Out of every room in the house, the kitchen is one of the most popular places for pest infestation. With so many options for hiding, the possibilities are endless for unwanted guests. Here are the top five most common pests found in the kitchen and what you can do to get rid of them.

1. These can be difficult to spot early on due to being so small in size. Usually, by the time they’ve been spotted, there’s way more than just a few in the home.
   • What should I do? With ants, you have to resolve the problem in two steps – remove the source and prevent the issue from re-occurring. Once you find the colony, as well as how they’re getting in, you’ll need an insecticide to eliminate the ants. You’ll also want to seal all cracks and openings so you don’t have this problem again in the future. Make sure your kitchen stays clean and that no food products are left opened and exposed.
2. These are, perhaps, the most annoying pests out of the group. There’s the noise they make, the pathogens and bacteria they spread when they land on food and surfaces, their ability to fall into your drinks, and how they tend to fly all around you – making killing one seem impossible.
   • What should I do? While fly screens are a great way to stop them from entering your home, it’s important to make sure you don’t leave opened food products and drinks around the home. Clean up all spills and take your trash out on a regular basis. If flies do come in contact with food products that aren’t in packaging, toss them out. Also, clean any surfaces that flies have landed upon. If you suspect an infestation, you’ll want to purchase an electric fly killer or insecticides.
3. Sure, Mickey Mouse is cute; however, he is far from being like the kind that finds its way into our homes. Kitchens are a favorite hangout place for rats and mice, as they’re provided with food, liquids, shelter, and warmth. While getting cozy in your humble abode, these creatures can spread germs, pathogens, and bacteria…all resulting in you or your family members getting sick. Rat and mice droppings are a big concern for you as well, as this can greatly impact your health.
   • What should I do? Check your kitchen for holes, cracks, and gaps in the floors, walls, windows, and ceilings. It’s possible for them to be entering through drains and vents as well. Seal up any exposed areas and refrain from leaving food and liquids sitting out. If you have rodent activity, clean/sanitize any areas where you suspect they’ve been. Keep your doors and windows closed. Set traps and baits to catch them.
4. Although they’re small, these pests can pose a rather serious health risk. Most asthma patients are allergic to them, and they can spread bacteria and disease as they make their way through your home.
   • What should I do? Keep your kitchen clean, take out your trash, clean up any spills, and don’t leave food products and liquids left out. Seal any cracks or openings, and use insecticide to properly remove them from your home.
5. SPIs (also known as Stored Product Insects). These bugs infest areas where food is stored, such as pantries, cupboards, cabinets, etc. They usually enter through an open door or an open window. There’s also a chance they arrived in your home through your groceries, as some may already be in the food.
   • What should I do? Throw away any food that has been contaminated and clean the area and its surroundings. Use insecticides and seal any entry points.