Summary: Practical steps to keep holiday decorations safe from rodents and insects while displayed and during off-season storage, plus when to call a pro.
Holiday decorating is supposed to feel cozy, not stressful. But if you have ever pulled out a box of ornaments and found chewed ribbons, musty garlands, or tiny droppings, you know pests do not care that it is “the good stuff.”
The good news is that you can enjoy your tree, lights, wreaths, and keepsakes without inviting unwanted guests. This guide covers practical, realistic holiday decor pest prevention tips for your home while decorations are on display, and the steps that matter most when everything gets packed away. It’s easier to protect holiday decor than you might think.
Why Holiday Decorations Attract Pests in the First Place
Holiday decor is full of things pests like: cardboard boxes, fabric, paper, glue, and cozy hiding spots. Add the fact that many decorations spend 10 or 11 months in a garage, attic, crawl space, or shed, and you have the perfect setup for pests damaging holiday decorations over time.
Rodents are the biggest offenders in storage areas because they are always looking for nesting material and a quiet place to hide. Mice and rats will shred tree skirts, stockings, felt decor, and even artificial greenery for nesting. Insects can also be a problem. Silverfish and cockroaches like paper products and glue, while carpet beetles and clothes moths can damage wool, fur, feathers, and other natural fibers used in vintage decor.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, the weather can push pest activity indoors fast. Cold snaps drive rodents toward warmth, and wet seasons can encourage bugs to seek shelter in basements, garages, and utility rooms. A few simple habits now can save you from replacing sentimental items later.
How to Protect Holiday Decor While It’s Up
Once decor is out, your main goal is to remove “easy wins” for pests. That means keeping food and clutter under control, and not creating hidden nesting zones behind the tree or under furniture.
Start with the tree area. Real trees can bring in the occasional hitchhiker, and artificial trees can still become a sheltered corner where rodents feel safe if the space is cluttered. Keep wrapping paper scraps, ribbon ends, and spare tissue paper picked up daily. If you have pets, do not leave kibble bowls or treat jars open overnight near the tree, because it can attract rodents and ants.
Here is a quick, low effort checklist to prevent pests in Christmas decorations while they are displayed:
- Keep storage boxes and empty cardboard out of living spaces once you decorate.
- Vacuum around the tree skirt and under the tree every few days.
- Store extra candy, baking supplies, and pet food in airtight containers.
- Check door sweeps and weatherstripping so pests do not slip inside.
Lighting and extension cords deserve special attention. Rodents chew to keep their teeth worn down, and cords can look like a convenient target, especially in garages and basements. If you are running lights through an attic hatch or crawl space, keep cords off the floor when possible and avoid leaving piles of fabric decor in those areas.
If you want a longer-term layer of protection, regular home service can make a big difference during the busiest season of the year. Pointe Pest Control technicians can spot entry points and conditions that attract pests, then help you correct them before a small issue turns into a holiday headache. Learn more about Pointe’s residential pest control services.
Packing It Away Without Packing Pests
When people ask us how to protect holiday decor from pests, storage is where the real wins happen. Most damage happens when decor sits untouched for months, so your packing routine matters more than the label on the box.
Before anything goes into a bin, make sure it is clean and fully dry. Wipe down plastic ornaments and hard decor, and let wreaths or garlands air out if they have been near a fireplace, kitchen, or humid window. Food smells, even faint ones, can attract rodents and insects, and moisture can lead to mildew that makes fabrics and paper break down faster.
Next, swap cardboard for sealed plastic. Cardboard is basically a welcome mat for pests because it is both shelter and chewable material. Use sturdy plastic totes with tight fitting lids, and consider smaller lidded containers inside for delicate items. For fragile ornaments, use dividers or wrap them in plain packing paper. Avoid using tissue paper that has been stored in the same garage or attic for years, because it can already be compromised.
To make storing decorations to avoid pests easier year after year, use these storage habits:
- Label bins clearly so you do not have to open several to find one item.
- Keep bins up off the floor on shelving in garages and basements.
- Do a quick check for droppings, gnaw marks, or insect activity before you close the lid.
- Store fabric items in sealed bags inside bins, especially tree skirts and stockings.
Placement matters just as much as packaging. Try not to store decor against exterior walls where temperatures swing the most. If you have to use an attic or crawl space, keep bins away from vents, insulation gaps, and stored pet food. If you have a shed, make sure it is dry, elevated, and sealed, because sheds are common rodent hangouts.
What to Do If You Notice Damage or Pest Activity
Sometimes you do everything right and still find a problem. If you see shredded fabric, gnawed plastic, pepper-like droppings, or a chemical smell near storage, treat it as a warning sign, not a one time fluke.
First, isolate the affected bin. Take it outside or into a garage with the door open, and avoid shaking items, especially if you suspect droppings. Toss contaminated packing material, and clean hard surfaces with appropriate cleaners. For fabrics, wash what you can in hot water and dry thoroughly. Items that cannot be washed may need to be discarded if contamination is heavy.
Then, address the “why.” The fastest way to protect holiday decor while stored is to stop pests at the entry points. Look for gaps at garage doors, utility penetrations, vents, and crawl space access. If you have recurring issues, it is worth having a professional inspection so you are not guessing. You can explore Pointe Pest Control’s service area coverage to find help near you.
Keep the Holidays Joyful, Not Itchy, Chewed, or Gross
Holiday decorations are part of your family’s traditions, and they deserve better than a dark corner full of pests. With a little cleanup while decor is up and a smarter storage setup when it comes down, you can protect holiday decor you love and avoid surprise replacements next season.
If you suspect pests in your home, reach out to Pointe Pest Control for a straightforward inspection and a plan that fits your space. The goal is simple: enjoy the holidays, and let the pests stay outside. ‘Tis the season for efficient pest solutions!
Citations
Harney, C. (2022, December 6). 5 pests commonly found in boxes of holiday decorations. Green Pest Services. Available at https://greenpestservices.net/5-pests-commonly-found-in-boxes-of-holiday-decorations/ (Accessed on December 12, 2025).
