Pest infestation is a common household problem. They invade our homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Pests are not only a nuisance; they also pose a serious threat to our health and property. They are attracted to food sources and are most likely to be found in the kitchen. They contaminate our food and create unhygienic conditions. In this article, we will discuss common pests found in the Indian kitchen and how they harm us.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests found in the kitchen. They are not only found in commercial kitchens but they also invade household kitchens too. Cockroaches are mostly reddish brown in color and have oval-shaped bodies usually two to three inches in size. Cockroaches thrive in dark and moist areas and mostly hide in kitchen cabinets, drawers, and behind appliances. They leave pathogens and bacteria in our food that can cause diseases like salmonella, E.coli, and other food-borne diseases. Cockroaches can also trigger allergies and respiratory problems in sensitive people.
Ants
Ants are another pests that invade our kitchen in search of food. They are mainly attracted to sugary foods. Ants commonly nest in areas where there are moisture sources. They are mostly found in wall voids and beneath the sink and leaky pipes and faucets. You might often see a trail of ants on the kitchen counter. They are usually black, brown, or red in color. Ants leave pheromone trails to tell other ants about their food sources.
Flies
Houseflies and fruit flies are other common Indian kitchen pests. They are attracted to food sources, especially the sweetened food. Houseflies can feed on different foods but fruit flies as the name suggests, feed particularly on fruits. They are mostly found around the trash cans and filthy areas. Do not keep overripe fruits and vegetables on the kitchen counter. Though flies do not harm, they can spread germs and bacteria that can cause food-borne diseases.
Rodents
Rodents are regular kitchen invaders. They not only contaminate our food but also cause serious damage to our property and belongings as well. Rodents can gnaw and chew on wires and cables. They can damage the kitchen appliances. Rats can also destroy rice and flour bags kept in the kitchen.
Pantry Pests
Indian meal moths, great beetles, sawtooth beetles, weevils, and cigarette beetles are some of the pantry pests found in the kitchen. They feed on cereals, grains, products containing corn, and corn meal. They can destroy the food grains and make it inappropriate to consume. Pantry pests cause significant damage to pantry products that can lead to food wastage and loss of finances. You will find them in kitchen cabinets, drawers, or on walls and ceilings.
Tips to Prevent Pests in the Kitchen
Though these pests are commonly found in Indian kitchens, with careful planning and consideration, you can get rid of them. Follow the tips below to prevent and control pests in your kitchen.
- Pests invade our homes and kitchens in search of food, water, and shelter. Maintaining cleanliness, wiping off the spills and crumbs from the countertops, and regularly sweeping and mopping the floor can help in preventing pests from infesting your property. Make sure to clean the dishes after use so that they do pests do not get attracted to them.
- Use garbage bins that have tight lids on them and dispose of them daily. Make sure that no food crumbs are accumulated around the bins. Wash the dust bins regularly to remove dirt and filth residue.
- Pests are also attracted to moisture and thrive well in dark and damp places. Fix plumbing issues and repair any leaky pipes and faucets quickly. If there are any clogged drains, fix them as soon as possible to ensure free flow of water. If there is excessive moisture in the house, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity.
- Inspect your home thoroughly and look for any holes, gaps, cracks, and crevices. Seal them with caulk, cement, and other appropriate material to bar pests entry into the house. Fix nets on doors and windows and install weather stripping and door sweeps to keep pests at bay.
- Remove the clutter from your house. Do not keep piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and other unused materials in the house as this will attract pests. Most of the pests love to dwell in dark and cluttered spaces. The less clutter you have, the fewer chances will be there for pests in the house.
- As pests are attracted to food sources, you must store food in air-tight containers so that they do not easily access them. Do not keep pet food in the open and dispose of pet waste immediately as flies can accumulate there.
- Maintain your yard. Remove fallen leaves and debris from your garden so that pests do not make nests there. Trim shrubs and bushes regularly and make sure that they are not close to your home as pests can use them as bridges to enter your home.
Conclusion
It may be challenging to stop pests from entering your property, but being vigilant and taking the right approach can keep these pests away from your home. Remember, cleanliness is the first line of defense against pests. It makes your home and kitchen less appealing to pests. Store food in air-tight containers, maintaining the yard, and fixing leakages can keep your kitchen pest-free and clean. If you are dealing with a severe infestation, hire pest control in Patna. They have the experience and expertise to eliminate pests from any property, be it residential or commercial.
Read also: Pest Control Guide
