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by Susan Hare, NPMA Pro on Nov 24, 2025 12:00:00 PM
How to avoid pest surprises this holiday season
Hosting this year? A few quick checks can stop pantry pests, fleas, rodents, and bed bugs from making an appearance. Here’s your fast, practical guide.
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Bakers Beware!
Before you open a cookbook, give ingredients a quick check. Flour, oats, pasta, nuts, spices, cake mixes, boxed puddings, dried fruit, and even chocolate chips can harbor pantry moths, beetles, or larvae—especially if ingredients aren’t rotated regularly. Learn how to spot the signs.
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- Look for webbing, clumps, pin-size holes, or sand-like droppings (frass).
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Take a Fresh Look at Fresh Décor
Bringing the outdoors in? Fall leaves, acorns, twigs, and cut greens can carry hitchhiking pests—especially spiders. Don’t skip them; just inspect for small holes, chew marks, or webs. Then give items a good shake outside (or a light spritz of water) to dislodge critters before you decorate.
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Santa, I want a Roomba
Fleas are a year-round issue in San Diego, and when pets spend more time indoors, fleas may breed inside your home. Keep pets on veterinarian-approved prevention and vacuum regularly—that’s your first line of defense. If you start getting bites below the knees, call the pros; it’s a sign you may have an indoor infestation.
Pro tip: Empty your vacuum canister into a sealed bag and dispose outdoors.
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Creatures are Stirring
As nights cool, mice and rats head indoors for warmth. Be alert to the signs of rodents: scurrying or chewing sounds in the attic or walls after dark; tiny, dark droppings (mouse ≈ rice-grain size; rat droppings are larger); gnaw marks on baseboards or food packaging; and pets fixating on walls or appliances.
See our rodent control options.
An Awkward Subject
Hosting overnight? Bed bugs can hitchhike in with luggage, coats, and blankets—so take the simple, non-awkward precaution of installing mattress/box-spring encasements. After guests leave, run guest linens and blankets through a hot dryer, and vacuum along baseboards and bed frames. If you spot suspicious signs—or wake to clustered bites—call a professional promptly.
Learn about bed bug inspections & treatments.
Schedule a professional inspection
Holiday Pest FAQs
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Q: How do I check baking staples for pantry pests?
- A: Look for webbing, clumps, pin-size holes in packaging, or sand-like droppings at the bottom of bags. When in doubt, discard and store replacements in airtight containers.
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Q: What’s the quickest way to reduce fleas indoors?
- A: Keep pets on veterinarian-approved prevention and vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly. If you’re getting bites below the knees, schedule a professional inspection.
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Q: How can I tell if I have mice or rats?
- A: Mouse droppings are rice-grain size; rat droppings are larger and capsule-shaped. Listen for night activity in walls or attic and check for gnaw marks or shredded nesting material.
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Q: How can I avoid bed bugs?
- Put mattress encasements on guest beds (under the mattress pad/cover. When your guests leave, keep the encasement sealed until you are certain there are no bed bugs.
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