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It’s safe to say that no one wants to have to deal with a pest infestation. Ridding your home of bugs can be expensive – damages from termite infestations can cost thousands of dollars alone – in time and money. Luckily, there are some steps that can be taken to prevent a problem before it starts. Here’s how to stop kitchen pests from invading your kitchen.
Before Remodeling
If you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen, it’s a good idea to treat the area for pests before new construction begins, as it can be easiest to spy nooks and crannies and identify problem areas where pests may have been hiding. Now is the time to request a round of pest control and preventative measures to reduce your chances of having to face bigger problems later.
Pantry
Ensure food items are stored correctly to prevent infestation from bugs such as moths, roaches, ants, and beetles which can feed on many food items found in the pantry.
Food storage containers – Purchase containers with a good seal. Airtight containers like these easy-to-open POP canisters from OXO keep food fresh while keeping insects out.
Cardboard boxes – Cardboard boxes like those from cereal are easy entry points for pests due to the flimsy tab closure. Try this hack which will give these boxes a better seal. Also, try taping or rubber-banding the inner plastic bag!
Storage bags – Although priced higher than regular resealable bags, sliding lock bags do tend to have a stronger seal. Also, it should go without saying, but do not use foldover sandwich bags to store food items in the pantry.
Jars and bottles – Sticky liquids building up on the sides and rim of containers such as honey jars and sauce bottles will certainly attract pests. It’s best to wipe down these containers immediately after each use. The sooner you clean, the easier it is to remove.
Sink
Insects, especially gnats, are common kitchen pests. They hover around sinks because they are looking for food and water. Do not leave dirty dishes and standing water in the sink. At the very least, rinse dishes after use and clean as soon as possible.
Drains and disposals may also contain food particles inside that these insects consume. Therefore, you should clean your drains and disposals regularly. Plink is a handy product that easily cleans and deodorizes disposals. They also offer a fizzy version for regular drains.
If your sink is visibly clogged, try to unclog it with a kitchen plunger or a pair of tongs. In the disposal, first shine a light inside to see if you can spot any visible blockage. If you do, then use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove it. Do not stick your fingers inside as the blades are sharp.
If your sink is still clogged after performing these steps, then use a drain opener such as Liquid Plumr. If this is not working for you, it may be time to contact a professional who can help.
Cabinets and Flooring
Termites resemble winged ants, however they have more potential than ants to cause structural damage to homes. They damage wooden surfaces because they feed on the cellulose derived from wood. To best prevent this, you can:
- Fix leaky faucets and eliminate other sources of excess moisture
- Keep plants a few feet away from the house
- Make sure the soil around your home is not overly moist
To minimize other kitchen pests, such as ants, from crawling around, you should make a point to sweep, vacuum, and mop regularly. Also, clean messes and spills immediately and thoroughly by wiping down with cleaning fluid and water.
I Already Have an Infestation, Now What?
In the kitchen, wipe down your countertops, inside your cabinets, clean your sinks, and mop your floors. The next steps you take will depend on what kind of infestation you have.
Termites – Since termite infestations tend to be difficult to get rid of, treatment is best left to professionals. However, if you want to try to D.I.Y., there are insecticides to treat soil and wood such as Spectracide Terminate. Keep in mind that most insecticides will contaminate soil so it will not be suitable for growing plants for consumption for a period of time. Also, do not treat areas that will directly come in contact with food.
Ants – Some ant infestations can be eliminated at home by using ant baits such as Terro, which are placed in areas where ants enter the house. You may notice more ants initially as the ants are attracted and communicate to other ants. But after the ants consume the contents in these baits and bring them back to their colony, the population will slowly die off in a couple of weeks. After they have died off, caulk and seal these entry points to prevent new populations from entering.
Roaches/Beetles/Weevils – Try this Kitchen Bug Killer from Hotshot. This spray is designed to kill pests in kitchens, pantries and other food-preparation areas.
Gnats and Fruit Flies – Create gnat traps with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or wine. But if this does not work, then the Kitchen Bug Killer mentioned above could also be worth a shot.
Revive Your Kitchen
If you need your kitchen remodeled or your cabinets replaced as a result of a termite infestation, then we are here to help! We have a large selection of cabinet styles, finishes, and materials. We also build custom cabinetry which allows you to get cabinets exactly the way you want. Our professionals are eager to help give your kitchen a facelift! Contact us for an estimate and get started!