There are a few things more frustrating than heading to the pantry or cupboard for your favorite snack to find that something else got there first! Be it a grain beetle, moth, ant, or mouse – any infestation in your ingredients is a major annoyance and a health hazard.
Luckily, there are some simple hints and tips to prevent pesky little visitors from invading your stash. Here are six ideas to get you started. If you are struggling with an ongoing infestation problem, don’t hesitate to contact Pro Trap for a quick and effective solution.
Why Is Pantry Pest Control So Important?
Aside from the obvious nuisance pests cause, they can also create serious health hazards. The germs and bacteria they spread can make people sick, and cross-contamination with other food will only make the problem worse.
A small pest problem can quickly become a major issue if not tackled swiftly and effectively. Cockroaches, flour beetles, and other bugs quickly increase their numbers, so dealing with them as soon as possible is a must.
1: Seal Your Food Effectively
Pests are far more likely to infest a food source they have easy access to. Keeping food items in a sealed container or zip-lock bag can go a long way to keeping them out.
Make sure your sealed plastic or glass containers have tightly fitted lids (airtight containers are best) and no cracks. If you have an open packet that you are not going to finish all at once, transfer the remainder into a labeled tub or sealed bag instead.
2: Pay Attention to the Expiration Date
Many pantry items have a long shelf life, which is great for limiting food waste- but it can mean things get forgotten about. Pests tend to thrive on ingredients that are left undisturbed and may be more attractive to those that have gone stale.
Although things like baking ingredients and spice packets last a long time, they do slowly go bad and go off eventually. Check your dry goods regularly and get rid of anything that is past its date and won’t be used.
If you buy a certain ingredient for a particular recipe and are unlikely to use it up, consider getting rid of it instead of leaving it in the pantry. Compost it, add it to your food waste, or look for a way to use it quickly.
3: Be Smart with Your Shopping
People don’t always realize that many pest problems originate when they buy ingredients that are already infested. Flour and rice are prime culprits- but any packet that shows signs of damage should be avoided.
Check each package you pick up in the store for any signs of tears or holes, and don’t buy them if you are uncertain of their integrity. If you do accidentally purchase infested food items and end up with a pantry pest infestation, give Pro Trap a call.
4: Make Hygiene a Constant Priority
Dirty, greasy, and dusty spots attract pests. A big part of pest prevention is keeping things clean and tidy. It’s important to wipe up any crumbs lying around your cabinet, cupboard, or pantry and immediately clean anything you spill.
The same applies to countertops and kitchen floors. It is not only items in the pantry that can attract little beasties. Any mess can lure them in, so it is best to avoid any tempting dirty patches.
Use a bin with a liner and lid, and keep it closed when not in use. Empty the bins as soon as possible once they are full, and avoid leaving full bin bags lying around indoors. Additionally, avoid leaving snacks and baking ingredients lying open or near the floor.
5: Use Bay Leaf as a Natural Pest Control
The unmistakable pungent scent of bay leaves can actually help repel some pests- especially moths and cockroaches. They don’t like the smell and are more likely to avoid areas where it is present.
Leave a few lying out on pantry shelves or in cabinets where you keep dry ingredients. You can even put a bay leaf inside sealed receptacles such as packets or bags of flour or rice for extra prevention. It is unlikely to be a big enough deterrent on its own, but it can help protect your food alongside other measures.
6: Contact a Professional Pest Management Company to Defeat and Prevent Pantry Pests
Sometimes, even your best efforts to prevent pesky pantry pests fall short, and unwanted visitors manage to infest your food stock. Luckily, there is professional help at hand to get things back under control.
Pest control services are fast and effective and are sometimes the only way to eradicate an infestation. You don’t need to wait until things are bad- calling in the experts early can keep your pantry safe and hygienic.
Many pantry pests can be hard to get rid of once they settle in, and they can spread quickly. If you end up with an infestation and can’t seem to get things back to normal, it is best to call the professionals.
Pro Trap: Your Professional Pest Control Experts
Pro Trap is the leading expert in pest control in Windsor, Ontario. Our professional methods are quick, effective, and long-lasting- and can give you your pantry back in no time.
We specialize in cockroach and ant removal, amongst other things- and provide advice for homeowners dealing with pantry bugs and nuisances.
Call the team today to learn more or to arrange for our team to inspect your home and find the best solution for your pantry pests.
Summary: Simple Steps for a Pest-Free Pantry
Knowing how to prevent pests from ruining your food stash can save a lot of time, stress, and money- and helps keep you and your loved ones safe. Simple hygiene and smart storage hacks go a long way, but further steps are sometimes necessary.
To recap, you can prevent pest activity in your pantry by:
- Keeping dry goods like flour and spices sealed in airtight containers
- Cleaning up any spills or crumbs straight away
- Maintaining good pantry hygiene
- Checking bags and boxes before bringing them home
- Putting bay leaves in your pantry and inside some containers
- Disposing of old, out-of-date products promptly
Follow this advice, and you should be able to minimize the risk of new infestations- but it is still good to be on the lookout for any signs of pests.
When pantry pests enter your home, it is crucial to act quickly before they make themselves comfortable. Try using these tips, and if you need more help, call Pro Trap for expert pest control services in Windsor you can count on.
