Protecting Your Kitchen Pantry System From Insects

Todd Saieva • October 5, 2022

There are few things worse than overhauling your kitchen pantry system and revamping the space, only to find evidence of a pest infestation. Pests anywhere in your home are an issue, but in your pantry, the problem is amplified.

Aside from being unsightly, they could present a real health hazard to you and your family. Luckily, there are a few surefire ways to prevent pests from taking root in your pantry.

Here are six simple ways to protect your kitchen pantry system from insects:

Check and secure all food packaging.
Look out for any spills or messes.
Invest in airtight containers for extra security.
Set up and stick to an organization system.
Promptly remove any compromised food.
Schedule out your cleaning regimen.

Now that we understand the basics of protecting your pantry from pests, let’s look at the specifics of how to make this work for you.

Check and Secure All Food Packaging

Keeping your pantry safe and free of pests starts inside the grocery store. Before putting anything in your cart, do a thorough inspection of all food packaging. Look for any punctures, holes, or other abnormalities.

If you’re going to keep foods in their original packaging once at home, also do a thorough sweep and make sure there aren’t any issues with the boxes or bags. All of this will go a long way toward keeping your pantry free of pests.

Look Out for Any Spills or Messes

Pests are opportunistic by nature, and it doesn’t take much for them to detect a food source and decide to take root. If you spill something while cooking or putting items away, be sure to clean it up right away. If you have kids, try to also set this new habit early with them.

This is especially important if you bake often, as spilled sugar can attract ants in no time at all. Try to make it a regular habit to clean up messes in your pantry as soon as they happen.

Invest in Airtight Containers for Extra Security

As Bob Vila notes, pests can and will get into unsealed food containers. Airtight containers prevent this problem and present an extra layer of security by making it impossible for weevils and other pests to get into your food.

Insects often seek out sweet dry foods, and they can be difficult to clear out once they arrive. By putting all of these items in airtight containers, you reduce your chances of a future infestation.

Set Up and Stick to an Organization System

Organizing your pantry might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to preventing pests, but it can help. Along with making your pantry look appealing, proper organization in your kitchen pantry system can help you keep an eye on problems as they happen.

Having an organization system in place can also help you keep track of older items that you might otherwise forget about.

Promptly Remove Any Compromised Food

Once you find evidence that pests have gotten into your pantry, you should get rid of the affected items right away. You might even consider removing items that were near the infestation, especially if pests could have gained access to those containers.

You should also be sure to sweep the room for any expired foods, as these could become a prime target for pests that are looking for an opening.

Schedule Out Your Cleaning Regimen

The most surefire way to keep pests from getting into your pantry is to create and stick to a regular cleaning schedule. Even a weekly routine can go a long way toward keeping your home secure.

Try to pick a time when you know you’ll have an hour or two to go through everything in your pantry. If it helps, you can set a reminder on your phone to help you keep track.

Conclusion

While a pest infestation in your pantry can quickly become disastrous, that doesn’t mean it has to be inevitable. Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with any pest. By sticking to these six simple steps, you should have a pantry that’s as beautiful and well-organized as it is clean and healthy!