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Milwaukee, Are Your Holiday Decorations Bringing Bugs Inside?
Are Your Holiday Decorations Bringing
Bugs Inside? What to Check Before
Unpacking Storage Bins
For many Wisconsin families, unpacking holiday decorations is one of the most exciting
moments of the season. But while you’re opening up those bins of wreaths, ornaments, lights,
and garland… you may also be waking up uninvited pests that spent all year hiding in
storage.
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we get a surge of calls every December from homeowners who
suddenly discover spiders, beetles, mice, and even overwintering insects inside their
decorations.
If your décor has been stored in an attic, basement, garage, or shed, here’s what you need to
know to keep pests out of your home — and your holiday season pest-free.
Why Holiday Decorations Attract Pests
Holiday decorations provide everything pests need to survive:
Dark, undisturbed spaces
Attics and basements are rarely entered, making them safe hiding places.
Cardboard boxes
Many pests chew or nest in cardboard, especially rodents and silverfish.
Natural wreaths, pinecones & greenery
These organic materials can carry insects from the outdoors into your home.
Warmth when brought indoors
Pests hiding inside bins get “activated” once they’re moved into warmer rooms.
Shelter during winter
When temperatures drop, decorations stored near exterior walls become ideal hiding spots.
The Most Common Pests Found in
Holiday Decorations
Below are the pests we most often see hitchhiking into Wisconsin homes during December:
1. Spiders
Spiders love dark storage areas and often hide in:
● Artificial tree branches
● Wreaths
● Garland
● Ornament boxes
They typically avoid people, but sudden sightings can cause panic — especially during
gatherings.
2. Rodents (Mice & Rats)
Rodents frequently nest inside:
● Cardboard boxes
● Insulation near décor storage
● Fabric tree skirts
● Old holiday plush items
Signs include droppings, shredded material, gnaw marks, and a musky odor.
3. Silverfish
Silverfish chew through:
● Wrapping paper
● Fabric decorations
● Cardboard
● Books or stored holiday cards
They thrive in damp basements and cluttered storage closets.
4. Beetles & Weevils
These pantry pests often appear in:
● Popcorn garland
● Old edible decorations
● Birdseed (used for winter displays)
Once inside your home, they can spread to pantries and dry goods.
5. Overwintering Insects
Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian beetles often crawl into folds of décor items and wake up
once warmed.
They may appear:
● In tree branches
● Behind wreaths
● Inside storage bins
While they won’t harm you, they can create stains or odors.
How to Inspect Decorations Before
Bringing Them Inside
Taking a few minutes to inspect décor can prevent a full-blown holiday pest problem.
1. Open Storage Bins Outdoors
This allows any hidden pests to scatter outside — not in your living room.
2. Shake Out Artificial Trees & Garland
Give each section a firm shake to dislodge:
● Spiders
● Beetles
● Egg sacs
● Rodent droppings
Inspect the trunk and base closely.
3. Check Wreaths and Natural Décor
Look for:
● Small holes in greenery
● Live insects in pinecones
● Webbing or cocoons
● Hidden egg masses
If items were stored in sheds or garages, they’re even more likely to harbor pests.
4. Examine Fabric Items
Tree skirts, stockings, and table runners can hide:
● Silverfish
● Carpet beetles
● Rodent nesting material
Wash when possible before using.
5. Look for Rodent Indicators
If you spot:
● Droppings
● Chew marks
● Shredded paper
● A strong odor
…it’s time to call Nexus immediately.
Rodent contamination should be handled professionally — especially near holiday food prep
areas.
How to Store Decorations Properly for
Next Year
Prevent future problems by storing items the right way.
Use Plastic Bins, Not Cardboard
Rodents and insects chew cardboard easily and hide between the layers.
Seal Bins Tightly
Use latching lids to keep pests out.
Store Bins Off the Floor
Use shelving to prevent crawling pests from entering.
Avoid Storing Food-Based Decorations
Popcorn garland, candy canes, and edible crafts should never be stored.
Keep Bins Away From Exterior Walls
Exterior walls get colder and attract pests looking for warmth.
When to Call Nexus Pest Solutions
If you discover:
● Rodent droppings in décor
● Stink bugs or cluster flies in bins
● Spiders emerging from decorations
● Chewed materials or electrical cords
● A foul smell from storage areas
● Bugs appearing in your house after decorating
…it’s time for a professional inspection.
We provide:
● Holiday pest cleanouts
● Rodent removal
● Attic & basement treatments
● Overwintering pest solutions
● Prevention plans
● Exclusion services
And everything comes with our money-back guarantee.
Get a Holiday Season Pest Inspection
Today
Nexus Pest Solutions
11512 N Port Washington Rd, STE 206, Mequon, WI
(414) 355-3732
Online booking available 24/7
Trusted. Professional. Guaranteed.
The post Milwaukee, Are Your Holiday Decorations Bringing Bugs Inside? appeared first on Nexus Pest Solutions.
View all episodes
By Will WhiteAre Your Holiday Decorations Bringing
Bugs Inside? What to Check Before
Unpacking Storage Bins
For many Wisconsin families, unpacking holiday decorations is one of the most exciting
moments of the season. But while you’re opening up those bins of wreaths, ornaments, lights,
and garland… you may also be waking up uninvited pests that spent all year hiding in
storage.
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we get a surge of calls every December from homeowners who
suddenly discover spiders, beetles, mice, and even overwintering insects inside their
decorations.
If your décor has been stored in an attic, basement, garage, or shed, here’s what you need to
know to keep pests out of your home — and your holiday season pest-free.
Why Holiday Decorations Attract Pests
Holiday decorations provide everything pests need to survive:
Dark, undisturbed spaces
Attics and basements are rarely entered, making them safe hiding places.
Cardboard boxes
Many pests chew or nest in cardboard, especially rodents and silverfish.
Natural wreaths, pinecones & greenery
These organic materials can carry insects from the outdoors into your home.
Warmth when brought indoors
Pests hiding inside bins get “activated” once they’re moved into warmer rooms.
Shelter during winter
When temperatures drop, decorations stored near exterior walls become ideal hiding spots.
The Most Common Pests Found in
Holiday Decorations
Below are the pests we most often see hitchhiking into Wisconsin homes during December:
1. Spiders
Spiders love dark storage areas and often hide in:
● Artificial tree branches
● Wreaths
● Garland
● Ornament boxes
They typically avoid people, but sudden sightings can cause panic — especially during
gatherings.
2. Rodents (Mice & Rats)
Rodents frequently nest inside:
● Cardboard boxes
● Insulation near décor storage
● Fabric tree skirts
● Old holiday plush items
Signs include droppings, shredded material, gnaw marks, and a musky odor.
3. Silverfish
Silverfish chew through:
● Wrapping paper
● Fabric decorations
● Cardboard
● Books or stored holiday cards
They thrive in damp basements and cluttered storage closets.
4. Beetles & Weevils
These pantry pests often appear in:
● Popcorn garland
● Old edible decorations
● Birdseed (used for winter displays)
Once inside your home, they can spread to pantries and dry goods.
5. Overwintering Insects
Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian beetles often crawl into folds of décor items and wake up
once warmed.
They may appear:
● In tree branches
● Behind wreaths
● Inside storage bins
While they won’t harm you, they can create stains or odors.
How to Inspect Decorations Before
Bringing Them Inside
Taking a few minutes to inspect décor can prevent a full-blown holiday pest problem.
1. Open Storage Bins Outdoors
This allows any hidden pests to scatter outside — not in your living room.
2. Shake Out Artificial Trees & Garland
Give each section a firm shake to dislodge:
● Spiders
● Beetles
● Egg sacs
● Rodent droppings
Inspect the trunk and base closely.
3. Check Wreaths and Natural Décor
Look for:
● Small holes in greenery
● Live insects in pinecones
● Webbing or cocoons
● Hidden egg masses
If items were stored in sheds or garages, they’re even more likely to harbor pests.
4. Examine Fabric Items
Tree skirts, stockings, and table runners can hide:
● Silverfish
● Carpet beetles
● Rodent nesting material
Wash when possible before using.
5. Look for Rodent Indicators
If you spot:
● Droppings
● Chew marks
● Shredded paper
● A strong odor
…it’s time to call Nexus immediately.
Rodent contamination should be handled professionally — especially near holiday food prep
areas.
How to Store Decorations Properly for
Next Year
Prevent future problems by storing items the right way.
Use Plastic Bins, Not Cardboard
Rodents and insects chew cardboard easily and hide between the layers.
Seal Bins Tightly
Use latching lids to keep pests out.
Store Bins Off the Floor
Use shelving to prevent crawling pests from entering.
Avoid Storing Food-Based Decorations
Popcorn garland, candy canes, and edible crafts should never be stored.
Keep Bins Away From Exterior Walls
Exterior walls get colder and attract pests looking for warmth.
When to Call Nexus Pest Solutions
If you discover:
● Rodent droppings in décor
● Stink bugs or cluster flies in bins
● Spiders emerging from decorations
● Chewed materials or electrical cords
● A foul smell from storage areas
● Bugs appearing in your house after decorating
…it’s time for a professional inspection.
We provide:
● Holiday pest cleanouts
● Rodent removal
● Attic & basement treatments
● Overwintering pest solutions
● Prevention plans
● Exclusion services
And everything comes with our money-back guarantee.
Get a Holiday Season Pest Inspection
Today
Nexus Pest Solutions
11512 N Port Washington Rd, STE 206, Mequon, WI
(414) 355-3732
Online booking available 24/7
Trusted. Professional. Guaranteed.
The post Milwaukee, Are Your Holiday Decorations Bringing Bugs Inside? appeared first on Nexus Pest Solutions.