The holiday season is a time for joy, but for many Florida homeowners, retrieving decorations from attic storage can reveal an unpleasant surprise: signs of rodents. Roof rats and other pests often seek shelter in attics during cooler months, making stored holiday items a prime target for nesting and contamination. Finding Rat Droppings in Holiday Decorations can be extremely distressing, so here are some things to watch for and prevention tips to prevent a reoccurrence. 

Why Attics Attract Rodents During Winter

Florida’s mild winters still drive rodents indoors in search of warmth and food. Attics provide insulation, quiet spaces, and easy access to stored materials like cardboard boxes and fabric—perfect for nesting. If your decorations have been sitting untouched for months, they could be hiding more than ornaments.

What to Look For When Accessing Holiday Storage

Before bringing decorations into your living space, inspect for these common signs of rodent activity:

• Droppings: Rat droppings are dark, spindle-shaped, and about ½ inch long. Fresh droppings appear moist, while older ones are dry and crumbly.
• Urine Stains and Odor: A strong ammonia-like smell often indicates an active infestation.
• Chewed Materials: Look for gnaw marks on insulation, cardboard boxes, and even stored decorations. Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth sharp.
• Shredded Nesting Material: Insulation, paper, and fabric may be torn apart and piled in hidden corners.
• Damaged Wiring: Rats often chew electrical cords, creating a serious fire hazard.

Health Risks of Rodent Contamination

Rodent droppings and urine can carry harmful pathogens, including leptospirosis and hantavirus. Handling contaminated decorations without proper precautions can expose you and your family to illness. Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning affected areas, and avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings, which can aerosolize bacteria.

Prevention Tips for Holiday Storage

To keep pests out of your decorations year-round:

• Use Plastic Containers: Replace cardboard boxes with durable, sealed plastic bins.
• Clean Before Storing: Remove food-based décor like popcorn garlands and candy canes.
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your attic for gaps around vents, soffits, and utility lines.
• Declutter: Reduce nesting opportunities by keeping storage areas organized.

When to Call a Professional

If you find extensive droppings, chewed wires, or strong odors, contact a licensed pest control company immediately. Roof rats reproduce quickly and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Professional services include thorough inspections, safe trapping or baiting, exclusion repairs, and long-term monitoring.

Bottom Line: A quick inspection before decorating can save you from health hazards and costly repairs. By taking preventive steps and acting fast when you spot signs of rodents, you can keep your holidays merry — and your home pest-free.