Common Kitchen Bugs & Insects

Kitchen Bugs Identification

Ants in the Kitchen

If ants are found marching one-by-one across the kitchen counter, they are most likely odorous house ants, Argentine ants or pavement ants.

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When trying to determine if you have ants in your kitchen, look out for the following characteristics of these home invaders:

• Six legs
• Antennae
• Typically, black, brown, or red (although may be other colors)
• Usually between 1/3” and 1/2” in size
• Small “waist,” large abdomen

All three species mentioned above have ambitious appetites and are attracted to food and moisture, making kitchens an ideal gathering spot. Odorous house ants prefer sweets, while Argentine ants and pavement ants have been known to eat meats, bread, oils and fats. Commonly nesting near moisture sources, ants can be found in wall voids near water pipes and beneath leaky fixtures, including those under the sink.

If the pest in your kitchen match the description above, you likely have ants. However, we recommend contacting a pest control professional to know for certain.

Cockroaches in the Kitchen

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Cockroaches are one of the most common kitchen insects and health code violations in restaurants and other commercial kitchens, but they frequently infest household kitchens, too.

Although there are several different cockroach species, they all generally have the following characteristics:

• Typically reddish brown in color
• Oval-shaped bodies
• Usually between 2/3” and 3” in size
• Can move very quickly
• Prefer dark, moist areas

Do the pests in your kitchen match this description? These skilled hitchhikers can make their way into the heart of the home via cardboard boxes, grocery bags and beverage cartons.

Rodents in the Kitchen

Also known to catch the eye of health inspectors, rodents are regular kitchen invaders as well. These are some of the common signs of a rodent infestation:

• Holes chewed through the walls and floor
• Rodent droppings in cabinets, under sink, and near food packages
• Holes or signs of chewing on food packages
• Rodent nets made from material like fabric and shredded paper

House mice and Norway rats are the most common culprits, as they are often enticed by the food and nesting options that kitchens have to offer. If you see any of the rodent infestation signs in your kitchen, contact a pest control professional.

Flies in the Kitchen

Homeowners may also notice house flies and fruit flies in the kitchen.

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Although there are many different fly species, the following characteristics are typical of those commonly found in kitchens:

• Often times black, brown, or yellow. But flies can also be other colors, such as green
• Forward-facing, large round eyes
• Typically found near food or trash cans

While house flies feed on a wide variety of human foods, fruit flies, per their name, have a particular appetite for fruits and vegetables. Leaving ripe fruit and vegetables sit out on the kitchen counter is a sure-fire way to invite a family of flies to the table.

Pantry Pests in the Kitchen

Referred to as stored product pests or pantry pests, merchant grain beetles and Indian meal moths tend to gravitate towards kitchen cabinets and pantries due to their particular palates.

Signs of pantry pests in the kitchen include:

• Small bugs in or around cabinets, or on walls or ceilings
• Unpleasant odors or secretions in cabinets

As their name implies, merchant grain beetles are commonly found feeding on grains such as cereals and products containing corn or corn meal. On the other hand, Indian meal moths have a more balanced diet consisting of dried fruits, nuts, and pet food. If you see any of the above signs in your home, or need help identifying an infestation in your kitchen, contact an exterminator.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens