As the weather cools down, pests often seek shelter indoors, especially in warm kitchens where food is easily accessible. With the right preventative steps, we can help you keep pests out this autumn. Below are some of the most effective ways to protect your kitchen from unwanted guests this season.
One of the simplest ways to keep pests out is to store food properly. Rodents and insects are especially attracted to open or loosely sealed food containers. Therefore, we recommend storing pantry staples such as flour, sugar and cereal in airtight containers. Plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Even pet food can attract pests, so seal it in a secure container and avoid leaving bowls of pet food out overnight.
In addition, keeping all surfaces clear of crumbs will make your kitchen less inviting to pests. Regularly wiping down countertops, sweeping floors and checking under appliances for stray crumbs helps prevent ants, cockroaches and other insects from making themselves at home. When you avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight, you also reduce the risk of attracting unwanted pests.
Pests are quick to find sources of food, and a rubbish bin can be one of the most appealing. To keep pests out, make sure your rubbish bin has a secure lid. Avoid leaving food scraps in an open bin, as the smell attracts a range of pests, including flies and mice.
Empty your rubbish regularly, especially if it contains food waste, and keep your bin area clean by wiping down any spills or residue. Outdoors, position your main rubbish bin as far from the kitchen as possible to reduce the chance of attracting pests inside.
Even a small gap around a window or door can be enough for pests to find their way indoors. Check for any potential entry points, including gaps in windows, doors, or vents, and seal these with weatherstripping or caulking. Rodents, in particular, can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so be thorough in your inspections.
Pay special attention to areas around plumbing and heating pipes, as these are common entry points for pests. If you find any holes or cracks, seal them properly to prevent pests from getting into the kitchen and nesting indoors. Regularly inspect these areas to keep pests out, as gaps can appear over time.
Many pests, such as cockroaches and silverfish, thrive in damp environments. Fixing any leaking taps and drying damp areas can make your kitchen less attractive to pests. Clean up any spills promptly and avoid leaving wet sponges, towels or cleaning cloths on the counter overnight. If you need help to keep pests out or get rid of them once they come in, give us a call.
Store food safely
One of the simplest ways to keep pests out is to store food properly. Rodents and insects are especially attracted to open or loosely sealed food containers. Therefore, we recommend storing pantry staples such as flour, sugar and cereal in airtight containers. Plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Even pet food can attract pests, so seal it in a secure container and avoid leaving bowls of pet food out overnight.
In addition, keeping all surfaces clear of crumbs will make your kitchen less inviting to pests. Regularly wiping down countertops, sweeping floors and checking under appliances for stray crumbs helps prevent ants, cockroaches and other insects from making themselves at home. When you avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight, you also reduce the risk of attracting unwanted pests.
Maintain a clean rubbish bin
Pests are quick to find sources of food, and a rubbish bin can be one of the most appealing. To keep pests out, make sure your rubbish bin has a secure lid. Avoid leaving food scraps in an open bin, as the smell attracts a range of pests, including flies and mice.
Empty your rubbish regularly, especially if it contains food waste, and keep your bin area clean by wiping down any spills or residue. Outdoors, position your main rubbish bin as far from the kitchen as possible to reduce the chance of attracting pests inside.
Seal entry points
Even a small gap around a window or door can be enough for pests to find their way indoors. Check for any potential entry points, including gaps in windows, doors, or vents, and seal these with weatherstripping or caulking. Rodents, in particular, can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so be thorough in your inspections.
Pay special attention to areas around plumbing and heating pipes, as these are common entry points for pests. If you find any holes or cracks, seal them properly to prevent pests from getting into the kitchen and nesting indoors. Regularly inspect these areas to keep pests out, as gaps can appear over time.
Keep the kitchen dry
Many pests, such as cockroaches and silverfish, thrive in damp environments. Fixing any leaking taps and drying damp areas can make your kitchen less attractive to pests. Clean up any spills promptly and avoid leaving wet sponges, towels or cleaning cloths on the counter overnight. If you need help to keep pests out or get rid of them once they come in, give us a call.