Blog written by: E. Leraaen
It’s one thing to share cereal with your kids or family, but it’s another thing to share it with pests that have raided your pantry. Not only are they eating food without your permission, they are contaminating an entire bag of goods. Pantry Pests don’t only include mice, but a variety of beetles, moths, ants, and other species that all have the same taste in food as you. There are some steps you can take to help prevent these visitors for showing up for a snack.
Prevention starts in the grocery store
Many pests enter your home by hitching a ride in your groceries. Check the items you are purchasing for any sign of damage in the packaging. Rips, holes or tears enable those little critters to infest groceries before leaving the store. This also includes pet food, dog treats, bird seed and suet. Pests also enjoy those treats as well so ensure that these products are sealed properly as well.
Try to purchase smaller quantities of items
The longer items sit in your cupboard the more opportunity there is for an infestation. Try buying smaller quantities and replacing items more often. Also check for expiration dates and specialty items that are bought once a year, like holiday food items or international items used less often.
Clean your cupboards and surrounding areas
When cupboards are free of crumbs and spills are wiped up immediately, the pests will be unable to find a free lunch. There’s no need to use harsh chemicals, simple soap and warm water will do the trick.
Store pantry items properly
Airtight containers, such as mason jars, plastic or glass containers with well-sealed lids, are great at keeping pests at bay. If you see an infestation, start working immediately to dispose of these pests. Throw away infested items, clean the area and make sure to tie your garbage tightly and bring it outside your home to a trash bin right away. Remember, when you can see the infestation, the bugs are typically adults. There can still be eggs hidden in your pantry items. If they aren’t in an airtight container, err on the side of caution and dispose of these items. Prevention is the key so arm yourself with the information above to keep your cupboards pest free.
Related Posts
What to Do If You See a Cockroach in Your Home
Spotting a cockroach in your home can be unsettling. Whether it scurries across the floor or hides behind an appliance, it’s not something anyone wants to see. While one roach doesn’t always signal a full-blown infestation, it’s often a sign that others may be nearby. Acting quickly can make all the difference in preventing a…
The Great Rodent Escape: How Mice Are Living the Dream (In Your Walls)
If you think your home is your sanctuary, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, you may be sharing it with some very uninvited, and surprisingly crafty, roommates. Mice are masters of stealth and survival, and when the temperatures drop or food becomes scarce outdoors, they start looking for luxury accommodations. Cue: your walls, attic, basement, and pantry.…
The Most Common Spiders in Homes and How to Deal with Them
It’s never fun to come across a spider in your home, whether it’s skittering across the bathroom floor or dangling from a basement beam. But while spiders might be unwelcome guests, most are harmless and even beneficial in small numbers. Still, if you’re seeing more spiders than usual or want to keep them out entirely,…