If you want to keep ants, mice, and other critters out of your home, start by addressing the kitchen. Pest control technicians can attest that improperly stored food is a significant cause of residential infestations. Thankfully, you can prevent a pest problem on your property by following a few simple tips.

How to Prevent Food From Attracting Pests

1. Clean the Cabinets 

As you shuffle items around in your cabinets, food particles will inevitably escape from their packages. Since it takes only a few small crumbs to cause an infestation, it’s important to clean your cabinets regularly.

Before putting new groceries away, take the old ones out and wipe down the shelves. Then, load the fresh groceries first and put the older ones at the front. In addition to preventing pests, this will keep pantry items from expiring because it will ensure constant stock rotation. 

2. Stock the Fridge

Because of their powerful seals and low temperatures, refrigerators are fairly pest-proof. You should store as many food items in the fridge as possible. Pantry staples that can be refrigerated — and tend to attract pests when they’re not — include flour, sugar, and fresh fruit. 

3. Seal Everything 

Empty the contents of containers that don’t seal into plastic bags that do. Partially opened cereal boxes and cookie packages invite pests to stick around. Since insects can fit through the smallest openings, merely folding the packaging rarely suffices.

If your family eats a lot of pantry snacks, consider investing in sturdy containers that will keep the contents fresher and keep pests out. Sealable glass mason jars or plastic storage containers will keep your chips, crackers, and nuts safe from hungry critters.

 

If pests have invaded your home, turn to Copter Pest Control. Founded in 1959 in Enterprise, the business is proud to be one of the largest independently owned pest control companies in Alabama. Equipped to handle everything from bed bugs to termites, they use environmentally friendly formulas to protect your family’s safety during application. To discuss your pest control needs with a member of their team, reach out online or call (334) 347-2430.