Planning to head out of Wichita for the holidays? While you’re away enjoying family time and festivities, pests might see your empty home as an open invitation. Rodents, spiders, and other common Kansas pests often seek shelter in warm spaces during the winter. Follow these holiday travel tips to keep your home protected from pests while you’re away.

1. Seal Up Entry Points

  • Before leaving, take a few minutes to inspect doors, windows, and the exterior of your home. Cracks, gaps, or damaged seals provide easy access for pests. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors, and check that screens are intact. Look for holes around pipes or vents leading inside—especially important for keeping out rodents during the colder months.

2. Clean Up the Kitchen and Pantry

  • Empty your trash cans, clean out your refrigerator, and make sure no food is left in open packages in the pantry. Pantry pests like flour beetles can be especially drawn to open food sources, while ants and rodents are attracted to food crumbs. Wiping down countertops and vacuuming floors can also help eliminate crumbs that might lure pests into your kitchen.

3. Remove Standing Water Sources

  • Standing water attracts a variety of pests, including insects and rodents. Fix any leaking faucets or pipes and empty pet water bowls before you leave. In winter, it’s also a good idea to check that outdoor gutters and drains are clear of debris to avoid water buildup around your home’s foundation.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat

  • Keeping your home a bit cooler while you’re away can discourage pests that are seeking warm shelter. Set your thermostat to a lower but safe temperature, helping reduce your heating bill and making your home a little less appealing to winter pests.

5. Store Firewood Away from the House

  • Firewood piles are cozy spots for pests like spiders and rodents. If you keep firewood at home, store it at least 20 feet away from your house, preferably off the ground. This simple step can prevent pests from taking shelter in the wood and later making their way indoors.

6. Take Out the Trash

  • Don’t leave trash bags inside the home, as garbage is a strong attractant for pests. Be sure to empty all indoor trash cans before you go and, if possible, clean trash bins to eliminate any lingering food odors that might attract pests while you’re away.

7. Close Chimneys and Other Openings

  • Animals like squirrels, birds, and raccoons might be tempted to use chimneys as winter nesting spots. Closing your chimney with a cap or screen prevents wildlife from entering, while sealing other openings, like dryer vents, helps keep smaller pests out.

8. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In

  • If you’ll be away for more than a few days, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home. Not only can they look for any signs of pest activity, but their presence can deter animals and pests from feeling too comfortable around your house.

By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy a pest-free Wichita home while you’re away for the holidays. Upon returning, you’ll have one less thing to worry about—and a clean, pest-free space to settle back into.