On biscuits, dried fruit and packaging: These pests threaten to ruin the Christmas season

Paper fish nest in cardboard boxes and books. They grow up to one and a half centimeters and are harmless. However, they multiply rapidly and can be a nuisance. “Especially because they are difficult to get rid of,” says pest expert Müller. Paperfish feed on paper, cardboard boxes, books, newspapers, toilet paper and plastic. They prefer a dry environment and are packaged from online orders and brought home. Especially as Christmas approaches, between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.

This helps against this: Müller recommends quickly removing cardboard boxes from the house and, in case of infestation, applying silicate powder to joints and cracks and sealing them with silicone. And: “Keep important documents and books in airtight plastic boxes so paper fish can’t eat them.”

Dried fruit moth is not only found in dried fruits. “It is one of the most common food pests,” says Müller. The one-centimeter-long gray-brown moths feel especially comfortable in grain products, corn, rice, pasta and nuts. They lay their eggs there and they pupate before hatching. Their appearance is not a sign of poor hygiene, Müller says. “They are often introduced through purchased food.” This can be especially a problem at Christmas time when nuts or delicious gift baskets are handed out. “If these foods sit around for a long time, dried fruit moths get over it easily,” Müller said.

This helps against thisIf there is doubt, commercially available pheromone traps can help confirm infestation, according to Müller. Pheromone, a smell that attracts insects, is not a tool in the fight against moths. “Even if there is a minor infestation, you should throw away the affected food.” It is also recommended to clean affected cabinets and store food in airtight jars.

The sowbug is barely visible and nests in baked goods and spices. According to Gabi Müller, an infestation may occur, especially during the Christmas period. “Breadbugs feel especially at home on Advent wreaths decorated with gingerbread or nuts.” Since these are often decorations, an infestation is usually only noticed too late, according to Müller. “This allows insects to proliferate undetected.”

This helps against this: According to Müller, infected food or decorative materials should be thrown away. Only if in doubt, it is enough to heat it in the oven to 60 degrees or freeze it in the freezer for a day. Müller: “This kills all stages of the insect’s development.” To prevent new infestations, Müller also recommends storing food in canning jars. If the bugs return, there’s only one thing left to do: have all rooms treated by a pest control company.