Decorations are an important part of the Christmas celebration tradition, but rodents can transform what should be a source of joy into a source of added stress. There is nothing quite like a pest infestation to ruin a holiday. Mice and rats are often attracted by and can ruin many of the décor items commonly used around Christmas. Those who want to protect their Christmas lights, tree, and home from rodents should consider taking some of the following preventative measures:
1) Check real trees for critters before bringing them in.
Real Christmas trees come from farms and lots before becoming the celebratory centerpieces of homes and offices. While in these environments, wildlife such as rodents can crawl up the trunks and nest in the branches. Although thorough inspections are usually performed after harvest, it is possible for pests to still be in a tree that has been purchased, set up, and decorated for Christmas. On farms where the customers come and cut down the ones they want, the work of inspecting may be left completely to the buyer.
Some people have experienced the unpleasant surprise of finding a nest full of field mice living in their Christmas tree – this was surely not the present they had hoped for. Once the pests make it into the home, they can quickly infest the entire place, leaving the homeowner with a new set of problems to face in the New Year.
The good news is that you can still have both a real Christmas tree and the peace of mind of knowing that you have not brought any new pests into your home. Whether you buy precut from a lot or chop down your own at a farm, taking the time to check for wildlife can save you from having to deal with an infestation. Look carefully along the trunk and along each branch, checking for not only the pests but signs of them, such as mouse hair.
2) Check artificial trees for stowaways in the box.
Even an artificial tree can be a source of a Christmas time pest problem. Rodents are known to be attracted to cardboard boxes and may make their home right in there with the tree. Just because there is no infestation in your home or wherever you store your decorations does not render your tree safe from these unwanted invaders.
It might be an unpleasant experience to open up a Christmas tree box and find mice living there, but at least it gives you a chance to catch them before they have a 
chance to take over your house. The real problem sets in when an infested tree is set up in the home and the pests have not been removed. Other animals in the house may smell them and chew on your lights as a result.
When removing your artificial tree from storage, be sure to perform detailed check. A visual inspection of the outside of the box could uncover warning signs that give you a hint about what to expect when you open it. Look for holes and droppings around and on the box before you open it. Then check for pests inside the box and on the tree.
3) Keep lights in a secure tub during the year
It would be wasteful, expensive, and illogical to throw away all the Christmas decorations every year and buy new ones. Therefore, many people count on much of last year’s decorations to be a part of this year’s celebration. It can be a disappointing thing to pull out your Christmas lights only to find them ruined.
Usually a Christmas décor collection spends only one month out of twelve out of storage. It is hidden away in boxes and bags in some dark corner for the remaining eleven months. This leaves plenty of time for pests to get into the decorations and ruin them.
In order to prevent having the wire of your Christmas lights chewed through by rodents, be smart about how you store them. Make it a tradition to put the lights and other decorations in secure plastic containers that can be sealed tightly and cannot be chewed through. The old, ball up and throw in the garage method simply will not work.
4) Hang candy on tree the day before Christmas.
Many people have a tradition of using candy canes and other edibles as Christmas tree ornaments. Such delicious décor is attractive not only to people but also to pests. The treats can be both a source of great holiday fun and the start of a serious infestation.
Those wanting to avoid developing or exacerbating a pest problem do not have to sacrifice their tradition of hanging candy on the tree just to do so. The real issue to address is the length of time the food items are left to sit out where pests can get to them. The less time the treats are lingering around, the less chance of attracting rodents and insects.
Putting the candy on the tree can become a fun part of your Christmas Eve tradition. With it being done the day right before Christmas, this minimizes the attraction and opportunity, preventing rodents from having a chance to get a taste.
5) Have rodent infestations taken care of by professionals.
Preventative methods can go a long way in making sure that your holiday season does not get ruined by rodents. However, prevention is no substitute for remedy if your home has already been infested. If you suspect that mice are on the loose in your house, then take action immediately to stop the problem from getting worse.
Fighting off pests is not a fun way to spend the holiday; that time is for feasting, presents, family, and friends. You can rely on the professionals to take care of the 
rodent problem for you so that you can spend more time this season on what really matters.
Christmas time is an especially great time to get rid of a pest problem if you have been struggling with one throughout the year. Consider calling the experts and making your home pest-free as part of your Christmas preparations.
Why let rodents ruin your home and decorations this Christmas when there is a lot that you can do to stop them? You will be able to enjoy the holiday season a lot better without having to deal with the damage and frustration pests can cause. If you suspect that you already have an infestation to deal with, let the experts at Bat Removal and Prevention, Inc. take care of it for you.
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