How to Prevent Cabinets From Becoming Infested With Insects

Cabinet infestations are a common problem for homeowners. They're also an expensive one, as it can cost hundreds of dollars to get rid of the insects and clean up the damage they've done or even more if you decide you want to remodel. 

From ants to beetles to cockroaches and earwigs, it's best to take steps to prevent insects from infesting your cabinets. Cabinets are a focal point in any kitchen; they provide a place to store food, cookware, and other necessities.

However, how can you ensure that your cabinets are not the perfect breeding ground for insects? These creatures can be destructive and create health risks for your family. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent cabinets from becoming infested in the first place. We've put together five of these steps to help keep your cabinets insect-free.

Content to explore

• Remove clutter from your cabinets
• Check beneath the cabinet hardware
• Switch out to the container
• Undercook food

Remove clutter from your cabinets

As an exterminator, I've seen a lot of cabinets and a lot of cabinets with a lot of clutter. Clutter is a haven for insects because it provides them with a dark, secluded space where they can hide and lay eggs. The purpose of these steps is to provide some protection to your home as soon as you own it. Examine all food before storing it in the cabinet to ensure there aren't any insects already on the food.

Examine all food before storing it in the cabinet to ensure there aren't any insects already on the food. As long as you follow the guidelines for proper food handling, it's unlikely you'll come across any pests. 

Check beneath the cabinet hardware

Check it to make sure the box that holds the hardware is free of any other traps, food, and clothing fibers that could harbor bugs. Verify that all hardware, as well as the door, latch and latch assembly, seals completely. Also, follow further steps.

To avoid mold issues, thoroughly wash the hardware that comes with kitchen cabinets, white or any color cabinet, handrails, accessories, and attached looms.

To avoid sprays and insecticides, keep outdoor lights off during the week and turn them on around dusk.

Be sure to remove any dead insects or insect parts that you find on your food or in your cabinets so that they can't spread their eggs and larvae into your cabinets.

Switch out to the container

One of the first steps is to switch out the containers your bugs are living in. "Humans don't tolerate bugs well and have even been known to get stymied by a seemingly minor infestation," says Megan Wickham, an Austin-based nutritionist.

"When biological material is present in the container, it can ferment the food inside, thus triggering an inflammatory reaction when the bugs are removed." As an alternative, Wickham suggests placing them in a freezer bag to eliminate them faster and eliminate bacterial growth.

Undercook food

Another great thing you can do to prevent bugs from getting into your wall kitchen cabinets is to make sure they're cooked correctly. "The temperature of your food should be of the highest quality, without any secret would-be murderer seasoning," says Wickham.

"This doesn't mean that your food has to be perfectly cooked to be safe for the pests to live in — it simply means food should not be cooked that has gone well beyond its sell-by expiration date on the packaging." Of course, you'll want to make sure you follow your state's requirements for food safety and do your research when selecting food for your cabinet, so you don't end up with a dangerous infection.

Conclusion

Cabinets and pantries are ideal places for insects and critters to live. The dark, humid, and enclosed space is the perfect breeding ground for insects looking for a warm and cozy place to live. Knowing how to prevent pests from infesting your cabinets is important. Remove clutter from your cabinets.

Check beneath the cabinet hardware and switch out to the container—Undercook food. From ants to beetles to cockroaches and earwigs — it's best to take steps to prevent insects from infesting your cabinets. These creatures can be destructive and create health risks for your family.