Among all the places, the pantry is supposed to be hot-spot for pest infestations. There are numerous pests that can comfortably infiltrate the pantry as it offers easy access to a food source. These little annoying creatures not only spoil and contaminate the food but puts your family at greater risk of contracting diseases.
Noticing even minor pest activity in the kitchen can be a strong indicator of an imminent infestation. While not all pests are a threat; there are certain bugs that can put your health in the direct line of fire. That’s why it is crucial to look out for any signs – big or small – of pests being present in your pantry.
Common Pests Lurking in Your Kitchen
The reason your kitchen is a favourite spot for the pests is availability, abundance and quick access to food. Critters like cockroaches, ants, rodents and moths get a hotbed to populate and thrive. It’s important to remove an infestation of pests like cockroaches and rodents as they are known to infect the food and spreading serious ailments.
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Rodents
When it comes to noticing rodent infestation, you’ll see a variety of tell-tale signs everywhere! Keep your eyes open for black droppings that are about the shape and size of a rice grain. Besides, if you spot gnawing marks on the corners of unopened and sealed cardboard or plastic container with a trail of food spread all over, be assured your kitchen is being stealthily attacked by rodents.
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Moths
The pantry is vulnerable of infestation by two main moth species – Indian meal moth and Mediterranean meal moth. If you find even one of these moths when you open a cupboard, rest assured there are plenty of them hatching somewhere in grains, flours or cereal. It’s simple to spot the moth infestation – Lookout light coloured larvae or eggs and spun webbing through the food or on the packaging.
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Cockroaches
Spotting the cockroach is not uncommon in pantries. They aren’t just creepy-looking but their presence can make you sick. Unlike other pests, detecting the presence of this crawlies is not easy, as they rarely leave a noticeable trail of food. However, cockroaches excrete a brown-coloured liquid thing that is known as scent marks along the walls and floors. This scent trail leaves behind a pungent musty smell that is strong enough for humans to detect.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Pest-Free?
- Make it routine to inspect weather stripping, door sweeps and window screens, as these are the common entry points for pests. Besides, make sure the food source are stored properly in airtight containers.
- Get professional pest controllers to examine and treat your house at least once a year.
- Don’t keep the expired products for too long – the rotting smell is easily detectable to pests.
- Unclutter the pantry and wipe all surfaces with premium quality disinfectant at least once a month. This will keep the pests at bay. Additionally, check the sauce bottles are not leaking, as this is one of the reasons that can attract pests.
- Keep the kitchen clean, ventilated and dry as cluttered, messy and damp places can easily draw pests.
These tips will help you keep the pests at bay; however, if your kitchen is already infested get in touch with expert pest controllers.