Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food—but uninvited guests in the form of pests can quickly spoil the celebration. In California, seasonal changes make it the perfect time for certain pests to make their way into your home.

Clark, your neighborly pest control, termite and rodent control expert, wants homeowners to be prepared for not only a house full of hungry family and friends, but for ants, cockroaches, pantry pests and rodents. We’ve assembled a list of common pests that might crash your holiday, and some tips on how to keep them out.

Ants on a Mission

With Thanksgiving feasts aplenty, ants are on the hunt for sugary or greasy leftovers. Argentine ants, one of the most common species in California, can form trails right to your kitchen if food is left unsealed.

Prevention Tips:

• Store food in airtight containers.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Use natural deterrents like vinegar or lemon juice along entry points.

Cockroaches in the Shadows

Cockroaches love warm, dark spaces and are drawn to leftover crumbs or standing water. These pests can be a serious nuisance and pose health risks, as they carry bacteria.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your kitchen spotless, especially behind appliances.
• Fix leaky faucets or pipes.
• Use caulk to seal cracks around doors and windows.

Rodents Seeking Refuge

As temperatures drop, rats and mice look for warmth and food inside homes. They can quickly turn a cozy holiday into a chaotic one with their chewing and droppings.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal gaps and holes in your home’s exterior.
• Store firewood away from the house.
• Use traps or contact a pest control professional at the first sign of activity.

Spiders in the Corners

While spiders are less interested in your feast, they may take advantage of the season’s decorations and cozy hiding spots to move in. Some, like the black widow, pose risks with their venomous bites.

Prevention Tips:

• Shake out holiday decorations, especially trees and wreaths, before bringing them inside.
• Dust and vacuum regularly to remove webs.
• Keep outdoor lights off to avoid attracting insects that spiders like to prey on.

Pantry Pests

Stored product pests like flour beetles, weevils and Indian meal moths can infiltrate flour, grains, and other pantry staples. These unwelcome insects can ruin your baking plans in a heartbeat.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect pantry goods for damage before buying.
• Store dry goods in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Regularly clean out your pantry and dispose of expired items.
• Clean up spilled flour, sugar and other baking supplies immediately.

Be Proactive for a Pest-Free Thanksgiving

The key to keeping pests from spoiling your holiday celebrations is prevention. Take time before the holiday rush to inspect your home for potential entry points and ensure your food storage practices are airtight. If you notice signs of pests (i.e., rodent droppings, gnawed boxes, spider webs, visual sightings, etc.) or need help with pest exclusion services, contact a licensed pest control professional.

Pest Control from Clark Pest Control

Call California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or send an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to keep Thanksgiving and all your holiday celebrations pest-free.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for help keeping unwanted pests out of your home and yard.

Happy Thanksgiving from Clark Pest Control!