In Georgia, we may not go walking in a winter wonderland, but we sure do love to deck those halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la. Though the weather outside isn’t frightful, it can sometimes be frightful inside. And nothing can ruin your holidays faster than bugs. Here are some tips to make your season bright.

Shake that tree!

There are a number of bugs that live on and nest in Christmas trees. If you don’t want a hundred spiders crawling up your walls this Christmas, consider inspecting your tree with a flashlight and shaking it real well before you bring it inside.

Don’t pick up hitchhikers!

There are dozens of species of insects that live in wood. Some stay dormant for nearly a month before rearing their ugly heads. These wood-eating insects will most likely be found in firewood that has crossed the border from one state to another. So buy local and burn your wood quickly to avoid unwanted insects hatching in or near your home.

Keep the food off the tree!

Rodents love those edible decorations. So if you don’t want a rat as an ornament, consider refraining from strings of popcorn and cranberry, or hanging baked goods. If you have hung food ornaments every year, ask yourself, “Do we have rodent problems more around Christmas than any other time of the year?”. Many people don’t make the connection, but it is true. Your food ornaments can lure rodents into your home or draw them down from their hiding place in the attic.

Don’t add bugs to your recipe!

“Bugs make a great baking ingredient!” said no chef, ever. The last thing you want to find when you grab the flour is a bunch of little black specks moving around in it. Always check your packages for tears, holes or chew marks before purchasing them. Pantry pests love to hitchhike home with you. Let’s keep them out this Christmas.

Don’t have a heart attack!

There is nothing worse than unpacking ornaments and finding cockroaches in the box. These nasty little buggers love cardboard boxes full of dusty tangled messes. If you store your boxes in the garage or shed, you could be bringing a roach infestation into your home. If you’re able to, store your holiday decorations in a hard plastic bin. Roaches can chew their way through cardboard. If you can’t afford hard plastic right now, refrain from storing food or sweets. Always check your boxes thoroughly before bringing them into the house. And check wreaths closely and shake them out.