Sal Marco
Sal Marco began writing professionally in 2009. He has written many online home improvement articles based on his more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement and building industries. He has worked as both part of a team and as a site supervisor. Marco has a Bachelor of Science in management science from Kean University.
By Sal Marco, eHow Contributor
Bugs enter a kitchen pantry for the same reasons as people; they are looking for food. Unfortunately, nobody wants bugs in the kitchen because they carry diseases and can be downright scary for some folks. The most common types of bugs making their way into the kitchen are ants, weevils and cockroaches. Try natural remedies as the first line of defense, as these are best for use near food.
Things You'll Need
Broom
Vacuum
Mild detergent
Rag
White vinegar
Airtight containers
Bay leaves
Cloves
Mint leaves
Cinnamon
Black pepper
Ant traps
Roach traps
- 1
Sweep and vacuum the pantry thoroughly to remove any loose crumbs and walking bugs. Discard the vacuum bag or empty the vacuum cup to prevent bugs from walking out of the vacuum and back into the kitchen.
- 2
Empty the pantry and clean it with a mild detergent and warm water. Wipe down all surfaces and dry.
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- 3
Seal gaps or cracks in walls and around windows or doorways to close off entry points.
- 4
Wipe down pantry shelves with white vinegar. This will get rid of ants.
- 5
Place any loose, bagged or boxed food in airtight plastic containers or glass jars with lids. Hungry weevils, beetles, ants and roaches easily chew through cardboard boxes and paper bags.
- 6
Store foods such as flour, sugar, rice and grains in the freezer rather than on pantry shelves to get rid of food-borne bugs. If certain foods should not be stored in the freezer, freeze them for at least 72 hours, to kill insect eggs.
- 7
Wash dirty dishes immediately; the residue serves as a food supply for bugs, ensuring that bugs continue visiting your kitchen.
- 8
Remove all sources of water from the kitchen including pet bowls, puddles and drips from leaking pipes. Roaches, especially, look for wet areas.
- 9
Place bay leaves, cloves, mint leaves or cinnamon, which all have natural ant repellent properties, on pantry shelves.
- 10
Leave black pepper or peppercorns on pantry shelves to kill weevils.
- 11
Use ant or roach traps on pantry floors and sealed traps on shelves near food.
- 1
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