How to Keep Pests Away This Christmas

Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for Australian households. Between preparing meals, hosting guests, decorating the home, and spending more time outdoors, it’s easy to overlook one important detail—pests. Unfortunately, Christmas creates ideal conditions for many common pests, from ants and cockroaches to rodents, flies, and mosquitoes.

Warm weather, extra food, overflowing bins, and increased foot traffic all make homes more attractive to pests during the festive season. The good news is that with a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted visitors and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable Christmas.

Why Pests Are More Active at Christmas

Christmas in Australia falls during summer, which is already peak season for pest activity. Add festive habits into the mix, and the risk increases even further.

Common Christmas-related pest attractors include:

• Large amounts of food and leftovers
• Sugary drinks, spills, and crumbs
• BBQs and outdoor dining
• Warm kitchens used constantly
• Overflowing rubbish bins
• Doors and windows left open for guests

Pests are opportunistic. If food, shelter, and easy access are available, they will take advantage—often quickly.

1. Keep Food Areas Clean and Managed

The kitchen and dining areas are the biggest pest hotspots during Christmas. With frequent cooking and grazing-style meals, food is often left out longer than usual.

To reduce pest attraction:

• Wipe benches and tables immediately after use
• Clean up spills as soon as they occur
• Store food in sealed containers rather than packaging
• Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight
• Vacuum crumbs from floors and rugs daily

Pay special attention to sugary foods, sauces, meats, and seafood, as these are highly attractive to ants, cockroaches, and flies.

2. Manage Rubbish and Food Waste Carefully

Christmas rubbish builds up quickly, especially food scraps, packaging, and drink containers. Poor waste management is one of the main reasons pests appear during the holidays.

Helpful steps include:

• Empty indoor bins daily
• Use bins with tight-fitting lids
• Rinse food containers before disposal
• Keep outdoor bins clean and closed
• Move bins away from doors and windows if possible

If you’re hosting large gatherings, consider using multiple smaller bins rather than letting one overflow.

3. Be Smart About Outdoor Entertaining

Outdoor entertaining is a Christmas tradition, but it also attracts flies, ants, mosquitoes, and sometimes wasps.

To reduce pest activity outdoors:

• Cover food when not being served
• Clean BBQs and outdoor tables after use
• Avoid leaving drinks uncovered
• Use fans to create airflow around seating areas
• Remove food scraps promptly

Mosquitoes are particularly active at dusk, so preparing outdoor areas earlier in the day can help reduce evening problems.

4. Reduce Standing Water Around the Home

Summer rain combined with garden watering can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and attract other pests.

Check your property for:

• Plant pot saucers holding water
• Buckets or containers left outside
• Blocked gutters
• Birdbaths that aren’t refreshed regularly
• Tarps or covers that collect rainwater

Empty or refresh standing water every few days, especially during warm, humid weather.

5. Keep Doors, Windows, and Entry Points Sealed

With guests coming and going, doors are often left open during Christmas. This makes it easy for pests to move indoors.

Simple steps that make a big difference:

• Ensure flyscreens are intact
• Repair gaps around doors and windows
• Use door seals where needed
• Avoid leaving doors open at night, especially during dusk

Even small gaps can allow ants, cockroaches, and flies inside.

6. Inspect Decorations and Storage Items

Christmas decorations are often stored for months in garages, sheds, or cupboards—places where pests may already be active.

Before decorating:

• Inspect boxes for signs of insects or rodents
• Avoid storing decorations in cardboard long-term
• Shake out artificial trees and ornaments outdoors
• Clean storage areas before returning items after Christmas

Rodents, spiders, and cockroaches commonly hide in undisturbed storage spaces.

7. Keep Guest Areas Tidy

Guest rooms, loungerooms, and shared spaces can quickly become cluttered during the festive season. Clutter provides hiding places for pests.

To reduce risk:

• Keep bags and luggage off the floor
• Avoid storing food in bedrooms
• Vacuum high-traffic areas regularly
• Remove clutter from corners and under furniture

A tidy space is less appealing to pests and easier to monitor for activity.

8. Be Extra Careful If You’re Going Away

Many households travel during Christmas, leaving homes unattended for days or weeks. This creates an opportunity for pests to settle in unnoticed.

Before leaving:

• Remove all food from benches
• Take rubbish out
• Clean sinks and drains
• Seal food in airtight containers
• Check doors, windows, and garage access

An empty home with accessible food and shelter is highly attractive to rodents and insects.

9. Watch for Early Warning Signs

Catching pest activity early makes it much easier to manage. Common signs include:

• Ant trails near food or entry points
• Cockroach sightings at night
• Droppings in cupboards or garages
• Gnaw marks on packaging
• Increased flies indoors

If you notice these signs, act quickly before the issue escalates during busy holiday periods.

10. Consider Preventive Pest Control Before Christmas

The most effective way to keep pests away during Christmas is prevention. A professional pest control service can identify risks and apply targeted treatments before pests become a problem.

Preventive pest control can:

• Reduce existing pest populations
• Target seasonal pests common in summer
• Protect kitchens and food areas
• Provide peace of mind during entertaining

This is especially beneficial for homes that host large gatherings or are located near bushland, waterways, or high-pest areas.

Final Thoughts

Christmas should be about relaxing, celebrating, and spending time with family and friends—not dealing with pests. By keeping food areas clean, managing waste properly, sealing entry points, and staying proactive, you can greatly reduce the chances of pest problems during the festive season.

A little preparation goes a long way. With the right habits in place, your home can stay comfortable, hygienic, and pest-free throughout Christmas and the busy summer period that follows.