How to Get Rid of Pantry Bugs Naturally

Say goodbye to unwanted pests in your kitchen using simple and eco-friendly methods.

Reader Contribution by Kacey Bradley
Updated on January 30, 2024
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by Adobestock/vectorfusionart
Discover practical and natural solutions with our tips on how to get rid of pantry bugs naturally and prevent them from returning.

You’re lucky if you’ve never had a run-in with pantry pests, bugs, and critters like beetles, ants, and moths. They can crawl into your cabinets and hide between shelves. Or they might stow away in your store-bought goods, gaining entry to your pantries before you detect them. Luckily, these pests don’t pose any serious hazard to your or your family’s health. Plus, there are plenty of steps you can take to get rid of bugs and prevent them from coming back.

1. Use Proper Storage

Use airtight containers to store food in your pantry, with popular options including glass, plastic and metal storage. Instead of storing cereal or rolled oats in an open box, transfer the contents to a sealed plastic container with a convenient pouring lid. Some insects are small enough to can squeeze in through tiny spaces. Your best defense is a storage solution that features an airtight seal. Mason jars are a popular alternative to traditional plastic containers because they are durable, don’t absorb odors, and are infinitely reusable.

2. Clean Up Crumbs

Everyone feels lazy once in a while. But a little laziness now can lead to a big pest problem later. Wipe up crumbs and spills in your home right away, including in the pantry, on the floor and on countertops. The longer the food or drink stays out, the more chance it will attract unwelcome critters like ants, cockroaches and mice. Keep a sponge by your kitchen sink to quickly clean up spills and crumbs. And use soap or a nontoxic cleaner to disinfect areas you use to prepare food.

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