4 Easy Habits That Keep Pests Out of Your Pantry for Good

Finding a kitchen pantry is like hitting the jackpot for pests. Not only is there ample food, but the warm, dark conditions offer the perfect hiding spot, especially during cold winter months. But you can keep your pantry pest-free without resorting to harmful pesticides. With a few simple lifestyle adjustments, you can protect your food and make sure your pantry doesn't become a home for ants, moths, mice, and more.

Most Common Pantry Pests

Pantry pests fall into two categories: stored product pests and general household pests. "Stored product pests like sawtoothed grain beetles, Indian meal moths, and weevils are what we call the 'sneaky hitchhikers' of the pest world," says board-certified entomologist Jim Fredericks. "They usually arrive to your house as microscopic eggs or larvae in flour, rice, cereal, and other dry goods you purchase at the store. You won't know they're there until they've hatched and multiplied."

General household pests include those seeking shelter and food inside your home. "Ants are America's number one nuisance pest, and they'll march one by one through your kitchen to get to crumbs or spills," says Fredericks. "Cockroaches are also common culprits, drawn to kitchens because they offer easy access to food, water, and warm hiding spots." Rodents, such as mice, also fall into this category.

How Pests Access Your Pantry

The way pests access your pantry depends on the species. Stored product pests are usually stored in the packaged goods you purchase at the grocery store, and unknowingly bring them home with you. "Once they mature into larvae, they can chew through cardboard, paper, and even some plastics to spread to neighboring items in your pantry," says Fredericks.

Other pests, including ants, cockroaches, and rodents, typically get into your home through small gaps and cracks in your home's foundation, especially as they seek warm shelter from cold weather outdoors. "That's why it's critical to check your home for any holes or openings and repair them promptly," says Fredericks. "Remember, mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime, while rats need only a quarter-sized hole."

Once inside, these pests will naturally seek out your pantry. "Pests consider pantries an all-you-can-eat buffet since you're most likely storing grains like cereal, flour, and pasta, along with other dry goods, which are exactly what pests like to eat," says Fredericks. "Beyond the food, pantries offer other perks for pests: they're typically dark, warm, and undisturbed, which makes for a great hiding spot."

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How to Keep Pests Out of Your Pantry

Prevention is the best way to keep pests out of your pantry. Our experts say these simple habits will prevent insects and rodents from accessing your pantry for good.

Proper Food Storage

Pests will access your pantry in search of food, so it's important to make that food inaccessible to them. "Store grains and other dry foods in airtight containers made of glass or heavy-duty plastic," says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC, a pest control company. "Label the containers and rotate stock regularly, using a first-in, first-out system, to avoid long-term storage." If you buy food in bulk and are worried about infestations, Wong says you can also freeze dry foods for five to seven days immediately after purchase to kill any hidden eggs.

Clean Regularly

Make sure you clean your pantry regularly and thoroughly. "Wipe down shelves, sweep up and vacuum crumbs, and promptly clean up spills," says Fredericks. "Regular cleaning eliminates the food sources that attract pests in the first place. Even a few crumbs or a dusting of flour can sustain an infestation, so staying on top of cleanliness is your first line of defense."

Inspect Groceries Before Storing

To avoid bringing stored product pests into your kitchen, check groceries for tiny holes, webbing, clumps, or other signs of damage before putting them away. "Since stored product pests typically arrive in products you purchase, catching them at the door stops the problem before it starts," says Fredericks. "Look for any signs before purchasing, and if you're unsure, don’t buy it."

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, especially around windows, doors, and utilities. "Seal anything larger than a 1/4-inch with silicone-based caulk or steel wool," says Fredericks. "Inspect door sweeps and seals and replace them if they are damaged." This physically blocks pests from entering your home, thus keeping them out of your pantry. "This is particularly important for ants, cockroaches, and rodents that enter from outside," says Fredericks.