Cleaning is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent an insect infestation. Certain pests, like ants and cockroaches, find their way into homes in search of food. Clutter also gives bugs
like Brown Recluses more places to hide.

During this year’s Spring Cleaning work in the chores below to clear out the messes that serve as safe harbors for insects.

Cleaning the Kitchen

Many household pests venture inside in the pursuit of sustenance. All those crumbs on the counter, open food containers in the pantry and food-caked dishes in the sink are like an open buffet for bugs.

Give kitchen a good scrub down. Scour the counter surface to get rid of food remnants that attract pests. Inspect the pantry. Clean off the shelves with soap and water to get rid of crumbs. Check how many packages are opened and then get enough reusable containers (plastic or glass with tight lids) and put everything you want stored into the containers.

 

• This can include flour, sugar, all sorts of grains, honey, jams.

• If you have a pet put their food in sealable containers

• At night pick up food so bugs don’t eat it.

​

Vacuum Out the Furniture (primarily important if fleas or bed bugs)

There are a few reasons you’ll want to vacuum out the furniture. Vacuuming can both directly and indirectly get rid of bugs. Some pests, like the dreaded bed bug, live in the upholstery of furniture. Giving it a good vacuuming can suck out the majority of the insects. You’ll also clean up any food crumbs that attract hungry bugs.

Wash Out Your Garbage Cans

Even if you line your garbage cans with bags, crumbs and residue can still build up in the bottom. It’s about the least appealing thing possible to humans, but to bugs this sticky, nasty residue is a delicious treat. If you have major infestation do this for a couple of days:

​

After you take out the trash, bring the cans outside and spray them down.

Once they dry use disinfectant to clear out any remaining residue.

Clean Up and Fix Leaks

Insects need water to survive, and they’ve been known to search for it indoors. Leaks give insects a steady supply of water.

• Check for water damage. It can attract wood destroying insects like termites since they prefer surfaces that are already compromised by moisture.

• Go through your house and look for signs of a leak:

• Test each of the faucets to look for dripping.

• Look under every sink to see if there’s moisture around the pipes.

• Make a note of any water spots you find on the ceiling

• Once you’re done inside, check the faucets and drains outside as well.

• If insects find a water source on the exterior it can lead to a yard infestation.

​

Finish With the Floors

Once you’ve vacuumed the furniture, dusted the cobwebs and cleaned off the counters it’s the perfect time to finish with the floors.

• Start by sweeping all of the hard surfaces.

• Next vacuum any carpeted areas.

• Finally, mop the hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product.

Seal Around Doors and Windows (during Spring Cleaning)

Go one step further with your Spring Cleaning this year by sealing around all the doors and windows, especially ones that are located in or near the kitchen. This will cut off some of the common entry points for insects.

​

*If your problem is clothes moths, include the following; clean out all dresser drawers, all closets, vacuum and clean all floor surfaces. If moths in pantry follow above directions for cleaning shelves, kitchen surfaces, and storing dry food in airtight containers.