Monday, December 29, 2003
Bugs may be attracted to some of your baubles.
All of that tender loving care you took in putting up your Christmas decorations and now it's already time to take them down.
It's a big job to get everything properly wrapped, boxed and stored. You want your decorations to be safe and in good condition for next year.
One thing people often don't think about is the possibility that their decorations may be attacked by bugs. There's nothing more frustrating than finding bugs in your closets or cupboards. Some of your Christmas decorations may be the culprit.
Any dried plant or food material is susceptible to attack by pests. Insects thrive on decorative seeds and nuts. They love the seeds found inside pine cones.
In one instance, a homeowner kept finding little worms in her closet throughout the year, but was unable to fine the source until she opened her Christmas decorations. The insects had been thriving on the previous year's popcorn string and other decorations.
The small flour-dough figures that children make in school are also susceptible to attack. These are made from a flour and water mixture or a cornstarch paste. In either case, insect pests sometimes appear where they are being stored.
Cloth items
Wool Christmas items, like a tree skirt used around the base of the Christmas tree, felt and wool wall hangings, table covers and table decorations need special protection from carpet beetles and clothes moths.
Articles with felt bases such as nativity scenes, electric window sill candles and antique decorations require protection from carpet beetles. Take special precautions with your Christmas decorations following measures used for clothing and other items stored for extensive time periods.
Try to place all organic materials in a tight box along with some moth balls. Some people put pine-cone wreaths and organic materials in a plastic garbage bag along with a no-pest strip or moth balls, seal it, and then place it in another box. Hopefully this will give you the protections you need from pests and allow you to enjoy those special decorations from year to year without damage.
For more information contact the Ohio State University Extension office at 490 S. Broad St., Canfield, Ohio 44406, or call (330) 533-5538.
XSource: Ohio State University Extension