In today’s hectic world, it can be easy to let standards slip at home. However, in order to maintain a clean and healthy family environment, it’s crucial you store food away appropriately.
Here are some tips from a pest control company in East London on how to store food that will deter any unwanted guests coming to dinner.
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Remove overripe fruit
Fruit flies and gnats are attracted to overripe fruit. Throw out, or even better, freeze fruit that is not likely to get eaten in the next few days.
Use plastic containers
Plastic containers make your kitchen look organised and keep your snacks safe from hungry pests. Store crackers and opened packets of biscuits away to keep them fresh and hidden from pests.
Maintain pet bowls
Mice love leftovers from your dog’s bowl. Make sure you remove your pet’s bowl once they have finished eating. This reduces food for the rodents and keeps your pet’s meal area sanitary.
Store food in a cool place
Any dry food, such as pasta, packets of ingredients, canned food and jars of sauces should be kept in a cool, dry cupboard. Any opened products should be kept in a plastic container.
Wipe jars clean
Sticky foods like condiments, jams and honey can sometimes find their way stuck around the edges of bottles and jars. Each time you add sauce to your chips, or spread jam on your toast, wipe down any excess on the container with a wet paper towel.
Clean up spillages
Spilt sugar and forgotten drips of sauce are a haven for mice and insects. Always keep a bleach free disinfectant to hand in the home to keep on top of any accidents.
Store bread better
To delay the onset of mould, bread should be kept in the fridge during the summer months. For the rest of the year, store bread in a sealed bread bin and clear up any crumbs when making toast or sandwiches.
Keep the floor free
Ensure that you don’t keep any food products on the kitchen floor, especially if the packets have been opened. Once you have been shopping, put food away immediately.
Rinse take away containers
Hungry rodents like take-aways too! Make sure your family are the only ones enjoying fast food by rinsing out disposable containers before you throw them in the bin, you don’t want unwanted rats feasting into your bin bags.
Store fresh vegetables correctly
Most vegetables can be stored safely in the refrigerator. However, onions, garlic and potatoes should be stored separately, in a cool and dark place. Keep them away from the floor and rinse before using.
Overspending at the supermarket is a bad habit that can lead to wastage in the home. This can attract pests and make it difficult for you to store food if you have limited room.
It’s much better for your kitchen, purse and waistline to do small shopping trips. Check your high street greengrocer for seasonal produce and only buy condiments and snacks when you run out. That way, food doesn’t get a chance to go to waste and attract pests. You’re probably more likely to save money and will be boosting your local economy and local purchasing too!
