Keeping pesky critters out of your food is critical to maintaining proper household hygiene and protecting your health. Pests are a nuisance and, left unchecked, contaminate food supplies, and spread disease. They also have a habit of causing property damage as they nest and breed. Here are some best practices when storing food to prevent pest invasions. Implement these tips and keep pests out of your kitchen and food supplies.

The Best Practices for Storing Food to Prevent Pest Infestations

Understand Your Enemy

Before discussing storage preparedness against a pest infestation, you do need to know what you’re fighting.

  • Rodents – Rats, and mice nibble through packages, leaving their feces and urine behind.
  • Insects – Ants, weevils, beetles, and moths spoil dry foods, while flies lay eggs on uncovered food.
  • Pantry Pests – Some insect species, like Indian meal moths and flour beetles, are notorious for infesting stored grains and cereals.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

Proper kitchen sanitation is the first defense against pest problems. Keep areas clean with regular cleaning of counters, floors, and shelves. Paying attention to detail while cleaning up is essential to keep pests away.

It’s important to sweep and mop the floor as regularly as possible so that no food particles attract pests. Wipe Down and clean all kitchen surfaces with disinfectant to remove any food odors, residue, or spills. Dispose of garbage properly. Keep well-covered, and removed routinely.

Use The Right Containers for Storing Food To Prevent Pest Infestation

The type of container matters in pest prevention and proper food storage practices.

  • Airtight Containers – Store flour, rice, pasta, cereals, and other dried products in airtight containers. Use glass, metal, or heavy-duty plastic containers to remain pest-free. These are impossible for pests to chew through.
  • Self-Sealing Bags – Consider Ziploc resealable bags and a vacuum packer.
  • Repackage Food – Transfer food from the original packaging to more secure containers if the latter is not pest-proof.

Use Proper Storage Locations

Where you keep your food is just as important as how you store it.

  • Cool and Dry – Food storage areas should be in a cool and dry location. Since pests prefer warm, wet environments.
  • Store it High Up – Keep food on shelves. This approach makes it difficult for pests to reach and makes it easy to spot pest activity.
  • Rotate Items – Implement “the first in, first out rule” so food items don’t stay on the premises long enough to invite pests.

Secure Your Food

Checking up on your food storage from time to time keeps everything in order.

  •  Do regular inspections for any signs of damage. Gnaw marks and holes in the wrapping should raise concern.  
  • Check dry goods seasonally for moth infestation and watch for webbing, larvae, or beetles.
  • Try Natural Repellents such as bay leaves or cloves. These will deter pests from infesting cupboards.

Make Your Home Pest-Proof

Making your home less inviting to pests to reduce the risk of invasion.

  • Cracks, Holes, and Gaps: Get out that caulk gun, plug up gaps, and seal cracks. Check around doors, windows, and foundations to make your home secure from a pest invasion.
  • Fit Screens: Window and vent screens keep flying insects out of your home.
  • Repair Leaks: Repair dripping water taps and plumbing to eliminate excessive moisture in the air. Pests can locate water sources from far-off locations.

Hire a Local Pest Control Company

Sometimes, even with your best attempts, unwanted pests find their way into your house. When you’re battling to evict pests from your property, it’s time to call the pest control specialists. Schedule routine pest control treatments to send any unwelcome visitors on their way. Don’t hesitate to get advice from a local exterminator regarding specific pest issues and how to handle them.

Food Safety And Storing Perishables

Proper storage of perishable goods keeps them fresh and pests far away.

  • Put it in the Fridge – Fruits, vegetables, and meat need refrigerating to stay fresh and free from pests.
  • Well-Sealed – All containers in the fridge must be well-sealed to avoid inviting pests like fruit flies.
  • Check Regularly – Check your refrigerator at regular intervals for any signs of pest infestation.

Safe Handling Practices

How you handle food can attract pests. Always remember the following:

  • Never leave food exposed in the open for pests to snack on
  • Pack the leftovers in the fridge as soon as you finish eating
  • Clean up spills as soon as they happen so pests don’t start looking around your home for other food sources
  • Toss wrappers and other food waste out as soon as possible

These helpful tips can help you keep pests out of your home, and reduce the risk of infesting food areas in your home.

Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln

If you’re concerned about pest infestations, or if you want a professional to evaluate your home’s pest prevention strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Nebraska pest control expert.

Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST and ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!