Colder months have us spending more time indoors, with 8 out of 10 Americans hosting more gatherings inside their homes during the holiday season than any other time of year, according to research from Procter & Gamble’s Zevo. Unfortunately, insects have the same idea, as they head inside to forage for food and seek shelter from the low temperatures.
It’s no surprise then that in a One-Poll survey conducted on behalf of Zevo, 77% of Americans say they are concerned about spotting bugs in their home while hosting guests this holiday season, with 72% concerned about finding bugs among their holiday decorations.
“Those who want a bug-free home during the holidays will have to be proactive year-round. Ants, certain fly species, such as winter crane flies, and other insects, are adapted to cold temperatures and can be very active during these cooler months,” says Daniel Perry, Zevo entomologist at Procter & Gamble.
To prevent unwanted houseguests and banish bugs from living spaces, check out these cold weather tips.
VENTILATE HUMID AREAS
As the weather gets colder, hot water is more in use in places like the bathroom or basement. These closed spaces can create humid environments where insects tend to gravitate. To attract fewer bugs, keep these areas well-ventilated.
PRIME YOUR PLANTS
If you have plants you bring inside in the winter, properly prime and debug your home before to prevent potential infestations and check all your houseplants for insects before you bring them inside and every week.
TIDY UP
Cleanliness is the most common strategy for coping with bugxiety (fear of bugs) and there’s a good reason for it — it’s effective. Make sure you take out your garbage regularly, especially when visitors are creating extra waste. And while everyone loves a festive holiday spread, be sure not to leave food (perishables especially) out for excessive periods of time as that can attract insects.
ROUND-THE-CLOCK PROTECTION
Get the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 protection against flying insects. Zevo Flying Insect Traps use blue and ultraviolet light to continuously attract and trap insects to an adhesive back that you never have to touch. Place the traps in the kitchen, garage and other areas where doors and windows are frequently opened, and keep them plugged in to protect your home day and night from pesky flying insects.
FIGHT BACK
Nip signs of a bug problem in the bud by dealing with it immediately. Spot a bug? Zevo Insect Killer Sprays kill bugs you see, targeting and shutting down biological pathways found only in bugs, not people or pets, making them effective and safe when used as directed.
“While bugxiety is very real for the majority of Americans during the holiday season, fortunately there are many strategies for keeping them out of the home that won’t disrupt your family or guests,” says Perry.
This article is courtesy of Statepoint Media.