As a hotbed of fruits and vegetables, food scraps, and trash, your kitchen can be a party haven for bugs, insects, and rodents, which can be particularly susceptible to a pest infestation.
Seeing pests crawl around our home, especially in the kitchen, can be annoying. Cockroaches, rats, mice, ants, and pantry pests rummage through the kitchen and contaminate our food and water supplies, which put you and your family at risk of various diseases. With our busy schedule, the last thing we want to do is deal with the consequences they bring.
Common Kitchen Bugs and Pests to Look Out For
Nasty pests can leave disgusting droppings in the pantry, drawers, and other areas in the kitchen. Before we explore the different kitchen cleaning ideas, here are the most common pests that can be found in your kitchen space.
- Ants
Easy access to food items, such as crumbs, candies, and even spilled drops of fruit juices or soft drinks, can attract these small insects to your kitchen. While most ant colonies exist outdoors, they are likely to actively return to your kitchen for food and water. The best way to get rid of ants in the kitchen is by targeting their nest to eliminate the infestation.
- Rodents
The rodents most likely to invade your kitchen are the Norway rats and the common house mouse. Attracted to both food and clutter, these rodents will squeeze themselves into tiny openings (as small as the size of a quarter) through the walls, doors, windows, foundations, and around pipes.
Not only will they search for food and water resources, but they will also potentially make a nest underneath the sink, behind the stove, or on top of dishwashers. Mice and rats in the kitchen can carry various health diseases. In case of an infestation, contact pest control services ASAP.
- Cockroaches
Out of all the kitchen critters, cockroaches are probably the most annoying and disgusting pest. They are attracted to food scraps, pet food, grease, heat, moisture, and trash. Cockroaches can enter your home through the foundation cracks or openings near plumbing pipes.
Cockroaches can quickly multiply and result in an infestation. If your kitchen has cockroach eggs (also known as ootheca), remove them ASAP using a paper towel or gloves, and put them in a plastic back. Crush them and throw away the plastic as far from your home as possible.
- Pantry Pests
Your kitchen is the ideal environment for pantry pests, such as the Indian meal moth and the merchant grain beetle. Cornmeal, dried fruits, nuts, grains, cereals, and even pet food can attract pests to move into the pantry. Take action to protect your pantry from pests to prevent contamination.
- Flies
Fruit flies and the common household flies can enter through anything that provides them direct access to your home, such as windows and doors. Smells, moisture, and food attract common houseflies, while fruit flies are enticed by fruits and vegetables. Do not be surprised to see fruit flies in your kitchen if you leave ripe fruits out in decorative baskets.
These pests are carriers of various diseases, such as dysentery, tuberculosis, and even typhoid. Be sure to take immediate pest control action if you suspect an infestation to prevent health problems.
Tips for Keeping Kitchen Clean
Other than being a real nuisance, having pests in the kitchen can be a health risk. Cleanliness and organization are key to keeping insects, bugs, and rodents at bay. Here are some quick and easy cleaning hacks for the kitchen to make it an unattractive place for unwanted guests.
- Use airtight containers for pantry essentials
Loosely stored food is the most common reason why pests come to your kitchen. The pests mentioned above can chew and burrow through cardboard boxes. After opening a box of cereal, chips, or cookies, be sure to use an airtight container, such as Tupperware or Mason jars, to store leftovers and keep the space clean.
- Keep the sink clean and empty
Some people love to procrastinate after eating and simply soak their dishes in the sink. Unfortunately, even standing water in your sink can attract all kinds of pests. Many probably do not realize that many pests can swim, making your sink a roach pool party if left out too long. Never stack dirty plates in the sink overnight and be wary of leaving water in the sink. Clean the sink thoroughly after washing the dishes to prevent your kitchen from becoming a pest paradise.
- Keep your bins clean
Be sure to empty and clean trash bins at the end of the day to ensure maximum cleanliness. Dirty bins emit strong odours that will attract nocturnal pests, such as rodents. Poor waste disposal can be hazardous to your health.
- Use cabinet organizers
Organizing the interior of your cabinet can also make them uninviting to unwanted guests. Keep everything compartmentalized—use mesh for storing cooking tools and a plate stacker for stacking china and flatware trays to properly arrange utensils. Before storing wares, be sure they are dry to prevent moisture from forming inside the cabinet.
- Make floor cleaning a daily affair
Prevent pest infestation by keeping the floor clean at all times. Make certain to sweep or vacuum dust and wipe spillage every day. Leaving tiny food scraps or crumbs and droplets of water or soda for days can increase the risk of pest infestation in the kitchen. Use high-quality floor cleaners to keep pests away!
- Cover and Dispose of Leftover Trash
Keeping your trash bin in an enclosed space DOES NOT prevent pests from infesting your home. Dark and isolated areas make a thriving environment for pests to freely feast on the contents of your bin.
To maintain the cleanliness of your kitchen, cover the trash bin and dispose of leftovers at the end of the day. It is also a good idea to dispose of dry and wet waste in separate bins.
- Clean the garbage
It is no secret that pests love to thrive in dirty places, making irregular garbage disposal the most common cause of pest infestation in the kitchen. Take out the kitchen garbage bin and dispose of them properly. Do not forget to rinse them thoroughly before taking them back inside.
- Keep your drains from getting clogged or jammed
Clogged drains with standing water can be a great resource for many bugs and insects. Be sure to always keep your drains cleared and clean, and call a plumber at the first sign of leaky faucets and clogged drains at your home.
Keeping your kitchen clean at all times is mandatory. The presence of pests creates unsanitary and unhealthy conditions. To ensure a pest-free kitchen, book a pest control service in Collingwood. Call Mr. Pest Control today at 705-739-7378 (PEST) to schedule an appointment.
