It’s the holidays and that means lots of gifts, guests and, of course, plenty of tasty treats. All too often, though, in the hustle and bustle of shopping, prepping, serving and the post-meal clean ups, food isn’t stored or discarded as well as it should be — and that can lead to some serious pest problems that live on long after the last Christmas cookie.

Unless you’re going to eat those cookies or savory holiday leftovers right away, ditch the plastic bags and budget storage containers. Not only can common household bugs, roaches, moths and other pests easily get inside, but they can also leave larvae and other remnants behind, creating a long-term issue that may live on long after you toss the container.

Mason jars and airtight glass containers that seal or lock are the best for keeping bugs out. For added protection, look for storage containers that have a silicon or rubber seal on the lid — those are virtually impenetrable by household pests, and be easily be stored in cabinets, pantries, refrigerators or freezers.

Storing food in the basement or, even, the garage temporarily? Most bugs enter through cracks along floors’ edges or at the bases of walls. Be sure to leave at least two or three inches between the wall and your storage containers, and store food two to three feet above the floor, if possible. If you’re planning to keep food in the basement for an extended period — more than a few days — be sure to package everything in airtight metal or glass containers, as outlined in top #2.

Despite the cooler temperatures, household pests and bugs can still wreak havoc on holiday meals and leftovers. But, with some planning and careful food storage, you can ensure your food is fresh and insect-free all season long. Cheers!