Secure Your Pantry from Unwanted Guests

The holidays often mean a fully stocked pantry ready for baking, cooking, and entertaining. Unfortunately, pests like ants, weevils, and rodents also see this as an invitation to feast. Keeping your pantry clean and well-organized is essential for preventing unwanted visitors.

Here’s how to keep your food safe and your pantry pest-free:

Step 1: Inspect and Purge

• Check expiration dates on all dry goods like flour, rice, oats, cereal, and spices.

• Discard any stale, expired, or questionable items, especially those with packaging that looks torn, chewed, or dusty (signs of weevils or pantry moths).

• Wipe down shelves before restocking to remove crumbs, sticky spots, or food residue.

Step 2: Use Proper Food Storage

• Transfer dry goods into airtight containers made of plastic, glass, or metal—especially flours, grains, nuts, and sugar.

• Avoid using original packaging like paper bags or cardboard boxes, which pests can chew through or nest in.

• Label containers with expiration dates to help you track freshness and prevent forgotten food.

Step 3: Maintain Pantry Cleanliness

• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, especially on lower shelves, corners, and floor edges where pests often hide.

• Vacuum the pantry floor regularly to remove fallen food particles.

• Keep trash bins tightly sealed and take out food waste often, especially during busy holiday weeks.

Keep Entry Points Tightly Sealed

As the weather turns colder, pests like mice, rats, spiders, and cockroaches start looking for a warm place to spend the winter—and your home can become a top destination if it’s not properly sealed. Even the tiniest gaps can become open doors for pests, so taking the time to secure your home’s entry points is critical.

Follow these steps to keep invaders out:

Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Inspection

• Walk the perimeter of your home and examine areas around windows, doors, the foundation, and siding.

• Look for visible gaps, cracks, or holes, especially near utility lines, vents, and under doors.

• Pay close attention to areas where pests tend to sneak in, such as the garage door seal, basement windows, or crawlspace vents.

Step 2: Seal the Obvious Openings

• Use exterior-grade caulk to seal cracks in the foundation or siding.

• Apply expanding foam or steel wool around larger gaps near pipes and cable penetrations, especially around kitchen or laundry areas.

• Replace or install vent covers on dryer vents, chimney openings, and attic exhausts to prevent rodents and birds from entering.

Step 3: Reinforce Doors and Windows

• Install or replace weather stripping around all exterior doors and windows to close small gaps that allow drafts—and pests—to sneak in.

• Add door sweeps to the bottom of all entry doors, especially garage and basement doors, to prevent rodents and crawling insects from slipping underneath.

• Check for torn or loose screens and repair or replace them to keep flying insects from finding their way inside.

Manage Trash and Leftovers Responsibly

With the holiday season comes indulgent meals, big family feasts, and plenty of leftovers. Unfortunately, pests like rodents, ants, cockroaches, and raccoons are just as excited about those food scraps as you are. If not managed properly, your holiday waste can quickly attract unwanted visitors.

Here’s how to keep pests out of your trash—and your home:

Step 1: Handle Leftovers the Smart Way

• Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze them promptly—don’t leave food sitting out for extended periods.

• Avoid leaving dirty dishes or serving trays overnight, as leftover food residue can attract pests like ants and roaches.

Step 2: Dispose of Food Waste Correctly

• Bag food scraps and packaging in sealed garbage bags before placing them in indoor or outdoor trash cans.

• Double-bag any particularly smelly or greasy waste, especially from meat, oils, or dairy, to reduce odors that attract pests.

• Compost responsibly—only include approved materials and always store compost bins far from the home’s perimeter.

Step 3: Maintain Your Indoor Trash Routine

• Empty kitchen trash daily, particularly after large holiday meals or baking sessions.

• Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to limit pest access and contain odors.

• Wipe down trash can interiors regularly to remove residue and prevent lingering smells.

Decorate with Pest Prevention in Mind

Decking the halls is a holiday tradition—but before you bring out your favorite festive décor, it’s important to make sure you’re not inviting pests along with the garland and lights. Decorations stored in attics, basements, or garages often become accidental hiding places for insects and rodents over the months.

Follow these steps to keep your holiday setup pest-free:

Step 1: Unpack Decorations with Care

• Inspect boxes outdoors or in well-lit areas before bringing them inside.

• Look for common signs of pest activity, such as:

  • Spider webs or egg sacs.

  • Rodent droppings or chewed fabric.

  • Insect casings or nesting materials (like shredded paper or leaves).

• Shake out any fabric items or tree skirts that may have been exposed to storage pests like silverfish or spiders.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Storage

• Switch from cardboard to plastic bins with secure lids. Cardboard attracts pests and is easily chewed through by mice and insects.

• Label bins clearly to avoid opening and scattering contents unnecessarily, which increases the chance of spreading pests inside your home.

• Add natural repellents like cedar chips or sachets of dried lavender to storage containers to discourage insects.

Step 3: Inspect Live Greenery

• Check fresh wreaths, garlands, or Christmas trees thoroughly for live insects, eggs, or nests.

• Shake out greenery outdoors and visually inspect branches and crevices before bringing them inside.

• Avoid spraying harsh chemicals on natural decorations indoors—use pet-safe pest sprays or wipe surfaces with a damp cloth if needed.

Don’t let pests crash your Thanksgiving or steal the joy from your celebrations. With a little preparation—and the expert help of Wayne’s Pest Extermination—you can enjoy a clean, cozy, and pest-free home all holiday season.

Schedule your pre-holiday pest inspection today!
Contact Wayne’s Pest Extermination and get back to what really matters: celebrating with the ones you love.

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