Pantry pests like cockroaches, spiders, and beetles are hard to get rid of. They feed on common dry goods, like flour or rice, and can sneak into your home easily. While mostly harmless, pantry pests can contaminate food items and worsen allergy symptoms. They can also multiply quickly, making it even harder to eliminate them. Here are some ways to keep pantry pests out of your home.
Pantry Cleanliness
The first step in keeping pests out of your home is to keep your pantry and kitchen clean. If food items are left out or unsealed, pantry pests can start feeding on your grocery items. To reduce pests, empty your pantry and vacuum excess crumbs and spider webs every few months. Throw away expired food items and ensure dry goods are sealed. Check any unsealed or opened containers for bugs or droppings. Regularly cleaning countertops, floors and cabinets will also help reduce pests in your home.
Keeping Food Sealed
Pantry pests can easily get into paper bags or cardboard boxes, whether they’re opened or not. Since these pests love dry goods like flour, rice, oats, and cereal, try storing these items in sealed containers. Metal, glass or plastic jars can be purchased anywhere and also allow for bulk buying and waste reduction. Pantry pests can get into your home through small cracks or holes, so make sure to fill any cracks in your doorways or windowsills to keep pests out. Pantry pests can also come from the grocery store or packing facility, so try checking through bulk dry goods before storing them if possible.
Contact a Professional
If you find a few bugs in your pantry, throw away older food items and check opened boxes and containers for more bugs. Clean out your pantry and wipe down shelves and countertops with soap and water. Avoid using bleach or ammonia due to possible food contamination. If you have a pantry pest infestation and you aren’t sure what to do, it’s always best to hire a professional to help keep your home pest-free. We pride ourselves on being the experts in residential and commercial pest control. Contact A-Academy Termite and Pest Control today for an inspection and personalized pest control plan; we’ve been serving New Jersey for almost 40 years.
