Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time is exciting; your home becomes the gathering place, the oven’s working overtime, and your pantry is bursting with ingredients. But while you’re prepping for guests, certain California pests are prepping to invite themselves inside, too.

Seasonal temperature drops and all that holiday cooking create the perfect opportunity for pests to sneak in. Clark, your neighborly pest, termite and rodent control expert, wants to help you set the table for success and keep the creepy crawlers off the guest list.

Below are the top Thanksgiving crashers and what first-time hosts can do to keep the celebration pest-free.

Ants on a Mission: “Open Kitchen? Say No More.”

When you’re juggling a turkey, side dishes and dessert prep, it’s easy to leave a spill or snack out a bit too long. Argentine ants -  California’s notorious invaders - are just waiting for that opportunity. One tiny crumb can lead to an entire trail marching toward your kitchen.

How first-time hosts can stay ahead:

• Store ingredients and leftovers in airtight containers.
• Wipe up spills right away (even the small ones).
• Try natural deterrents like vinegar or lemon juice along windowsills and entry points.
  

Cockroaches: The Shadowy Party Crashers

Warm kitchens and busy cooking environments bring out more than just great smells. Cockroaches thrive in cluttered, damp and dark areas, exactly the kind of conditions that build up during holiday prep.

Prevention for new hosts:

• Deep-clean behind appliances before the big day.
• Fix leaky faucets or pipes to eliminate moisture sources.
• Seal cracks around doors, windows and baseboards.
  

Rodents: Looking for Warmth and a Winter Meal

If this is your first Thanksgiving in a new home, you might not know all its vulnerable entry points yet. Cooler weather drives mice and rats indoors, and the delicious food smells don’t help.

What new hosts should do:

• Seal holes or gaps around your home’s exterior - rodents only need ¼ inch to squeeze in.
• Keep firewood and outdoor clutter away from the home’s foundation.
• At the first sign of droppings or noises, set traps or call a professional.
  

Spiders: Lurking Among the Decorations

If you’re pulling out boxes of fall décor from the garage or attic, be careful. Spiders often use those bins as hiding places. While most are harmless, black widows are common in California and can pose risks.

Tips for safe decorating:

• Shake out wreaths, garlands and table décor before bringing them indoors.
• Dust and vacuum corners regularly.
• Keep outdoor lights off when possible; fewer insects means fewer spiders.
  

Pantry Pests: Holiday Baking’s Worst Enemy

Flour beetles, weevils and Indian meal moths love pantry staples like flour, cereal, spices and baking mixes. Nothing ruins your first hosted Thanksgiving like opening a bag of flour and finding it moving.

Smart pantry prep for first-time hosts:

• Inspect flour, grains and spices before buying.
• Store dry goods in sealed glass or plastic containers.
• Clean shelves and toss expired items.
• Clean up spills from flour, sugar or oats as soon as they happen.
  

Prep Early for a Stress-Free, Pest-Free Holiday

The best way to avoid Thanksgiving pest surprises is to give your home a little pre-holiday tune-up. Check for gaps, clean out the pantry and keep food sealed and stored properly. If you spot signs of pests - droppings, webs, gnawed packaging or live insects - Clark is here to help.

Trusted Pest Protection from Clark Pest Control

Call California’s friendly, trusted pest control expert at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or email clarkcares@clarkpest.com for help keeping your first Thanksgiving (and every holiday after) pest-free.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark thank you for helping keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.

From our Clark family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and happy hosting!