Top Kitchen Storage Tips to Keep Pests Out
Pests enjoy investigating and living in areas where there is spilled food, dirty surfaces and overflowing bins. These pests, such as rodents and insects get in through cracks in the cupboards, walls and floor and make home in rarely-used storage places. Once these mice, rats, cockroaches, or any other pest have gotten into your kitchen it can be difficult to get them out so follow the top kitchen storage tips to keep pests out to begin with!
Do not let pests in
• Check all deliveries for pests before you store the products away
• Keep doors closed
• Keep window screens closed
• Ensure bins are away from doors and windows
• Fill any cracks or holes in with sealant or a similar product
• Proof your home
Do not feed pests
• Keep all food in properly sealed food containers – glass or plastic
• Do not mix old food with new food in the food storage – First in, first out
• Ensure that you rinse food containers before putting them into the bin
• After each use, clean food preparation equipment and areas
• Everyday sweep, mop and let dry floors
• Do not let grease build up on vents, ovens or hobs – clean regularly
• Keep all inside bins clean and lined with closed lids and do not overfill them
• Ensure that rubbish is in sealed rubbish bags before putting them into rodent-proof outside bins
Do not give pests water
• Clean spills as soon as they happen
• Keep storage and preparation areas dry
• Keep mops and buckets clean
• Fix any leaks
Do not give a home to pests
• Regularly inspect food storage areas for pests and signs of pests
• Paper and cardboard should be stored in dry areas and be 6 inches off the floor and away from walls at least
• Any waste paper or cardboard throw into recycling away straight away
• Keep all storage, preparation and rubbish/recycling areas clean and dry
• Seal up all holes and cracks
• Move waste and recyclables off your property at least weekly
What if pests are in the kitchen already?
If you have found pests in your kitchen already, locate where are going and where they are coming from immediately and contact your local pest control company for advice on how to treat them. Pests can breed rapidly and without quick action they can soon overrun not just your kitchen but the whole property. Diseases, bites, stings and destruction are all realistic threats caused by pests and so it is essential that they are dealt with for health and safety reasons.
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