Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Of all the things we go to our pantries looking for, bugs are not one. The unwelcome visitors quickly multiply and can take over the pantry, turning it into a breeding ground and ultimately contaminating your entire food supply. But some simple steps and strategies shared today by our pest exterminators in Murfreesboro can keep creepy crawlies out of your pantry for good.
What are common pests in the Nashville area?
First, you need to know your opponent. Here are some common area pests:
- Ants — these annoying tiny insects love to invade your home for sweet treats, and many times they’re also looking for water so you may find them in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink.
- Weevils — Check your flour, rice and cereal carefully because these pests love to hang out in grains.
- Indian meal moths — These pests lay eggs in stored grains, flour and other dried goods.
- Cockroaches — Cockroaches don’t stay confined to the kitchen and pantry, but you may find them scurrying for food crumbs and spills.
How do I keep my pantry to myself?
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some ways you can keep pests far away from your pantry and food supply:
- Keep everything clean — Keeping everything picked up and clean is key to preventing most pest infestations. Regularly wipe down shelves and countertops, and sweep and mop floors to remove crumbs and spills, paying close attention to corners and crevices where tiny food particles may accumulate. Wipe down food containers before returning them to the pantry to remove any residue that could attract pests.
- Store food properly — Store food off the floor and away from walls to make it harder for pests to access. Use wire shelves or storage racks to elevate items and create airflow. Consider rotating your pantry items regularly to make sure older products are used first so that pests don’t have a chance to infest the crackers you forgot about in the back of the pantry.
- Seal your containers — Improperly sealed food containers will attract pests to your pantry and provide easy access to your food supply. Invest in airtight containers to store dry goods like flour, rice, pasta and cereals.
- Inspect grocery purchases — Before storing items from outside your home in your pantry, be sure to inspect them for signs of pests. Check packages for holes, tears or other damage that could indicate pest activity. If you suspect a product is infested, discard it. Don’t take a chance on introducing pests into your pantry.
Pest control in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a pest may breach our homes and pantry. If so, call our exterminators at Ameri Care Services immediately at (615) 823-8224 so we can help you prevent a much more invasive problem down the road.