Kitchens serve as the heart of the home where families eat and bond. However, the cooking and food storage makes the room incredibly attractive to both rodents and insects. Thankfully, you can reduce the risk of infestation by following these handy pest control tips. 

Do:

Transfer food to airtight containers. 

Pests enter homes searching for food, and pantries are essentially buffets for mice and roaches. To prevent them from accessing your supplies, transfer all non-perishables into sealed, airtight food containers.

Store produce in the fridge. If that's not possible, eat it within a few days, checking daily for signs of decomposition or fruit fly eggs. 

Clean countertops after every use.

Just about every surface in a kitchen is exposed to crumbs and food juices as a result of meal and snack preparation. Wipe down all countertops and appliances immediately after use. Additionally, complete a quick sweep of the floor nightly to catch any fallen particles. 

Don't:

Leave dirty dishes out overnight.

Even if you finish your plate and give it a quick rinse, there's still residue left behind. Unfortunately, many pests are happy to remove the remaining food particles. Practice effective pest control by either washing all dishes or moving them to the dishwasher nightly. 

Let garbage sit for more than a few days. 

Kitchen trash cans are the go-to receptacle for empty food packaging and scraps. But the odor such items give off, especially when food particles begin to break down, is a top attraction to pests.

Take out the garbage at least once per week and transfer it to a sealed outdoor container. You can also reduce odors by disposing of food in a garbage disposal or a compost bin stationed away from the trash can. 

Have a pest problem in your kitchen? Reach out to the skilled professionals at Aloha Termite & Pest Control in Wahiawa, HI. For over 20 years, the local business has provided residents across Oahu with effective pest control services for everything from roaches to mice. Learn more about their specialities online, and schedule a pest inspection by calling (808) 622-2268.