Fall Decorating Tips for Worthington Homeowners: How to Avoid Bringing Pests Inside

Fall is a great time of year to create elaborate outdoor displays or create simple embellishments to your home for the season. Worthington homes can see a range of decor including pumpkins, gourds, jack-o'-lanterns, Halloween blow-ups, hay bales, and more. These little touches can really put you in the spirit of the season and be great for cooler weather. Once it's time to break down any decorations, a smart approach to Worthington, OH pest control starts with checking décor before it crosses the doorway. If you want additional support for pest control, Mosquito Squad Plus of Greater Columbus can help find the right plan for your property.

1. Check Pumpkins and Gourds Before Bringing Them Indoors

If you want to bring pumpkins and gourds inside for decor or baking, make sure you're checking for any decay or soft spots on them. These small areas of breakdown can attract smaller insects like flies and gnats. They are attracted to the organic material and the sugars being broken down. Give pumpkins and gourds a quick wipe-down and discard any with active decay.

2. Give Cornstalks, Hay Bales, and Straw a Close Look

Cornstalk bundles and straw bales are commonly used for fall displays across the region. A lot of straw or hay bales are locally sourced and may come with pests already taking shelter. When stacking these elements, it creates layers and sheltered voids where rodents, spiders, and other pests can seek rest. It's a good idea to avoid storing used bundles indoors after the display comes down because there isn't a way to inspect these bundles thoroughly.

3. Inspect Firewood and Decorative Branches

Firewood and decorative branches add a nice rustic touch to a porch display, but bark and small cracks make great hiding spots for spiders and other pests. If you have firewood stacked, before bringing it inside, it's worth taking a broom or small bristle brush to give it a quick sweep to knock off pests.

4. Shake Out Wreaths, Garlands, and Dried Foliage

Wreaths and garlands made with leaves, pinecones, seed pods, or twigs can collect hitchhiking pests while hanging outdoors. Before moving one inside, check dense clusters, tied sections, and folds, then gently shake the decoration outdoors. Stink bugs become especially noticeable as temperatures cool, and they seek sheltered areas.

5. Check Blankets, Pillows, and Fabric Décor

Outdoor blankets, porch pillows, and fabric decorations may spend weeks in places where spiders or other small pests can crawl underneath or between folds. Before bringing them inside, shake them out outdoors and inspect seams, zippers, and undersides. Wash washable pieces according to their care instructions.

6. Store Seasonal Décor in Secure Containers

Cardboard boxes are convenient, but dark, undisturbed storage spaces can also shelter pests. When possible, keep decorations in sturdy containers with secure lids and maintain dry, organized storage areas. Containers that are not sealed, or the use of cardboard boxes, invites cockroaches and even rodents to establish themselves amongst your decorations. Cockroaches will leave droppings and can carry bacteria around, while rodents have a tendency to chew and break down materials to use for nests.

Need Worthington, OH Pest Control Help This Fall?

Careful decorating habits can help limit the chances of carrying unwanted pests indoors with fall décor. When activity around your home calls for professional treatment, learn more about why homeowners choose Mosquito Squad Plus for responsive, reliable service. Mosquito Squad Plus of Greater Columbus is ready to walk you through what signs of pests you may be seeing and help put together the best pest control plan for your home and lifestyle.