Pests in your kitchen pantry are something no homeowner wants to deal with. It can be frustrating, trying to keep everything so clean that no pests ever invade. But are you doing the right things to combat these invaders?
There are several ways to combat pantry pests. However , by understanding your enemy, using airtight containers, discarding open packages, eliminating moisture, cleaning regularly, and sealing entry points, you can reduce the risk of your home being overrun.
In this article, you will learn a step-by-step process of winning the fight over pantry pests.
Step One: Understand Your Most Likely Pantry Pests
Before you can adequately fight the pests within your kitchen and pantry, you must understand who is coming to dinner. Not only do you need to know what may be dropping in for a feast, but you also need to know what they find so attractive in your stores, to begin with.
Many different varmints in Arizona may come into your pantry and help themselves to dinner. Most commonly, you're going to deal with:
- Ants
- Roaches
- Rats
- Crickets
- Spiders, including the dreaded black widow.
You may also see termites and scorpions in your home.
Ants and their companions usually show up for various foods, even crumbs too small for you to notice. On the other hand, spiders generally only come in to feast on the other bugs that have invaded your home. If you see spiders, you need to start looking for different pests and cut off their food source.
Step Two: Use Airtight Containers
Once you know what you are fighting against, it's time to start pest-proofing your pantry. Containers that aren't airtight can draw in ants, roaches, and other pests that will contaminate and eat your food. Start by moving all of your food into airtight containers.
Put flour and sugar in canisters that seal. While you can use any type of airtight container, you may find that some items store better in glass jars while others work well in plastic. Chips, crackers, and cookies can go into sealed containers as well. It is up to you whether you pour the chips into the box or just place the entire bag inside.
When storing your grains such as rice or flour, put a bay leaf inside each canister. According to PestWorld.org , pests hate the smell of bay leaves and thus, are less likely to venture into areas that contain them. Additionally, place your flour in the freezer for a couple of days before transferring it to a container. The freezer will kill any potential flour beetles and it will also help maintain the freshness of the flour.
Step Three: Discard Open Packages
As you're reorganizing your pantry to move items into airtight containers, you want to inspect the packages you already have. Open or damaged packages should go in the trash. When buying groceries, you should always check packages to see if there are signs of damage. Never buy any already opened packages.
If you keep fresh fruit either on your counter or in the pantry, check it regularly. It doesn't take long for overripe fruit to attract fruit flies, even if the area is not well known for them. Once fruit flies enter the home, they are difficult to exterminate. Make sure that you throw out all overripe fruits or vegetables before your home becomes infested. If fruit flies have infested, fill a fly trap with vinegar, salt, pepper, and wine. These ingredients will help kill the infesting swarm and keep new ones away.
Step Four: Eliminate Spills and Moisture Sites
Spills, especially from sugary drinks, can attract ants and other pests. To avoid the invasion, immediately clean up any spills that may occur. If you drink soda, always throw out your cans and bottles when you finish them by placing them in a sealed waste or recycling container.
Sugary spills are not the only moisture that attracts pests. Water from leaks or clogged drains might be just what some of your pantry pests need to join your household. Cockroaches and ants love a damp environment to live in. Having a puddle of water makes them happy and is why they are seen more often in humid areas such as the southwest.
If you begin to see roaches or ants in your spotless kitchen, you might want to look around to determine if there is a leak you were unaware of. You should fix the water problem before exterminating the pests. If you don't, your extermination work will be all for naught.
Step Five: No Dirty Dishes and Clean the Counters/Shelves
Like open food in your pantry, having a pile of dirty dishes can attract ants and other pests. Cleaning your dishes when you are finished fixing a meal or snack will help to reduce the chances of bugs coming into your home.
Of course, washing the dishes three and four times a day is not appealing. However, even if you don't have time to scrub them, take the time to thoroughly rinse the plate's food residue before leaving them in the sink or dishwasher. Don't leave dirty dishes overnight or for extended periods. If you see an infestation in your teen's room, it might be time to go searching for the missing plates, cups, and silverware.
Cleaning is a big way to get rid of unwanted pantry pests. You should always clean your counters and stove after each use. You should also go into your pantry to sweep and wipe off shelves at regular intervals. If you see a roach or ants in any cupboard or shelves, you should always remove the food and clean everything thoroughly. Removing the food makes the environment stressful for the bugs and makes it easier to exterminate them.
Step Six: Seal Cracks
With the pantry and kitchen cleaned and free of moisture, there is still one final thing to do. You need to make sure that there are no cracks for them to return through. Check your screens to ensure there are no holes big enough for flies to get through. Seal any gaps you may find along the walls or around doors. You should also add a weather strip to the bottom of all outside doors, especially if they have a bottom gap.
Once your home is sealed, you can add a few other things to entryways and window seals to ensure pests are repelled. For example, according to TasteofHome.com , pests will be less likely to explore areas containing salt pepper, and as mentioned above bay leaves.
Conclusion
By knowing what pests may infiltrate your pantry, using airtight containers, cleaning correctly, and removing any open packages and moisture, you can stop pests from becoming a part of your daily life. Best of luck!