Successful Pest Control of Pantry Little Critters

Jan 13
09:09

2013

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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There are many pantry bugs, and each one infests certain foods. First signs of infestation are normally small brown bugs crawling around in open packages of food.This is not the only sign of infection, however. Unopened and open packages of food alike may also contain insect eggs, larvae and/or pupa, which will further spread your bugs in pantry problem.

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Our kitchens are warm,Successful Pest Control of Pantry Little Critters Articles provide food water and shelter so are a natural haven and breeding ground for several common pests, including mice, cockroaches, ants, weevils, beetles and meal moths. Discovering pests in your pantry may well bother you but should not surprise you as these critters enjoy eating the same foods we do.

Checking for holes in new food packages helps to ensure insects have not begun to attack your food. Keeping containers sealed also helps to prevent infestation. It is therefore important to put in place some simple, natural pest control measures to keep the little critters away. 

Quick Ways to Control Pantry Bugs

Clean Like Crazy

Give your cupboard and kitchen a big clean out, wipe all the shelves cupboard doors and bench tops with warm soapy water, vacuum out cupboards paying particular attention to cracks and corners then remember to throw away your vacuum cleaner bag to prevent re-infestation. Check the toaster, microwave and stove for any crumbs and clean them away if present. Mice are known to collect a food supply, often dry pet food and hoard them in walls, behind cupboards or appliances which can make locating an infestation difficult at times.

Frequent pantry cleaningwith help prevent bugs from entering your pantry, but it will also help to get them out if they've already invaded.

When cleaning, use the vacuum to suck up bugs and spilled food products in hard-to-reach areas. Look for holes and cracks as well, because this is where many bugs will nest.

After vacuuming, scrub the pantry with soap and water to further remove food residue. Also be sure to dispose properly of the vacuum bag, because live bugs may find their way out of your vacuum and back into your pantry, if given the chance.

 

Throw It Out

If you've found infected food, do not hesitate to throw it out.

Once eggs are laid, the infestation will spread rapidly. The faster you dispose of the insects and their eggs, the quicker you will get rid of the problem.

Use the Freezer

Freezing potentially infested foods will kill any eggs, larvae or insects that may be inhabiting the food. Just pop these foods into the freezer for 4-5 days, and you will prevent infestation.

Routinely placing newly purchased susceptible products in the freezer before placing in the pantry is very worthwhile, especially organic products that have never been fumigated. It is worth considering allocating some freezer space just for this, especially in summer. 

Repel with Bay Leaves

Putting bay leaves in and around your pantry will repel bugs. Many of the bugs in the pantry, like the weevil, hate the smell and will leave because of it. Dried bay leaves in your pantry have also been used for many generations deterrent for pests and will certainly do no harm.

This is certainly a quick fix to your pantry problem.

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