While we’re still a couple months away from Christmas and other winter holidays, many homeowners are already thinking about putting up Christmas or other holiday lights on their properties. If you’re among them, what should you be thinking about to ensure this process goes well and doesn’t cause any issues on your property?
At Logan Extermination, we’re more than just a pest control company serving clients around Logan. We also offer related property services like lawn maintenance, tree service and more to keep your entire property in great shape all year round. Here are some tips from our experts in a few of our key service areas that surround Christmas or holiday light installation on your property, ensuring your process goes smoothly and doesn’t create any problems.
Checking Lights for Pests
For most homes, Christmas or other holiday lights go up on the house for a few months of the year – and then are stored away for the remainder. But what happens when pests find a way to nest in those lights? Not only can this cause damage to your lights, but it can also create a pest infestation that spreads throughout your entire property.
To avoid this potential issue, be sure to thoroughly check your lights before and after use. Look for any signs of pest activity, such as chewed wires or droppings. If you spot any, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company to address the problem immediately.
Check Gutter Areas for Pests
If you’re planning to put up holiday lights that will be near your home’s gutters, it’s important to also check these areas for pests. Gutters can become a prime spot for pest nesting and breeding, especially if they are clogged with debris.
Make sure to clear out any leaves, twigs, or other debris from your gutters before hanging lights nearby. This not only helps prevent pest infestations but also ensures that rainwater can flow freely through the gutters and away from your home.
Holiday Lights on Trees
Hanging holiday lights on trees is a common approach for many properties. Here are a few tips for doing so effectively:
- Use lightweight lights: Especially if your trees are tall, make sure to use lights that won’t weigh down the branches and potentially cause breaks or damage.
- Test your lights beforehand: Nothing is more frustrating than hanging all of your lights only to find out they don’t work. Test them before you begin decorating.
- Use extension cords safely: If you need to use an extension cord for your tree lights, make sure it’s rated for outdoor use and always plug it into a GFCI outlet for safety.
- Clearing yard: For extension cords or other decorations that may need to run through your yard, make sure to clear any debris or trip hazards beforehand. This will not only make installation easier but also prevent accidents.
- Keep flammable materials away: Make sure to keep any flammable materials, such as wrapping paper or ribbons, away from the tree and lights. This will reduce the risk of a fire hazard.
Checking Outlets and Other Exterior Property Areas
Before hanging your holiday lights this year, it’s important to check all outlets and other exterior property areas. This includes checking for any potential electrical hazards or damage that may have occurred since last year. Here are some tips for checking your outlets and other outdoor areas:
- Inspect for any visible damage: Look for any signs of wear and tear on your outlets, such as cracked covers or loose wiring. If you notice anything damaged, it’s best to get a professional electrician to fix it before using the outlet.
- Test the outlets: Use a tool such as a multimeter to test if the outlet is working properly. Make sure to also check the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, which are designed to protect against electrical shocks.
- Keep outlets covered: When not in use, keep your outdoor outlets covered to protect them from rain, snow, and other elements. This will also prevent any debris or insects from getting inside the outlet.
As you can see, there are a few basic concepts to keep in mind as you’re looking to hang Christmas or other holiday lights on your home’s exterior this fall or winter.
At Logan Extermination, we’re here to assist clients around Logan and nearby areas with a wide range of property needs, from pest control to lawn maintenance, tree care and more. Contact us for tips on installing holiday lights, or for any of our other services!