The holiday season in Metro Atlanta brings out the decorator in nearly everyone. Attics are opened, storage bins come down, fresh greenery is brought inside, and twinkling lights appear across neighborhoods. It is a time of warmth, nostalgia, and celebration.
What many homeowners do not realize is that these same traditions can also introduce pests into the home or create new hiding spots for the ones already inside. Seasonal décor, especially when stored in attics, garages, or basements, offers ideal conditions for insects and rodents. Fresh greenery can harbor outdoor pests, and food-based displays can turn a home into an easy buffet.
This guide explains how holiday decorating can unintentionally invite pests indoors, what Atlanta homeowners should look out for, and why scheduling a pre-holiday inspection from BREDA Pest Management is a smart way to keep the season pest-free.
Holiday Decorations and Hidden Pest Risks
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how easily pests use seasonal décor as transportation or shelter. Every year, searches for holiday pest control Atlanta GA increase as local residents begin bringing boxes and greenery into their living spaces.
Stored Décor Often Holds Stowaways
Attics, basements, garages, and storage sheds are the most common places to keep holiday decorations throughout the year. These areas are quiet, warm, and undisturbed, making them ideal locations for pests to settle in.
Common storage-area intruders include spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, beetles, and both mice and rats. When these pests nest inside or around décor boxes, they can easily be carried inside when the holiday season begins.
Homeowners in Atlanta searching for pest control for stored décor typically do so after finding one of the following signs when opening boxes:
Chewed cardboard
Droppings or nesting material
Webs or small insects escaping the box
Holes or shredded corners
A musty or foul odor
A quick inspection of storage boxes before bringing them into the home can prevent an infestation from spreading. If anything looks unusual, Atlanta home pest inspection services from BREDA can provide clarity and immediate solutions.
Fresh Greenery Can Contain Insects and Small Rodents
Live Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are holiday staples. They also function as natural habitats for various insects and, on rare occasions, small rodents. Outdoor greenery commonly carries aphids, mites, beetles, spiders, and other insects that remain dormant until brought inside.
Even when tree farms shake and prepare trees, pests can remain deep in branches. Once indoors, they warm up and become active. This is why many homeowners search for Atlanta GA pest removal for Christmas trees shortly after decorating.
Before bringing greenery into your home, consider these steps:
Shake out the tree or wreath outdoors
Inspect the branches for egg clusters or insects
Look inside thick wreaths for signs of nesting
Let garlands sit in sunlight for a brief time to encourage insects to move
If you discover signs of pests while preparing greenery, schedule a BREDA inspection to avoid spreading the issue indoors.
Cardboard Storage Attracts Rodents and Roaches
Cardboard is one of the most attractive materials to pests. Rodents and roaches chew through it, hide behind it, and use it as nesting material. Storing holiday décor in cardboard boxes year after year increases the chance of infestation.
Plastic, airtight containers are a much safer option. Switching to plastic is one of the easiest and most effective steps homeowners can take toward holiday decoration pest prevention Atlanta requires during the winter months.
If you find shredding, chew marks, or droppings in cardboard boxes, stop unpacking immediately. BREDA provides reliable spider and rodent control Atlanta homes depend on, especially before holiday gatherings.
Food-Based Decorations Create a Pest Buffet
Holiday décor often includes edible elements such as popcorn garlands, gingerbread houses, candy ornaments, and decorative bowls of sweets. While visually appealing, these items attract ants, mice, roaches, and pantry pests.
Edible décor should not be left out overnight and should be stored in airtight containers when possible. If you tend to experience winter pest activity, consider avoiding edible items on trees or open surfaces entirely.
Outdoor Decorations Attract Pests Near the Home
Large outdoor inflatables, lawn ornaments, and nativity scenes create sheltered pockets that hold warmth and protection. Rodents and other small animals frequently nest beneath or inside them, especially when temperatures drop.
Many calls for rodent prevention Atlanta holiday season begin after homeowners set up outdoor displays. These decorations bring pests closer to the foundation, increasing the likelihood of pests entering the home through cracks, gaps, or utility openings.
Conducting a quick inspection of your home's exterior before installing outdoor décor can significantly reduce this risk. Look for:
Gaps around windows and doors
Openings in the foundation
Unsealed utility lines
Cracked siding or trim
Addressing these small vulnerabilities now can prevent major pest problems later.
Simple Prevention Tips for a Pest-Free Holiday Season
Pest prevention does not have to be complicated. These steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests entering your home during the holidays:
Inspect all décor boxes before bringing them inside
Replace cardboard boxes with plastic, sealed containers
Shake out all greenery outdoors before decorating
Store edible decorations securely
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding
Inspect outdoor décor regularly for signs of nesting
Declutter attics and garages to reduce hiding spots
If your home has not had a recent inspection, BREDA offers comprehensive Atlanta attic and garage pest control that identifies and eliminates hidden problems before they grow.
When to Call BREDA Pest Management
A professional inspection is recommended if you notice:
Evidence of rodents or insects in stored décor
Spiders or bugs emerging from wreaths, garlands, or trees
Ant trails near candy displays or gingerbread houses
Sounds of scratching or movement in walls
Chew marks on cardboard storage boxes
Pest activity in attics or garages
BREDA is known as the best pest control company Atlanta holiday season homeowners rely on for fast, effective, and family-friendly solutions. With advanced infrared technology, highly trained technicians, and decades of experience, BREDA provides precise, reliable results without unnecessary disruption.
Why BREDA Is the Right Partner for Holiday Pest Protection
Holiday preparation is a busy time. BREDA offers services specifically suited to the needs of Atlanta homeowners during the winter months.
BREDA provides:
Seasonal scheduling with flexible appointment options
Infrared camera inspections to detect hidden activity
Long-term prevention plans for year-round protection
Family-friendly treatment solutions
Technicians trained in winter pest behavior
Whether you need immediate treatment or preventative services, BREDA provides peace of mind during one of the most important seasons of the year.
Schedule Your Pre-Holiday Inspection
Before the holiday décor goes up or the first guests arrive, schedule a pre-holiday inspection with BREDA. This service identifies entry points, hidden infestations, and potential risks associated with stored or fresh décor.
For Atlanta home pest inspection services, rodent prevention, or protection related to holiday décor, BREDA is ready to help. A pest-free home makes for a far more enjoyable holiday season. With the right prevention steps and the support of BREDA's expert team, you can decorate confidently and welcome guests into a clean, safe, and comfortable home.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
