Food storage methods have a direct effect on pest infestations in households and commercial properties. Pest-related damages cost Americans an estimated $20 billion every year, and improper food storage is one of the main causes. Rodents, ants, cockroaches, and pantry moths are just a few of the pests on the lookout for food sources in human habitats. These unwanted guests eat and taint our food and spread disease and destruction.
Rodents alone may share more than 35 diseases with humans, either through direct contact between the animal and the person or the contamination of food surfaces, according to the CDC. Food storage methods create a huge separation between pests and the potential food. This guide offers recommendations on how to store food and reduce the risk of pest infestations properly. We will also highlight the importance of calling an Exterminator in Arlington below.
Why Food Attracts Pests
Food contains nutrients and moisture needed for survival and reproduction, and that is why it attracts pests. Even just tiny morsels of food can attract hundreds of insects within 48 hours.
Household pests have advanced sensory systems that sense food odors from astounding distances. Cockroaches can smell food from over 100 feet away, whereas mice follow scent trails to find food sources. Even small amounts of food debris, like crumbs in kitchen cabinets or sticky patches on countertops, produce odors that alert pests to a food source you have made available.
Other common pests are also opportunistic feeders with varied diets, which means they can subsist on nearly any form of organic matter within your house. Open packages, exposed fruits, and grains that are not stored properly make for perfect food sources and breeding grounds for these unwelcome guests.
Tips to Store Food Properly
Food storage, when done right, can help you avoid a lot of pests. Here are some of the best practices to follow.
Store in Airtight Containers
Transfer products into resealable glass, metal, or hard plastic containers instead of their packaging. This simple action reduces the risks of pest infestation by as much as 70 percent. Focus on grains, cereals , and pet foods, which are prime targets for pantry moths and beetles.
Refrigerate Perishables Promptly
The F.D.A. advises refrigerating perishable foods within two hours of purchase and one hour in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This not only prevents spoilage but also removes appealing odors that attract pests. Even fruits that we’ve kept at room temperature over the years can thrive in the refrigerator, staving off spoilage and making them less likely to attract pests.
Keep Storage Areas Clean
Regular cleaning removes food scraps that draw the small critters. Clean shelves with vinegar solution every month since research shows that vinegar interferes with the scent trails left by ants and other insects. Vacuum cracks in pantries and cabinets where crumbs gather.
Utilize FIFO (First In, First Out)
Keep a rotation of food supplies. Stored products older than six months are twice as likely to experience pest problems as newer foods. Write the purchase date on containers so you can keep track of freshness.
Control Humidity
Many pests need moisture, so keep storage areas dry. Pest breeding rates increase dramatically when relative humidity rises above 60%. Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers in wet-storage areas.
Check Packages For Pests
To prevent potentially bringing bugs into your home, check packages for signs of pests when receiving shipments. 8% of unopened food packages contain insect eggs or larvae upon purchase.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that it is a consistency game; even a couple of slipups with food storage hygiene can set the stage for pest hard times. Keeping regular tabs on food storage areas allows you to catch any potential issues before they become too much of a challenge to manage.
If you do see signs of pests, no matter how meticulous you are, reach out to a professional pest control service for help immediately. You definitely do not want a small problem to escalate into a big infestation.
