should be a creative and enjoyable process, not a battle against pests. By being proactive and taking the time to inspect and properly store your decorations, you can protect your cherished items and keep your home safe. A small investment in better storage containers and a few extra minutes of inspection can save you from the stress and expense of dealing with a full-blown pest infestation.

If you find a problem that seems too big to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service. They can help you identify the source of the infestation and create a plan to ensure your home stays pest-free for every season to come.