Could Rodents or Wildlife Be Living in My Holiday Storage? 

The holiday season brings family gatherings, twinkling lights, and the joy of decorating...but it can also bring an unwelcome surprise.  

Discovering that rodents or wildlife have turned your holiday décor storage into their winter getaway is the last thing you’ll want to see as you prepare for the season’s festivities. But, as temperatures drop, pests look for warmth, safety, and shelter. Unfortunately, your attic, basement, or garage may check every box.

Our advice: be prepared. Here’s what every homeowner should know about winter wildlife removal and common signs of indoor activity.  

Why Do Rodents & Wildlife Move Indoors During the Holidays?

If you think about it, is there a more perfect spot for pests seeking shelter than your holiday storage? These areas are warm, insulated, and mostly undisturbed. Paired with the cozy nesting environment that your stored materials provide, what could be more inviting to wildlife as the perfect refuge from the cold?  

Boxes stuffed with soft holiday décor, tissue paper, and plush materials create irresistibly cozy hideaways for wildlife during this time of year. That’s why it’s crucial that your winter pest prevention plans start right here.

Season’s Greetings from New England’s Most Common Invaders

New England homeowners commonly encounter a lineup of furry visitors during the colder months. Here’s a closer look at who might be sneaking into your storage:

Mice. Small, nocturnal, and shockingly flexible if you can believe it, mice can enter your home through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they reproduce quickly and can cause extensive damage in a short time.

Squirrels. These fluffy-tailed culprits can easily access rooftops and gutters, chewing through soffits or fascia boards to enter the attic. Once settled, they’ll gnaw wires, insulation, and stored decorations.

Raccoons. Strong, intelligent, and determined, raccoons can tear through roofing materials or push open loose attic vents. Their presence often leads to structural damage and contaminated insulation.

Your Cheat Sheet for Pest Warning Signs

Wondering if unwelcome wildlife has moved into your holiday décor? Watch for these signs of pest activity in your storage areas:

• Small black or brown pellets in boxes, corners, or along baseboards.

• Musty or ammonia-like smell in storage areas.

• Frayed wires, gnawed boxes, or torn holiday decorations.

• Shredded tissue paper or insulation used for nesting.

• Scratching or rustling in walls, ceilings, or storage bins.

• Unexplained noises at night (often indicate rodent activity).

• Dusty footprints or greasy smears along walls and entry points.

If you notice more than one of these signs, there’s a strong chance that wildlife may already be settled in.

What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Pests from Turning Storage into a Winter Home?

Barricading against sneaky pests during the wintertime might seem like a daunting job, but even just implementing a few smart prevention steps can make a huge difference.

Inspect Before You Decorate

• Open holiday storage bins outside or in the garage first.  

• Look for droppings, torn materials, or unexpected nesting.

Seal & Store Smart

• Use tight-sealing plastic bins instead of cardboard.

• Elevate containers off the floor with shelving.

• Keep boxes at least a few inches away from walls to reduce hiding spots.

• Add weather stripping to drafty doors and seal gaps around pipes or wires

Keep It Clean

• Avoid storing pet food, birdseed, or pantry items in basements or garages

• Vacuum storage areas and clear out clutter regularly

• Remove piles of fabric, paper, or old decorations that pests could use for nesting

When Should You Call the Pros When DIY Pest Control Isn’t Enough?

Sometimes, signs of activity indicate a larger issue that needs special attention. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for the classic signals of a genuine infestation—one that warrants professional reinforcements.  

• Recurring or loud nighttime noises

• Wires or insulation repeatedly chewed

• Large nests found in attic or garage

• Persistent droppings even after cleaning

The keys here: consistency and persistence. When these signs stick around, even in the face of your best prevention efforts, the situation calls for some more severe efforts.  

When you need us, we’ll step in with effective solutions for wildlife and rodent removal in winter, including:

• Licensed and trained wildlife control specialists

• Complete sanitation of contaminated areas

• Barricade control to secure entry points and prevent re-entry

• Year-round pest management plans adjusted for seasonal threats

Don’t wait until winter officially sets in. Schedule a free inspection or winter pest assessment today. Our team is here to help you enjoy the season without unwanted furry guests.

Don’t Let Rodents Crash Your Holidays

Your home should be filled with warmth, joy, and the people you love, not hidden squatters in your storage boxes. Our comprehensive pest control services give the gift of a truly pest-free home this winter, so you can unwrap your décor with confidence and keep pests where they belong: outdoors.  

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