Perfect Your Pantry: Simple Solutions For Preventing Pests From Your Pantry
In most households, the pantry is the space for storing cans, boxes, and bags of food in addition to ingredients used for cooking and baking. Even if it is a somewhat contained and organized space, the pantry and all of its contents will attract different pests. Cockroaches, ants, beetles, spiders, and even mice or rodents may all find your pantry and the food and ingredients inside it quite appealing. Therefore, using these tips to ensure your pantry is clean and organized is imperative.
Inspect, Seal, and Clean
To protect your pantry and food, remove all contents from the space and sit on a countertop in your kitchen. Throw away and food and ingredients that have passed their expiration date. Make sure the pantry is completely bare before starting your inspection and cleaning.
Check all shelves to see if there are any signs of pests, such as fecal matter that may be left behind by roaches or rodents. Check the pantry for cracks and openings, as well. Considering a mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as 17mm, use caulk or sealant to close up even the smallest holes in your pantry.
Finally, use antibacterial wipes or disinfectant spray to wipe down all shelves in your pantry. Make sure to remove all dust, dirt, and food residue or crumbs that may linger inside your pantry. Use a clean cloth to dry the shelves, too to reduce moisture content in the space.
Contain Food and Ingredients
Most types of food and ingredients come in a can, box, bag, or jar. Some of these containers are better than others. Unfortunately, you and your family members may leave boxes and bags of food open in your pantry, which can lead to pests being attracted to not only the actual food, but also the odors.
If you have items that are in bags and boxes, consider placing the food and ingredients into an air-tight storage container. Label the contents of the interior on the outside of your container, so you can keep your pantry organized.
Hire Professionals
Sealing, cleaning, and organizing your pantry to contain foods properly are all smart steps to take if you want to prevent pests. However, hiring a professional to inspect and treat your home is also important.
Professionals can inspect your home, helping to determine what is attracting pests before offering suggestions for sealing cracks and openings and controlling moisture. Safe insecticides can also be applied to various cracks and openings, treating current infestations while preventing pests in the future.
Your pantry may be a small space in the home, but it can be a big problem for you and your family if pests find it appealing. Reach out to a company like Star Pest Control for professional help.