Thanksgiving Kitchen Pest Prevention | How to Keep Critters at Bay

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, our kitchens come alive with the delicious aromas of roasted turkey, pumpkin pies, and a multitude of scrumptious dishes; however, while we eagerly prepare our feasts, there may also be unwanted guests just waiting to invade. We aren’t talking about those family members you may be trying to avoid, we are referring to pests and rodents. There are some things you can do for Thanksgiving kitchen pest prevention, and ways to keep these critters at bay. Let’s review.

Thanksgiving Kitchen Pest Prevention

Ohio is home to nearly 300 insects and many other unwanted pests and rodents. Some common fall pests in our area are: bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, rats, and spiders. Pests and rodents make their way indoors in the cooler months of the year to find food, water, and shelter. Our Ohio and Southeast Michigan homes and businesses give unwanted pests the perfect place to create a home of their own and to escape the outdoor elements, especially when there is an added amount of food and sweet items around giving them the feast that they are looking for.

Below we review some Thanksgiving kitchen pest prevention steps you can take to ensure that your feast isn’t ruined by these uninvited visitors.

  • Store Food Properly: As we have reviewed time and time again, pests are attracted to food sources, making proper food storage crucial for pest and rodent prevention. Keep dry goods like flour, cereals, and grains in airtight containers to deter pantry pests and ensure that all food containers and packages are tightly sealed to prevent odors from attracting pests.
  • Maintain Cleanliness: Even the smallest piece of food can attract pests and rodents; thus, a clean kitchen is less likely to attract pests. Regularly wipe down countertops, sweep the floors, and vacuum any food particles or crumbs. Clean up spills immediately and make sure you clean up right away after preparing foods and tightly seal all ingredients and leftovers. Wash dishes promptly and clean up trash and uneaten food.
  • Dispose of Garbage Properly: Thanksgiving feasts generate a significant amount of food waste, and if not disposed of properly, it can attract pests and rodents. Make sure to use sealed trash bins and empty them regularly. If possible, store outdoor garbage cans as far away from the structure as possible to minimize the chances of pests finding their way inside.

When it comes to the holiday season, Thanksgiving kitchen pest prevention is not the only thing that you should be thinking about to keep pests and rodents at bay. While the kitchen and the sweet smells are sure to attract more of these critters, so are things like firewood, greenery, and believe it or not, your invited guests. We have reviewed some holiday and fall pest prevention tips before, you can check them out here if you need a refresher.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a feast of gratitude. By implementing the above kitchen pest prevention tips, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving celebrations are free from unwanted critters.

For all of your Ohio and SE Michigan pest control needs, contact Delving Pest Control and allow us to do the work for you, so you can focus on creating delicious memories with family and friends during this festive season.