The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and a festive spirit to homes across Central Florida. Decorating with twinkling Christmas lights, colorful garlands, and cheerful wreaths is a cherished tradition. But as much as we love these decorations, so do some unexpected guests—wildlife. Squirrels gnawing on cords, birds nesting in wreaths, and rodents rummaging through stored items can quickly turn holiday cheer into frustration. Taking a few simple steps to wildlife-proof your decorations ensures that you can celebrate the season without worry. By understanding what attracts critters and making small adjustments, you can keep your home and décor protected all season long.
Why Do Critters Love Holiday Decorations?
Animals aren’t just drawn to the holiday spirit—they’re looking for food, warmth, and shelter. Here’s what makes your decorations so inviting to them.
1. Food-Based Decorations Invite Trouble
Many people love the classic look of popcorn garlands, candy canes, and gingerbread ornaments. But to wildlife, these aren’t decorations—they’re snacks. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds are all too happy to raid your tree or porch for a tasty treat. If you’re decorating outdoors, it’s best to skip the edible décor altogether.
2. Holiday Lights Give Off Warmth
On chilly nights, the warmth from holiday lights can be an irresistible attraction. Rodents and squirrels often chew on electrical cords, not just out of curiosity but as a way to stay warm. This can lead to broken displays, power outages, and even fire hazards. If you’ve ever found chewed-up wires on your outdoor decorations, you know how frustrating—and dangerous—it can be.
3. Nesting in Your Decorations
Wreaths, garlands, and even stacked decorative boxes make perfect nesting spots for birds, rodents, and insects. These critters might seem harmless at first, but they leave behind fur, feathers, droppings, and even mites.
If you don’t want to spend your holiday dealing with an unexpected infestation, it’s worth taking precautions.
The Damage Wildlife Can Do to Your Holiday Setup
When animals move in on your holiday decorations, the damage can go beyond just missing ornaments. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
1. Chewed Electrical Cords
If rodents get to your Christmas lights, they can leave you with exposed wires and a serious fire hazard. If you’ve ever had to replace a string of lights because of gnaw marks, you know how common this problem can be. Protecting your decorations from wildlife can save you time, money, and a potential safety issue.
2. Ruined Stored Decorations
Improperly stored decorations are an easy target for rodents and insects. If you keep your ornaments and lights in cardboard boxes, you might find them chewed up or covered in droppings when you unpack next year. Using sealed plastic bins can keep pests out and your decorations intact.
3. Messy Nests and Infestations
Birds and squirrels aren’t just visiting your décor—they might decide to move in. A garland on your porch railing or a wreath on your door can quickly become home to a small critter. And where there are nests, there are usually droppings, mites, and a big cleanup job.
Understanding these hazards allows you to take proactive steps to wildlife-proof your decorations, helping you avoid costly damage and unwanted surprises during the holiday season.
How to Keep Wildlife Away from Your Holiday Decorations
No one wants to spend their holiday season fixing damaged decorations. Try these simple steps to wildlife-proof your home and décor:
1. Use Wildlife-Resistant Decorations
Swap out food-based décor for artificial options. Fake popcorn garlands, plastic ornaments, and synthetic wreaths look just as festive but won’t attract hungry wildlife.
2. Secure Outdoor Displays
Loose lights and unsecured decorations can easily be tampered with by animals. Anchor everything firmly and cover electrical cords with protective tubing to stop critters from chewing on them.
3. Store Decorations in Plastic Bins
Instead of cardboard boxes, use durable plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. This keeps rodents and insects from making a home in your stored holiday decorations.
4. Keep Decorations Away from Wildlife Pathways
Avoid placing decorations near trees, bushes, or areas where animals frequently pass through. The farther away from their usual paths, the less likely they’ll be to investigate.
5. Inspect Decorations Before Storing
Before you pack everything up for the season, give your decorations a quick check. Look for signs of chewing, nesting, or droppings so you don’t bring unwanted pests into your home.
Wildlife-proofing isn’t just about protecting decorations—it’s about keeping your home safe and stress-free for the holidays.
What to Do If Critters Won’t Leave Your Holiday Setup Alone
Even with the best wildlife-proofing efforts, critters like squirrels, raccoons, and rodents sometimes find a way into your holiday setup. Whether they’re chewing through electrical cords, nesting in decorations, or rummaging through storage, these unwelcome guests can cause serious damage and pose health risks. If wildlife has invaded your space, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is here to help.
1. Expert Wildlife Removal with Wildout
When critters take over, professional help is the safest and most effective solution. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal specializes in safely removing nuisance wildlife, addressing animals like squirrels, raccoons, and rodents that invade homes and properties of any size. These animals can be destructive, carry diseases, and sometimes even become aggressive when disturbed. Our trained specialists use advanced tools and proven techniques to remove wildlife quickly and efficiently. In addition to handling wildlife, we also offer pest control for insects like roaches, ants, and spiders, ensuring that every part of your home is protected.
2. Comprehensive Cleanup and Repairs
Wildlife damage often extends beyond what you can immediately see. Chewed wires, shredded decorations, and overturned storage bins are just the beginning. Nests, droppings, and leftover debris can create lingering odors, unsanitary conditions, and even attract more pests. Wildout doesn’t just remove the animals—we take care of the mess they leave behind. Our team provides thorough cleanup and sanitization, repairing any damage caused by the intruders and sealing off access points to prevent future infestations. This not only restores your home but also protects your family from potential health hazards.
3. Preventative Solutions for Peace of Mind
Removing wildlife is only part of the solution—keeping them out for good is just as important. At Wildout, we believe prevention is the key to long-term protection. Our experts assess your property to identify vulnerabilities like cracks, gaps, and food sources that attract wildlife. We then implement tailored solutions, such as sealing entry points, securing decorations and storage, and offering ongoing maintenance programs to keep critters away.
With Wildout’s expert wildlife removal, cleanup, and prevention services, your home and holiday decorations are in good hands. Don’t let critters disrupt your celebrations—trust our team to handle the problem quickly and effectively.
Choose Wildout for a Wildlife-Free Holiday Season
The holidays are meant for fun and celebration—not for dealing with squirrels in your Christmas lights or raccoons in your yard. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your decorations, home, and holiday spirit from unwanted wildlife visitors. And if critters still find a way in, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is ready to help. Enjoy the season knowing your home is safe, festive, and free from furry intruders!
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
Lakeland
863-315-WILD (315-9453)
Orlando
407-465-WILD (465-9453)
Tampa
813-WILDOUT (945-3688)
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