The holiday season means decorations, storage boxes, and changes in humidity, all conditions that can expose or worsen termite activity. Preparing early helps protect your home, prevent damage, and avoid surprises during the busiest time of the year.
1. Why should I check for termites before the holidays in Aruba?
The holiday season is the moment when people open storage rooms, move boxes, and bring wooden decorations back indoors. Anything that has remained untouched for months can hide early-termite signs. With guests, cooking, and closed-up spaces, your home also gets warmer and more humid, perfect conditions for termites.
A quick pre-season check keeps you ahead of potential problems.
2. What signs of termites should I look for before decorating?
Look in storage areas, closets, garages, and wooden items. The main signs include:
- Hollow or soft wood when tapped
- Tiny piles of frass (fine dust)
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations
- Discarded wings near windows
- Damage to cardboard or stored items
If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection before bringing items inside!
Not sure if what you’re seeing are termites or just ants? They can look similar, but the damage they cause is very different. Read our guide: Termites vs. Ants: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters.
3. What preventative steps should I take before the holidays?
Focus on reducing moisture and removing hiding places:
- Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
- Open storage boxes outdoors before bringing decorations inside
- Inspect wooden ornaments or holiday pieces
- Keep plants and soil from touching exterior walls
- Clear leaves, branches, or old wood around the house
- Keep storage spaces clean, dry, and raised off the floor
These small habits make your home less inviting to termites.
4. When should I call Professional Pest Control Aruba?
You should contact a professional as soon as you notice any sign of termite activity, moisture problems near wooden structures, or damage to stored items. It’s also important to get help if you’re bringing furniture or decorations out of long-term storage, since these items can hide early colony activity.
And if you simply want peace of mind before the holiday season begins, a professional inspection is the safest way to make sure your home is fully protected. Professional Pest Control Aruba offers inspections and targeted treatments for subterranean termites, dry-wood termites, and powder post beetles, all commonly found in Aruba’s climate.
5. What termite protection works best for the holiday season?
Depending on your home’s condition, the team may recommend:
- Liquid treatments for long-term protection
- Foam treatments for targeted areas
- Wood treatments for ceilings, frames, and furniture
- Full inspections to identify hidden entry points
If you’re building or remodeling, their Pre-Foundation Termite Treatment is one of the strongest long-term protections available in Aruba.
6. Quick Holiday Termite Prevention Checklist
- Inspect storage boxes outdoors
- Reduce moisture around the home
- Check wooden decorations
- Keep storage organized and dry
- Trim plants away from walls
- Call for an inspection if anything looks suspicious
Once the holidays are over and you’re putting everything back into storage, it’s important to stay alert! Read our article: ‘Post-Holiday Termite Prevention Tips: Your Best Defense Against Termites’.
Keep Your Home Termite-Free During the Celebrations
A little preparation goes a long way. By checking key areas and addressing moisture early, you can enjoy the holidays with confidence. When you need expert support, Professional Pest Control Aruba is ready to help. Contact us +297 582 5002!