13 Critters You’ll Be Grateful for This Holiday Season

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It’s the holiday season, and while the preparations are often centered around family gatherings, cozy meals, and Christmas lights, another group behind the scenes is helping to make life a bit brighter. They aren’t your standard festive elves: these are critters that help us control our homes and gardens. They do everything from keeping your space cozy, to providing a little holiday cheer — they deserve their moment in the spotlight.

This list takes a look at some surprising creatures, and a few uninvited ones, you’ll likely find this season. When you’re trimming the tree or trying to sneak a sip of eggnog, these critters are doing their thing, whether you see them or not. Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of the holidays — the ones who sometimes make us laugh, cringe, or breathe a sigh of relief.

Ladybugs

During the winter, it is not uncommon to find ladybugs clustered in homes. Legend has it that they symbolize prosperity and protection. Plus, during the warmer months they munch on aphids and plant pests to make sure your garden is ready for spring blooms.

Raccoons

Yes, raccoons are nature’s little recyclers, even though they can make a mess. When you see them raiding your compost, they’re helping to spread seeds and reduce waste. Although you will need to clean up after them, they serve as a reminder to us to be more mindful of what we toss.

Foxes

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If you’re lucky enough to see a fox in a snowy landscape, you’ve seen nature’s holiday card. Small animal populations are kept in check, helping to keep ecosystems in check, by foxes. With their wild grace, they add to the season some beauty from the world that lives beyond our front doors.

Geckos

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If you’ve ever seen a gecko pop out from behind your refrigerator, consider it your tiny kitchen guardian. Roaches, ants and other pests that could crash your holiday feasts are the food of geckos. They are the silent workers, so a mental high five when you see one scurrying back to its hideout would be an appropriate response.

Bees

How about those delightful candles on your holiday table? That warm, golden glow was created by beeswax bees, so we should give them a round of applause. Wax is made by bees when they build honeycombs, and for centuries humans have been harvesting this natural material. It’s an effort that keeps on giving, sweet honey for your tea and beautiful candles for your décor.

Frogs

You’ve seen a bit of seasonal magic if you’ve ever brought in a bouquet and discovered a tiny frog lodged among the stems. Frogs help keep insects away from the garden and the house. They’re nature’s pest control, hopping in to keep your flowers looking their best for holiday guests.

Ants

If this sounds crazy, ants somehow know where we hide things, even medicine. In fact, scientists now use their relentless curiosity to further understand pheromones and chemical trails in cutting edge research aimed at tracking medical substances. They might annoy you, but those instincts have proven invaluable in some very surprising ways.

Moths

Maybe moths are party crashers, but the ones flittering near your liquor cabinet have a point. There are moths that like the scents of grains and spirits, indicating that there must be a well stocked bar. It’s also a nod to the way nature never misses a chance to throw a party.

Bats

Bats, and the other flying creatures, are the unsung heroes of pest control because they snack on mosquitoes and other bugs that may sneak into your house. If you find one in your attic or basement, it’s probably because your home is warm and inviting.

Mice

Have you ever wondered what makes those evenings by the fireplace so peaceful? You might want to thank the little mice that sometimes make their way into your woodpile. Though they’re not the sort of guests you’d like eating your fruitcake, they spread seeds and help keep ecosystems in check. However, make sure they stay outside, where they should be.

Spiders

You may scream before you hear us out. Well, during the colder months, house spiders are your home’s silent sentinels. These eight legged wonders do act as tiny unpaid pest control experts, keeping insect populations in check. They may not be helping you decorate cookies, but they’re keeping your kitchen critter free.

Earthworms

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When you’re keeping busy with the pies, earthworms are at work in your garden, keeping the soil aerated and the plant roots breathing. Those tireless efforts bring you fresh herbs and winter vegetables for your holiday meals. Some of the magic of your backyard would be lost without them.

Squirrels

Perhaps the original holiday decorators, squirrels go out and gather and arrange acorns with just as much flair as someone hanging ornaments. Even the busiest of holiday preparations can get a little bit of light hearted cheer by watching them out your window. And those buried acorns? In the spring, they sprout trees which is a big give back to the environment.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.