12-3-10: State Association Provides Tips for Decking the Halls Without Unwanted Visitors
Association provides recommendations for safely treating pest problems and preventing unwanted visitors during the holiday season
Raleigh, N.C. – As families begin decorating their homes with festive holiday decorations, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) today provided tips for keeping pests from ruining the décor.
“Many people don’t realize that holiday decorations can be the perfect place for insects or rodents to hide,” said Lee Smith, board member of NCPMA. “Live Christmas trees can be home to insects, and people can unknowingly bring them into their homes.”
Pine aphids can be found in some live Christmas trees, and in rare occurrences, can be brought into homes on the trees. These small insects are brownish in color, pose no harm to humans or pets and will not stain furniture or walls.
“Attics are also ideal hiding places for pests such as wasps and rodents, which may be looking for warm places to spend the winter,” Smith said. “People should take care when bringing decorations in from attics, basements or garage spaces where these creatures may have been hiding.”
The NCPMA offers the following tips to homeowners as they begin decorating their homes against pests:
Examine live trees before bringing them inside. Because it’s easier to treat an undecorated tree, it’s important to examine live Christmas trees for insects before bringing them into the house.
Use caution with decorated trees. If you suspect that aphids are in your live tree after you have it inside and decorated, use caution when trying to treat the problem. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up live or dead insects around the tree and consult a professional on other ways to treat the insects.
Keep garages, attics and basements clean and clutter free…and check your stored holiday decorations for any pests before you bring them down from the attic or garage. Wasps and rodents may be hiding in boxes and decorations, so it’s important to check anything before moving it.
Consult a professional. Your pest professional can recommend steps you can take to make sure your home stays pest-free and can offer tips on ways to treat new problems. Visit www.ncpestmanagement.org to find a pest professional in your area.
About the NCPMA
Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North Carolina Pest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals. To learn more about NCPMA, please visit www.ncpestmanagement.org.
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