Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means there’s not much time until your home is filled with scrumptious treats (we’re looking at you, pumpkin pie) and loving guests. While you’re probably excited for grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles to join you around the table, the last thing you want is for unwanted house guests like roaches and mice to join in on the festivities. To help you keep pests away from your pie, we’re sharing a few fool-proof tips for a pest-free Thanksgiving.

5 Tips for a Pest-Free Thanksgiving

1. Keep the kitchen squeaky clean.

A messy kitchen is inevitable when you’re preparing an entire feast with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, apple pie… Okay, we’ll stop making your mouth water. Even though it can be tempting to leave out your leftover ingredients or the dishes in the sink, a messy kitchen is a warm welcome for unwanted guests. When you’re preparing your food, be vigilant about putting away the ingredients you’re using, as well as washing the dishes as you go. Not only will this prevent roaches from snacking on crumbs, but it will make cleaning up after your meal a lot easier. 

2. Make sure to cover your food.

There’s no sight better than a table full of food. Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones who think that. Mice, roaches, ants, and fruit flies are just like the rest of us – waiting to jump in and grab their share of grub. To keep them from getting their paws on your Thanksgiving meal, use food covers, plastic wrap, or tin foil to cover your food while you’re not at the table. Doing this will also help to keep your food warmer as well. A true win-win.

3. Take out the trash regularly.

If you have a big family, you’re probably aware of just how much trash comes along with having a party at your house. Thanksgiving is no exception, and can actually cause more trash to pile up than usual. Make sure that you’re regularly throwing away garbage bags as they fill up throughout the night. The last thing you want is for the bags to start overflowing, and the mice to come running.

4. Securely store any leftovers.

Is Thanksgiving even Thanksgiving without a week’s worth of leftovers? While we all love munching on taters and turkey all week long, if they aren’t stored properly, you won’t be the only one relishing in the leftovers glory. Regardless of whether your leftovers need to be refrigerated or not, be sure to store everything in airtight containers. If you have a pie (or other sweet treats) that can be left out, either get a pie cover or securely wrap it in tinfoil. 

5. Protect your home in advance. 

Taking extra precautions for a pest-free Thanksgiving can help you keep unwanted house guests from enjoying your turkey, but the only way to ensure that they stay far away from your home is by getting a pest control treatment. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust that our Bug Guys will keep your home pest-free for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every holiday in between. Just give us a call and we’ll get you started with a free in-home inspection and quote!