You would certainly lose your appetite fast if you found bugs or worms in a package of food from your pantry. Crackers, cereal, and baked goods are common targets for pantry pests. Pantry pests can come from anywhere. In some cases they may fly into your house from the outside or they are brought in on grain based products, pet food, and bird seed purchased at grocery, natural food, or feed stores.

Kitchens have always been a gathering place in our homes and unfortunately it is a common place for pests as well. Cockroaches, rodents, fruit flies, and pantry pests contaminate our food and spread bacteria in the kitchen.

Fruits & Vegetables

As you know, not all foods are stored in the fridge. Produce such as tomatoes, bananas, and potatoes maintain their flavor by remaining at room temperature. Fruit flies can detect yeast that is produced from fermenting fruit, even from great distances. Because fruit flies are so small, they have no problem finding their way into homes that have decaying fruit on the counter. Make sure to check the produce on your counter often and toss out any fruits or vegetables that are beginning to decay. If any liquid is on the counter, clean it up with a disinfectant and wash the bowl that the fruit was in. Once you dispose of the fruit, take the trash outside. Fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs on the surface of a piece of rotted fruit so tossing it outside will prevent them from hatching in your trash can.

Flour, Dry Cereals, & Spices

Common pantry pests include beetles, moths, and ants. These little pests can find their way into foods that are loosely packed and lay eggs. If you spot bugs in your flour, cereal, chocolate, or other pantry items, discard them immediately. Wipe up any crumbs or spills that are on the shelves of your pantry and store all food in airtight containers. Adding a bay leaf to canisters of dry goods like flour, rice, or grains can sometimes repel pantry pests.

Left Overs, Soaking Dishes, & Garbage Disposals

Cockroaches can spread 33 kinds of bacteria including E coli and salmonella. Their saliva, droppings, and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins that can trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma related symptoms. Cockroaches are attracted to rotted food, cardboard, and damp areas within our kitchen. Be sure to run your garbage disposal regularly and not to let dirty dishes sit too long in the sink. If you have leftover food, seal it tightly in an airtight container and if possible try to store it in the refrigerator.

Your home should be a safe place. Don’t allow the fear of pests and rodents to destroy that security. If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed Truly Nolen Canada  Pest Control Professional to identify and treat the problem.