Heading off on holiday should feel exciting, not stressful. Whether you’re off to Spain for some sun or taking a family break down the country, the last thing you want is to come home to ants in the kitchen or scratching in the attic.
At Central Pest Control, we’ve seen it happen more than you’d think. A house left undisturbed, even for a week or two, can become very attractive to pests.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s how to pest-proof your home before you lock the door and head off.
1. Take the Rubbish Out (Yes, All of It)
It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most common causes of holiday pest problems.
Before you leave:
- Empty all indoor bins (including bathroom bins)
- Take food waste out to the main bin
- Make sure your outside wheelie bin lid closes tightly
- Rinse out the recycling if needed
Even small food residues can attract ants, flies or rodents while you’re away.
2. Don’t Leave Food Behind
Pests are opportunists. If food is accessible, they’ll find it.
Before your trip:
- Store dry foods (rice, cereal, flour) in sealed containers
- Clear fruit from countertops
- Wipe down cupboards and shelves
- Vacuum crumbs from under appliances
Rodents can chew through cardboard and thin plastic. Airtight containers are your safest bet.
3. Remove Easy Water Sources
Food isn’t the only thing pests need; they also need water.
Before leaving:
- Fix any dripping taps
- Don’t leave pet water bowls out
- Clear sink drains of debris
- If you’ll be gone for a while, consider turning off the water supply
A small leak can sustain pests for weeks.
4. Seal Entry Points
Ireland’s weather already encourages pests to seek shelter indoors. An empty house is even more inviting.
Check for:
- Gaps under doors
- Cracks around windows
- Open vents
- Holes where pipes enter walls
Even a small gap is enough for mice to squeeze through.
5. Tidy the Garden Before You Go
Your garden can act as a launchpad for pests entering your home.
Before you leave:
- Trim bushes away from walls
- Store firewood away from the house
- Clear fallen fruit
- Make sure gutters aren’t blocked
Rodents often use overgrown shrubs and stacked materials as cover before finding a way inside
6. Don’t Advertise That You’re Away
An unattended home feels safer for pests to explore.
Simple steps like:
- Setting light timers
- Asking a neighbour to check in
- Parking a car in the driveway (if possible)
…can reduce the sense of vacancy and discourage both pests and unwanted visitors.
7. Do a Final Walk-Through
Before you leave, do one last check:
- Are the windows fully closed?
- Is pet food sealed away?
- Are the bins empty?
- Is there any sign of droppings or damage?
If you’ve noticed even minor pest activity before your trip, it’s worth dealing with it beforehand rather than hoping it won’t worsen while you’re gone.
Why Holiday Pest Prevention Matters
When a home is quiet, dark, and undisturbed, pests feel safe to explore and nest. A small issue can quickly grow into a larger infestation over a two-week break.
Prevention is always easier and far less stressful than returning to an unpleasant surprise.
Enjoy Your Holiday, We’ll Handle the Rest
At Central Pest Control, we help homeowners across Ireland protect their properties year-round. If you’d like peace of mind before your next trip, a professional inspection can identify potential risks you may not spot yourself.
So before you pack the sunscreen and passports, take a little time to pest-proof your home.
That way, the only thing waiting for you when you return… is your suitcase to unpack.
📞 Contact Central Pest Control today for trusted pest control services in Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare.
👉 Contact us today to protect your property and peace of mind.
📞 Call Central Pest Control today
📍 Serving Dublin, Wicklow & Kildare
Get in touch today to book a consultation or learn more about our services.
Dublin: (01) 200 5900 | Mobile: 086 608 9650
Email: info@centralpestcontrol.ie | Web: www.centralpestcontrol.ie
Shankill Business Centre, Station Road, Shankill, Dublin, D18 NIN2
