Sharing a meal with uninvited pests is never any fun. Bugs, like ants and cockroaches, sneak into homes looking for something to eat. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep these hungry pests away. We’ve made a list of tips to help keep bugs out of your kitchen.
1. Seal Cracks & Gaps
Bugs are opportunists. If they can find a way inside, they will. Check the interior and exterior of your home for cracks or holes. Pay attention to spots near doors and windows. Don’t forget about spots where utility lines or pipes enter the home. Seal any holes with caulk or steel wool. Repair or replace damaged window and door screens.
2. Clean Up Crumbs & Spills
Many pests enter homes in search of food. If you don’t feed them, they won’t stick around. Clean up crumbs and spills on your counters, table, floor, and in your pantry. Keep your sink free of dirty dishes. If you have pets, pick up their food bowls when they aren’t eating. It’s also important to take the trash out regularly to avoid attracting pests.
3. Eliminate Moisture
Keeping your home as dry as possible can help keep pests away. Examine and replace leaky pipes or faucets. Ensure your drains aren’t clogged and are working properly. Change the water in your pet’s bowl regularly to avoid attracting bugs.
4. Clean Your Cabinets
Giving your cabinets a deep clean periodically can help to deter pests. Take the time to empty them and wipe down your shelves. Examine items for signs of pests including holes, dents, and scratches on packaging. Pantry pests sneak into packages where they will feed and breed. You’ll also want to remove any expired items.
5. Store Food in Containers
One of the best ways to avoid pantry pests is to use proper storage. Transfer your dried food items, including cereal, rice, flour, dried fruit, and nuts, into sealed containers. You want a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid. Placing produce in the fridge can also help to prevent fruit flies. If you keep fruit and vegetables out, be sure they don’t spoil.
6. Use Bay Leaves
Some plants naturally repel pests with their fragrance. Bay leaves can help to deter some bugs from hanging out in your home. Place these in your cabinets to help keep pests, like cockroaches, ants, and weevils, away. You can also try putting them in your containers as well.
7. Use Green Pest Control
Pest control products formulated with plant essential oils can help protect your home from bugs. Create a protective barrier with a plant-based insecticide spray. Our Home Bug Spray kills pests on contact and provides residual repellency. Spraying the perimeter of your home and near doors and windows can help keep bugs out. You can also use an insecticide dust, like our Spider & Insect Dust, in the cracks and crevices of cabinets for long-lasting protection.
No one wants their meal ruined because of hungry bugs. Implementing these preventative measures can help to keep your kitchen bug-free. If pests have invited themselves over for dinner, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
