How to Do Pest Control in the Kitchen
It's time to do some pest control in the kitchen if you wonder what those flecks are in your flour and cornmeal. Does the added protein and crunch in your cereal from bugs who have taken up residence there make you want to toss not just your cereal, but your cookies?
Whatever pest problem you have, your family's food safety is important. Here's how to control pests in the kitchen.
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Things You'll Need
- Desire to rid kitchen of bugs and pests
- Time for cleaning
- Freezer
- Warm, soapy water and dishcloth
- Insecticide, such as Hot Shot or Raid
- New shelf paper
- Sealed containers
Instructions
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Keep the cabinets clean. Begin by emptying the pantry and all of the cabinets and drawers where you store dry grain foods such as cereal, oatmeal, flour, cornmeal, sugar, beans, pasta, rice, pet food, and the like. Also empty cabinets anywhere you have seen evidence of pests, such as dead carcasses or pest droppings.
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Remove any shelf paper that will come out. Wash the shelves and sides of the cabinets with warm, soapy water. Add a small amount of disinfectant to the water. Let dry.
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Before you do anything else, remove all children and pets from the area. In fact, have someone take them out to the park or to grandma's house for a few hours. Open the windows and turn on the ventilation fan above the stove.
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Spray the shelves with an insecticide. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Be sure to spray in the cracks between the walls and the shelves and the sides of the cabinets. Let the insecticide dry completely. Go outside and get some fresh air.
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When the insecticide has dried completely, cover all of the shelves and drawers with fresh shelf paper before you put your food and dishes away.
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To head off meal worms and bugs that love to feed on dry goods, freeze all of your dry goods for 2 to 3 days as soon as you bring it home. This will kill any eggs that are already in your food that you bring home from the grocery store.
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Store new food items in closed, sealed containers such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid. The small upfront investment will safe you money in the long run by keeping your food safe and bug free.
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Tips & Warnings
Use this opportunity to organize your pantry or cabinets. Throw away old food that has expired or that you won't use.
Add bay leaves to sealed containers to repel bugs.
If there is any chance that the insecticide will get near dishes or pans, remove them as well before spraying.
If you also have a mouse problem, check for holes where they are getting in and seal the holes. Consider buying traps but put them out of reach of children and pets.
- Photo Credit usasearch.gov
