Pest Mythbusters: Holiday Edition – Separating Fact from Fiction 

The holidays are a time for festive gatherings, cozy nights, and cherished memories. Unfortunately, they’re also a prime time for pests to seek shelter in your warm, welcoming home. With the colder weather come myths about winter pests—some amusing, others concerning. In this edition of Pest Mythbusters, we’re unwrapping the truth behind common pest myths, exploring fun facts about pests, and sharing how Cook’s Pest Control can help ensure your holidays remain joyful and pest-free. 

Myth #1: Pests Hibernate in Winter 

Fact: Many pests stay active, especially indoors. 

While some pests hibernate during winter, others thrive in your warm home. As shared in our blog on overwintering, stink bugs, lady beetles, and kudzu bugs are notorious for sneaking into attics and walls to escape the cold (Overwinterers Blog). 

Did you know? Cockroaches can survive freezing temperatures by finding shelter indoors, often hitching a ride on grocery bags or holiday decorations (The Pest Informer). 

Cook’s Solution: We provide proactive pest control, sealing entry points and monitoring potential hiding spots to keep your home pest-free during the colder months. 

Myth #2: Cheese Is the Best Bait for Mice 

Fact: Mice prefer sugary and carb-rich foods over cheese. 

Cheese may be the classic cartoon bait, but mice are more attracted to items like peanut butter, crackers, and even holiday treats. During the festive season, gingerbread houses and cookie platters are often rodent magnets. 

Did you know? A single mouse can leave up to 75 droppings a day, potentially spreading diseases and triggering allergies (CDC, MiceDroppings.com). 

Cook’s Solution: Our experts identify rodent activity, strategically set traps, and provide sanitation guidance to prevent future infestations. 

Myth #3: Real Christmas Trees Are Bug-Free 

Fact: Real trees can harbor pests like aphids and mites. 

Bringing a real Christmas tree into your home adds holiday cheer—and sometimes uninvited guests. Insects like aphids and mites can hide in the branches, becoming active in the warmth of your home (Unexpected Christmas Pests Blog). 

Fun Fact: A praying mantis egg sac can hold up to 200 baby mantises, which could hatch indoors if attached to your tree. 

Cook’s Solution: Shake your tree outdoors and inspect it carefully before bringing it inside. We also offer pest-proofing tips to ensure holiday décor remains critter-free. 

Myth #4: Insects Aren’t a Problem in Winter 

Fact: Winter pests can be just as bothersome as summer ones. 

Pests like house spiders, silverfish, and centipedes remain active year-round, particularly in warm, humid areas like bathrooms or attics (PCT Online). As explained in our blog about honey bees, even these hardworking pollinators prepare for spring by consuming honey throughout the winter (Honey Bees in Winter Blog). 

Did you know? House spiders spin more webs in winter to catch insects seeking warmth (NPMA). 

Cook’s Solution: Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies target pests at every stage, ensuring year-round protection. 

Myth #5: Cedar Chests and Pine Wreaths Repel All Pests 

Fact: While cedar and pine have natural repellent properties, they’re not foolproof. 

Cedar chests may deter moths, but spiders and rodents are unaffected. Improperly stored wreaths and greenery can also attract pests, creating more problems than solutions (Tips for Storing Holiday Décor Blog). 

Cook’s Solution: Inspect and store holiday décor properly to avoid pest issues. Our experts can help with long-term pest prevention strategies. 

Myth #6: If You Don’t See Pests, You Don’t Have a Problem 

Fact: Many pests are masters of stealth, staying hidden until the damage is done. 

Rodents, termites, and bed bugs often remain out of sight. For example, termites work silently inside walls, causing structural damage before their presence becomes apparent (Subterranean Termites in Winter Blog). 

Did you know? Termites eat wood 24/7 and cause billions of dollars in damages annually in the U.S. (CDC). 

Cook’s Solution: Cook’s thorough inspections detect hidden pests before infestations worsen, offering peace of mind and year-round protection. 

Fun Winter Mythbusters Movie Moment 

Home Alone’s tarantula scene may be iconic, but it perpetuates a pest myth! Tarantulas are shy, non-aggressive creatures unlikely to climb on someone’s face unless provoked. While they’re not a concern in Southern winters, it’s a reminder that Hollywood often exaggerates the realities of pest behavior. 

Cook’s Little Extra: Holiday Tips for a Pest-Free Home 

Inspect Holiday Décor: Check boxes for signs of pests like droppings or nests. 

Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for holiday treats to avoid attracting pests. 

Monitor Firewood: Keep it stored away from your home and inspect it before bringing it indoors. 

Vacuum Regularly: Pay attention to quiet corners where pests may hide. 

Seal Entry Points: Use caulk to fill gaps around windows, doors, and siding. 

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Call Cook’s Pest Control 

As the New Year approaches, now is the ideal time to make a resolution for a pest-free home. Cook’s Pest Control offers tailored solutions to address the unique challenges of Southern winters, providing expert protection from pests like rodents, termites, and overwintering bugs. 

Benefits of Choosing Cook’s: 

Trusted Expertise: Over 90 years of service and deep understanding of Southern pests. 

Proactive Prevention: Stop infestations before they start with year-round treatments. 

Customer-First Approach: From sealing entry points to offering the “little extra,” we go above and beyond for your peace of mind. 

A Holiday Resolution for Pest-Free Living 

As the New Year approaches, make a resolution to protect your home with Cook’s Pest Control. 

Call us today at 888-321-9566 

Request a free, no-obligation quote via phone or email