How to keep pests out of stored food at home

Abell Pest Control

Finding ants in your sugar, beetles in a canister of flour or a cockroach racing across the shelf of your kitchen cabinet is unnerving enough. You don't want to think of where they've been before and what they may have tracked into your stored food. The most unsavory part of finding bugs in your food bins is knowing they've brought in dirt and bacteria with them.

Pests are in great abundance during summertime, and they aren't limited to outdoors. If they think you've got food they'd enjoy - preferably sweets and proteins - they're not going to stay outside if there's a free meal indoors. If you don't catch on to their presence early, you'll likely need the help of a professional pest control service like Abell Pest Control.

When an infestation is underway, home remedies aren't enough. A pest inspection, followed by comprehensive treatment and advice on pest control maintenance, will be needed to evict these nuisances from your premises.

Easy maintenance

The best ongoing maintenance is also the easiest - keep foods in airtight containers so bugs won't have access to your staples. Check grains, cereals, flour, rice and sugar periodically to make sure nothing's wandered into the container during a time when it was left open. Brush out your shelves around these stored items in case some may have spilled and use a vacuum cleaner to clear out cracks and corners. Discard older, unused products and inspect other containers for damage. Also, clean areas where you store birdseed and dry pet food, which can draw bugs.

In addition to grains, other dried foods are just as susceptible to insect intrusions, including dried beans, nuts, popcorn, crackers, pasta, some spices, powdered milk, tea and cured meats that don't require refrigeration are all at risk. Sweets like cookies, dried fruits and even chocolate will entice pests.

Blocking pests' entry

Plastic and glass sealable containers are very effective in keeping bugs out of food, but checking to make sure pests don't have a way into your cabinets in the first place is just as important. Once there, it's logical they'll look for food and be able to smell or sense when it's close-by.

Look for any gaps in the cabinet structure or nearby openings for plumbing and other home fixtures that would allow insects and rodents access to your home's interior. Caulk windows and doors to block their entry and the incidents of pest invasions in your kitchen will be minimized.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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