Thanksgiving week brings family, food, and warm holiday gatherings — but here in the Coachella Valley, it can also bring an unexpected problem: an uptick in kitchen pests.
When ovens are running for hours, doors open repeatedly, and ingredients are scattered across the counter, your home becomes a prime target for ants, cockroaches, and pantry pests searching for easy meals. And because desert nights cool down this time of year, pests are already on the move indoors.
Below is what every homeowner should know to stay protected this holiday season.
Read more: Why Squishing Ants Can Make Your Infestation Worse
Why Pests Become More Active During Thanksgiving Week
Holiday cooking creates the perfect combination of warmth, moisture, and food, all of which attract pests. Ovens run for long periods, kitchen sinks fill up fast, trash cans overflow, and crumbs accumulate before you even notice.
Even national resources point out that pest activity spikes around food-heavy holidays — the USDA notes that food safety and sanitation become especially important during Thanksgiving prep.
Meanwhile, cooler desert evenings drive pests indoors. Ants search for moisture near sinks and dishwashers, while cockroaches move toward warm appliances. As the EPA explains, winter and late-fall weather pushes pests inside earlier than most homeowners expect.
This combination makes Thanksgiving week one of the most active periods for kitchen pests in desert regions like the Coachella Valley.To understand why pests behave this way, the Smithsonian provides background on how ants respond to temperature shifts and food availability — making holiday kitchens a natural target.
Read more: What Should I Do If I Find a Black Widow Spider
The Most Common Thanksgiving Kitchen Pests
1. Ants
Argentine ants and odorous house ants are especially active this time of year. Sugar spills, sticky ingredients, and water near sinks create irresistible trails.
2. Cockroaches
Warm ovens, cluttered counters, and leftovers provide ideal conditions for roaches to hide and feed. Even one sighting during Thanksgiving prep often means there’s more activity happening behind the scenes.
3. Pantry Pests
Flour, spices, grains, and boxed baking mixes can attract beetles and moths if stored improperly. They thrive in warm, dark pantry spaces — especially during baking-heavy holidays.
Read more: The Smell of Cockroaches: What It Means and How to Get Rid of It
How to Prevent Kitchen Pests Before Guests Arrive
Preparing for Thanksgiving doesn’t need to include battling pests. These steps help keep your holiday stress-free:
1. Keep counters and cooking areas dry
Ants and roaches follow moisture. Wipe spills immediately and avoid leaving damp towels or sponges out overnight.
2. Seal food in airtight containers
Flour, sugar, cereals, and baking supplies should be stored in sealed plastic or glass containers — especially during a week of nonstop cooking.
3. Take out the trash more often
Holiday cooking produces more waste. Overflowing bins attract unwanted visitors fast.
4. Keep doors and windows closed
Guests tend to leave doors cracked open while carrying food or decorations. Even small gaps make perfect entry points for pests.
5. Clean behind appliances
Crumbs behind ovens and dishwashers are some of the biggest Thanksgiving attractants.
Read more: Gamers Beware: Roaches Could Be Hiding in Your PS5 or Xbox
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I see more ants during Thanksgiving week?
A: Warm kitchens, sugar spills, and moisture attract ants. Cooler nights in the desert also drive them indoors.
Q: Are roaches more active around holiday cooking?
A: Yes. They seek heat from ovens and microwaves and feed on crumbs, grease, and food scraps.
Q: How do I know if pantry pests are hiding in my baking supplies?
A: Look for webbing, clumping, or tiny insects in flour, grains, or spices.
Q: Should I handle pests myself during Thanksgiving week?
A: DIY sprays may scatter colonies. If you see persistent activity, a professional inspection is recommended.
Protect Your Home This Holiday Season
A beautiful Thanksgiving shouldn’t include unexpected pests in the kitchen. Frazier Pest Control provides safe, reliable, and locally tailored treatments to keep Coachella Valley homes protected during the busiest cooking week of the year.
If you notice ants, roaches, or pantry pests before or after Thanksgiving, call Frazier Pest Control at (760) 328-6115 or schedule a service at 👉 https://frazierpestcontrol.com/
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