Now that the holiday season is over and the Christmas decorations are coming down, it’s time to think about how to store them. Improper storage can attract pests, especially rodents, who love to nest in dark, quiet spaces like attics, basements or garages.

If these storage areas are not organized, they can become a pest haven and turn your holiday storage into a costly and frustrating problem.

At Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand the damage rodents can do when decorations are stored improperly. Follow these simple tips and you’ll protect your decorations and your home from rodents and other pests.

Why Rodents are Attracted to Holiday Storage

Mice and rats are opportunistic, looking for shelter, nesting materials and food during the colder months. Unfortunately, many common holiday storage practices provide exactly what they’re looking for:

Cardboard Boxes: These are easy to chew through and can be shredded to make nests.
Edible Decorations: Items like gingerbread houses, popcorn garlands and candy canes can attract pests with their scent even if stored in sealed packaging.
Artificial Trees and Wreaths: Though not edible, these often retain scents from the holiday season, like pine or cinnamon, which attract rodents.

Once rodents get to your holiday decorations they can cause a lot of damage. They can chew through storage bins, electrical wires and even the decorations themselves. Worse, they can be a serious health risk, spreading diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella through their droppings and urine.

How to Store Them

Replace Cardboard Boxes with Plastic Containers

Use sturdy plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to store your holiday decorations. Cardboard boxes are easy to chew through and provide no protection against moisture. These are especially good for fragile items like ornaments and string lights.

Clean Decorations Before Storing

Before packing up your holiday decorations, clean and inspect them to remove any food residue or debris that might attract pests. Even non-edible items like artificial trees and wreaths can carry scents that attract rodents. Wipe down surfaces, dispose of edible decorations like gingerbread houses and make sure everything is dry before packing.

Where to Store Them

Where you store your holiday decorations is just as important as how you store them. Store them in areas that are:

Dry and Elevated: Moisture can damage decorations and attract pests. Store items off the ground to avoid flooding or dampness.
Well-Sealed: Don’t store in areas with obvious gaps, cracks or holes. Seal these entry points to prevent pests from getting in.
Away from Problem Areas: Don’t store in crawl spaces, attics or garages where rodents are more likely to be.

Why Storage Matters

Every winter millions of homes get infested with rodents. The National Pest Management Association estimates 21 million homes in the U.S. get infested each winter, many in storage areas. Rodents are not just a nuisance – they’re a serious risk:

Health Risks: Rodents can spread over 35 diseases through their droppings, urine and saliva according to the CDC.
Fire Hazards: Chewing through wires like those on string lights or extension cords can increase the risk of electrical fires.
Property Damage: Rodents can chew through storage bins, walls and insulation, costly repairs.

Storing your decorations properly not only protects your holiday decorations but your home and health.

Declutter and Organize Your Holiday Storage

Rodents love clutter because it provides them with hiding spots and nesting material. Keeping your storage areas organized is a simple way to deter pests:

Declutter Regularly: Before storing your holiday decorations, get rid of items you no longer need. Fewer items in storage means fewer places for pests to hide.
Label and Stack Storage Bins: Label plastic bins so you can find what you need without disturbing the storage area. Stack bins neatly to declutter and see what you have.

Signs of Rodent Activity

Even with the best prevention, you should stay on the lookout. If you see any of these signs in your storage area, you may have a rodent problem:

Droppings: Small, pellet-shaped droppings near storage bins or in corners.
Chewed Materials: Look for gnaw marks on cardboard boxes, plastic bins or even decorations.
Scratching Noises: Rodents make scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings.
Unusual Odors: A strong, musky smell means you have a rodent infestation.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to act.

Callahan’s Rodent Control

At Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control we specialize in rodent identification and removal. Serving Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer Counties in New Jersey we offer:

Inspection: We inspect your home or business to find entry points, nesting sites and the extent of the infestation.
Rodent Removal: We remove rodents from your property using safe and effective methods.
Prevention: We seal entry points, offer storage tips and implement measures to keep them out.

We want to give you long term solutions.

Don’t Let Rodents Ruin Your New Year

Storing your holiday decorations properly is key to preventing rodent infestations. By using high quality plastic bins, cleaning and inspecting your decorations and organizing your storage area you can keep your holiday decor pest free.

But if you suspect you have a rodent problem, don’t wait to call Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control. Our team will help you protect your home, storage areas and your holiday decorations.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our rodent control services. Let’s make this holiday season—and the ones to come—pest free and stress free.