How to Keep Pantry Pests From Invading Your Kitchen
Pantry bugs are a normal part of living in a home where there’s food and they will appear once or twice but any more than that is a sign of a problem.
They typically go after flour, rice, cereal, or dried fruits but you may also find them in bags of chips or bread. This is why it’s important to keep your pantry as clean as possible to prevent them from coming inside.
Keep reading to learn how to get rid of pantry pests efficiently and keep your cupboards clean and bug-free.
What Are Pantry Pests?
Pantry pests are tiny bugs that feed on your pantry items like rice, bread crumbs, cereal, flour, sugar, spices, and almost any other dry food you keep in there. Pantry bugs can be ants, beetles, fruit flies, weevils, meal moths, flour mites, cockroaches, and even mice.
Inspect the Groceries After Shopping
Sometimes, pantry bugs can enter your home through store-bought food. If a package is slightly damaged, it’s an easy way for bugs to make their way in.
When shopping for pantry groceries, inspect them as you pick them up or when you get home. If you do find an open or damaged bag, inspect the contents carefully. In most cases, there won’t be any bugs in there but it’s always good to double-check before storing it in the pantry.
Clean the Pantry Thoroughly
If you find a bug, a moth, or any other pest in pantry, it’s time to clean and disinfect it thoroughly. Pests are quick to multiply so where there’s one, there’s probably more.
First, remove any items that are old, expired, or not sealed properly. Throw away the item where you found the bug and everything nearby. Then, vacuum the pantry and wipe every surface with soap and warm water.
Check the Expiration Dates
If you have old or expired pantry items, it’s time to toss them away and replace them with new ones. insects in pantry are often attracted to perishable food so check your items regularly. You should also check the non-perishable items like peanut butter, honey, tea, coffee, and sugar to make sure there are no bugs.
Inspect the Containers
Before transferring something into a jar or container, inspect the containers closely. Even if they’re clean or you washed them recently, there may be a bug hiding in there.
The best storage containers for pantry items are jars or glass containers with airtight lids. These create a seal that won’t allow any air, moisture, or pests to come in contact with the food.
Hire an Exterminator
If your pantry pest problem persists or becomes too big to handle, it’s time to call an exterminator. Pantry pests control will view the problem and know exactly what to use for the specific type of bug.
Getting Rid of Pantry Pests Is Easy With These Simple Tips
Pantry pests can take over your entire kitchen if you don’t get rid of them properly. These tips will help you recognize if you have a pest problem and give you the steps to eliminating them from your home.
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