WARM WEATHER, PEST CONTROL, AND YOUR KITCHEN

As the weather continues to warm this summer, more pest problems appear. Scientists have noticed warming temperatures in the past 10 years has generated more insects. Not only do insects flourish in warmer weather, but they adapt to enhance their growth rate in the warmer conditions as well. Pests such as ants, roaches, and spiders naturally become more active during the warm, moist, spring weather.

The warm weather not only creates increased insect populations outside. It also creates the problem of more insects seeking shelter and food sources.  Insects will seek to create a home base inside people’s homes, particularly in kitchens. Many kitchens provide an unlimited food supply for insects and other pests which is why this area of the home tends to attract infestations. Pests and rodents may chew through boxes, eat food, and litter cabinets with feces. The following are a few tips to keep the pests in your kitchen at bay.

Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately. Even the tiniest spills and crumbs on the counter or floor can attract pests. Clean your kitchen more often than any other room to ensure pests will not have easy access to a food source.

Do the dishes every day. Ants, flies, and other common kitchen pests feed on the smallest food residues. Take the effort to do a small batch of dishes every day instead of allowing dirty ones to pile up.

Store garbage in sealed containers. Trash is one of the main areas of a kitchen that will attract hungry pests. Using a trash can that has a lid is the easiest fix for this problem. Take out the trash frequently, and be sure your outdoor receptacles are tightly sealed to keep out raccoons and other wildlife.

Keep food packages closed or sealed. Never leave an open container out in the open or even in the cabinets or fridge. Also, try buying food that comes in cans or jars when possible as many bugs and rodents can chew through plastic bags and cardboard.

Store products in lidded containers. Invest in glass jars or plastic containers to store food items that are packaged in plastic, paper, or cardboard. Doing so can prevent pricey pest infestations down the road. From sugary to salty, all types of food are at risk. The storage containers will also prevent foods from going stale.

Check the plumbing and pipes. Examine the pipes under the sink and anywhere else they may be in your kitchen. If the hole in the floor is wider than the pipes, it is creating an easy entry point for a variety of pests. Seal the openings by using spray foam insulation, caulking gun, or other sealant. Also, consider checking and sealing the pipes in your bathrooms as well!

If you suspect any pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional. Although following these tips will help, it does not always foolproof to prevent all kitchen infestations. Black Diamond’s professional technicians will inspect and identify any pest problem you may have. They will then treat the problem before pests take over your kitchen!