5 Steps to Keep Pests out of the kitchen

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For most people summer is the best time of the year. The days are long, the sun is shining and all seems well with the world. That is until you see the first sign of pests running round your kitchen.

There are a variety of common pests, including spiders, bees, ants, rats, mice, cockroaches, etc. Your first step will probably be to get hold of the local pest control service and eliminate them.

This is a great idea. However, you can take several steps to prevent or at least reduce the risk of the pests entering your kitchen in the first place.

  • Clean Up!

The first step is to make sure your kitchen is clean. No, this doesn’t mean deep cleaning every day although periodically this is a good idea!

What it means is clearing away food and drink straight after you prepared food and eaten. You should also wipe your sides down with a good antibacterial or disinfectant spray to keep the bugs away.

  • Avoid Plastic & Cardboard

Many bugs can chew their way into plastic or cardboard containers. It is better if you store your items in glass or metal tins; they won’t be able to get into these.

IT doesn’t mean you have to change your shopping habits; just transfer the food when you get home and then don’t forget to clean up any mess!

  • Check For Gaps

If you eliminate the routes available for pests to get into your home then you’re going to have less pests!

Walk round your house looking for obvious cracks, especially round windows, doors and pipes. You may be surprised at how a pest can squeeze through the smallest of gaps!

It is best to use sealant or gap filler and get rid of all the gaps; do this in the spring before the pests have a chance to start building nests.

  • Remove Rubbish

Food and other waste is very attractive to most pests; put simply our waste is their next meal.

Waste in your house should be kept in a sealed bin. You’ll need to empty it regularly and tie the sack tight before taking it a good distance from your house.

Ideally it should go in an outside bin or be taken to the local skips; this will prevent pests from getting to it.

Alongside this you should also make sure there are not any puddles of standing water inside or outside your home; these will attract flies and mosquitoes.

  • Get An Inspection

It is important to have your house inspected regularly. There are a number of pests which you may not spot until they are well settled. Termites are a good example of this. You should find out more regarding the levels of inspection on offer.

In addition you’ll get some advice regarding your home and any access points or other issues that you may not have noticed.

The small expense of an inspection is well worth it if you’re saved the hassle of pests in your kitchen!