Best practices for food storage and preventing infestations

December 2nd, 2024

Food management and storage are essential steps in maintaining a pest-free environment during the winter months. Whether at home or in commercial spaces, poor food storage habits can attract unwanted guests like mice, rats, cockroaches, and other pests. At BW Nature Control, we offer the best practices for storing your food while keeping these intruders at bay.

1. Use airtight containers
   Pests like rodents and insects are often attracted to the smell of food. To prevent this, store your food in airtight containers. Dry products such as cereals, rice, pasta, flour, and sugar are particularly appealing to pests and should be kept in glass or plastic jars or boxes with tightly sealed lids. By preventing odours from spreading, these containers create a barrier that discourages pests from invading your cabinets and shelves.
2. Store food off the ground
   Pests like rats and mice can climb, but it’s more difficult for them to access higher shelves. If possible, keep your food away from the ground, in high cabinets or on shelves. Additionally, keeping food off the floor reduces the chances of it encountering surfaces frequently visited by pests.
3. Clean storage areas regularly
   Crumbs and food residue can easily accumulate in cabinets, quickly attracting pests. To prevent infestations, it’s advisable to clean storage areas regularly. Use a vacuum to remove crumbs from corners and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and detergent. Regular attention to corners and crevices helps eliminate potential food sources for pests.
4. Check expiration dates
   Expired or spoiled food often emits odours that attract pests. Be sure to regularly check expiration dates and dispose of any expired or decaying products. In addition to keeping your cabinets clean, this helps reduce the risks of bacterial contamination and infestation. Using a stock rotation method, such as the “first in, first out” principle, can be very effective, especially in large pantries or food businesses in Gatineau and Ottawa.
5. Avoid leaving food uncovered
   Never leave uncovered food exposed to the air, especially overnight. Ripe fruits and vegetables release smells that attract flies, cockroaches, and mice. If you’re in the habit of leaving fruit on the counter, place it in a covered container or the refrigerator to avoid infestations. Generally, perishable foods should be stored in a closed space to prevent pests from accessing them.
6. Inspect bags and packaging
   Flour, sugar, cereal, and other dry product bags can sometimes be pierced or damaged, attracting pests. Carefully inspect packaging when shopping and opt for products in good condition. Once at home, transfer items to durable containers or reinforce packaging with airtight bags for extra protection.
7. Manage food waste effectively
   Food waste is a major attraction for pests. Place food scraps in tightly sealed bags and take out the trash daily if needed. For peels and vegetable waste, consider using an outdoor compost bin, if possible. This helps keep food waste outside the home while reducing the environmental footprint.
8. Monitor and seal entry points
   Even with impeccable food storage techniques, pests can still enter your home through cracks, holes, or unsealed spaces. Regularly check walls, windows, and doors for possible entry points and seal them. Use caulking, sealants, or protective grids to close spaces under doors and windows, as rodents can squeeze through small gaps.

 

Adopting proper food conservation and storage practises is essential to avoid pest infestations in Gatineau and Ottawa. By opting for airtight containers, keeping storage areas clean, and monitoring entry points, you can protect your home or business in Gatineau and Ottawa from pests. If, despite all these precautions, you notice signs of infestation, don’t hesitate to contact BW Nature Control. Our professionals will quickly intervene to eradicate any invasion, ensuring a healthy, pest-free environment.