Your kitchen is likely the heart of your home and where you spend happy times preparing and eating meals with your family. No matter what kind of kitchen décor you have chosen, chances are you have a cleaning routine when it comes to keeping your appliances and dishes shiny. However, you may be making a few housekeeping errors that could be inviting a few invasive and possibly dangerous insects into your kitchen.
1. Ants
Few insects are bolder and more widespread than ants. There are over 12,000 different species throughout the world, and many of them live in North America. Once ants discover a way into your kitchen and find a food source, it is almost impossible to eradicate them because of their sheer numbers. Prevention is simpler than pest control, so you may want to ensure the perimeter of your home is well sealed and that you sweep and mop your kitchen floor twice a week to clean up crumbs that can attract ants.
2. Cockroaches
These pests are the ultimate survivor insect and can subsist on meals like cardboard glue and book bindings. They can withstand almost any environment and can even survive headless for weeks. Since cockroaches can carry disease and their droppings can cause a foul smell, they are an insect you will want to keep out of your kitchen.
Roaches find their way inside under gaps in doorways and through your kitchen sink’s plumbing. You can keep them at bay by locking drain traps overnight and keeping the sink and countertops free of dirty dishes. Wipe up sticky floor spills and keep the area around your toaster free of crumbs, as the smallest morsel of food can attract roaches.
3. Flies
Flies can become a nuisance in the late spring and summer because of their prolific breeding. However, when they find places to lay eggs inside your home, you might find yourself battling an infestation. To keep flies away, cover your kitchen trash can and clean it thoroughly each time you empty it. Use a vinegar and baking soda mixture to erase odor and stains and avoid leaving food out. Keep your unrefrigerated fruit in a glass cake holder to make it look attractive and to prevent flies from helping themselves.
4. Silverfish
These teardrop-shaped, silvery insects are much like cockroaches in that they eat paper and book glue, but they are also fond of damp paper and dark corners. You may find them under your enclosed kitchen sink or wreaking havoc in your pantry. They are not dangerous, but their appearance is quite off-putting.
Because silverfish can invade your kitchen in their hundreds, you may want to look for experienced pest control specialists that have the experience and tools to destroy these insects. Store-bought baits and sprays may not be enough to handle silverfish because they are so elusive, so having a professional come in to treat your kitchen may be the better option.
Protecting your kitchen from invasive pests can be difficult, especially during the summer months. However, knowing how to cut off their means of entrance and food supply may help you keep them outdoors where they belong.
