Preparing for a Pest-Free Vacation: What to Do Before You Leave
- Michael Radovic
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Planning a vacation involves more than packing your bags and setting an out-of-office reply. If your home or business is unoccupied even for a few days—it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent pests from moving in while you're away. Rodents, cockroaches, ants, and other intruders are opportunistic and quick to take advantage of quiet, empty spaces.
Imagine this: you return from a relaxing week away, only to find a trail of ants in the kitchen or signs of rodents in the pantry. It's an avoidable nightmare—and one that happens more often than you'd think. The good news is, a little preparation goes a long way.
Why Vacant Properties Attract Pests
An unoccupied home or office is like an open invitation to pests. With no daily activity to deter them, pests can enter, settle, and multiply without interruption. Even short trips create windows of opportunity—especially if food, moisture, or shelter is available.
Summer pest activity peaks as temperatures rise, making seasonal travel a particularly risky time to leave properties unchecked.
What Can Go Wrong: Real Risks of Leaving Pests Unchecked
Pests aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause real damage in a short amount of time. While you’re away, common issues include:
Food contamination: Rodents and cockroaches can chew through packaging and leave droppings behind.
Structural damage: Mice and rats may gnaw on wires, insulation, or wooden supports.
Water damage: Rodents often chew through hoses or piping, leading to slow leaks that go undetected.
Unpleasant odors: Dead insects or droppings can quickly create unsanitary conditions and persistent smells.
Insurance headaches: Some policies don’t cover pest-related damage if it’s deemed preventable.
Vacation Prep Checklist: Pest Prevention Before You Leave
Before locking the door and heading out, use this checklist to reduce the risk of infestations:
Seal entry points: Inspect around windows, doors, vents, and utility lines. Use weather stripping, caulk, or mesh to block gaps.
Store food properly: Clear counters of fruit, bread, and open snacks. Transfer pantry items to sealed containers and store pet food indoors.
Empty trash bins: Take out all garbage and move outdoor cans away from doors and windows. Make sure lids close tightly.
Eliminate standing water: Check for leaks under sinks and around appliances. Empty water trays under planters, fridges, and dehumidifiers.
Clean thoroughly: Wipe down kitchen surfaces, vacuum or sweep floors, and check under furniture for food crumbs.
Close chimney flues and unused vents: Prevent access points for rodents, birds, or insects.
Secure recycling and compost: Wash containers and store them properly to avoid attracting pests with lingering residue.
Consider a scheduled inspection: If you’ll be away for more than a week, a professional pest control check can offer peace of mind.
Additional Tips for Business Owners
Unattended commercial properties can be just as vulnerable, especially those with kitchens, storage, or foot traffic. Before closing up:
Secure breakrooms and food storage areas.
Ensure dumpsters are emptied and kept closed.
Shut off non-essential water sources to reduce humidity.
Lock up inventory and protect stock from contamination or nesting.
If possible, ask a trusted employee or building manager to stop by and check in periodically.
For example, one business returned after a long weekend to discover mice had chewed through wiring behind a vending machine—costing them both repairs and lost revenue.
Don’t Let Pests Welcome You Home
No one wants to come home to a pest problem. With a few simple, preventative measures, you can protect your home or business from costly and stressful infestations while you're away.
Need help getting your property pest-ready? Luxe Pest Control offers pre-travel inspections and year-round residential and commercial pest control solutions.
Call 800-585-5893 or visit https://www.luxepestcontrol.com/contact-us to schedule an appointment before your next getaway.
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