When those annoying cabinet bugs invade your food, it’s become a top priority to get rid of them fast to prevent them from spreading.
The good news is you can tackle infestations yourself using regular household items. Whether it’s beetles, moths, ants, or other pesky insects, the cleaning and prevention methods are the same.
Cabinet pests are exactly what they sound like—tiny bugs that love hanging out where you keep your food. Since kitchens are naturally damp and packed with groceries, they become a hotspot for various insects.
Discovering small brown bugs in the kitchen may not sound good, but you can use natural ingredients from your kitchen to repel them. Getting rid of kitchen insects might seem tricky, but with some common household items, you can keep those pests away. Stick around, and we’ll guide you on identifying the pantry bugs you’re facing and how to kick them out for good.
Know Your Cabinet bugs
Cabinet pests are little bugs that like to hang out where you store your food things like flour, cereal, rice, and crackers. Sometimes, they sneak into your home from the grocery store, hiding in your food. Let’s see the usual suspects of cabinet bugs and how to kick them out of your cabinets.
1. Ants
Ants are tiny but mighty invaders. They often trail in search of food, especially sugary or greasy items. To keep them at bay, seal food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and use natural deterrents.
2. Khapra beetles
These hungry insects belong to a category of highly invasive pests, known for infesting stored seeds and grains. Despite having wings, they don’t fly and instead, dedicate their time to nibbling on small grain particles.
Surprisingly, they don’t consume entire grains but manage to cause significant harm to stored food by incessantly nibbling on them.
3. Cockroaches
Resilient and adaptable, cockroaches are a major nuisance. Eliminate food crumbs, fix leaks, and seal entry points.
These unpleasant critters devour anything in their path, from grease and deceased insects to leftover food crumbs. Swiftly compromising your health, they can spread a mass of bacteria.
4. Drugstore beetles
Drugstore beetles look like small brown coffee beans. They like to eat prescription drugs and hang out in warm and humid places, like your kitchen.
5. Termites
Termites, the quiet troublemakers, can really mess up your wooden structures. Regular inspections, moisture control, and timely repairs are crucial.
6. Spiders
Although many spiders are harmless, their webs can be quite messy. Keep your home clutter-free to minimize hiding spots, vacuum regularly, and use spider repellents.
7. Moths
Moths are notorious for targeting stored food, especially grains and cereals. These little invaders usually come into homes from packaged food that has eggs and baby bugs. The baby bugs eat grains in the food before turning into grown-up bugs, which then leave the bags.
8. Beetles
Different types of beetles may invade your home. Inspect items in your cabinet, such as flour, cereal, nuts, dried fruits, cookies, and candies, for any signs of bugs or holes in the packaging.
How to get rid of tiny brown bugs in kitchen cabinets?
1. Throw Away any Infested Packaging
When dealing with pantry pests, start by discarding any infested food and open packages. Begin with the oldest items tucked away at the back of your pantry, as they are more vulnerable to infestation. Give special attention to staples like flour, rice, and other grain-based products, as they are prime targets for these bugs.
If you spot any infested food in your pantry, dispose of it along with any other open packages. Even if you don’t see bugs in the open packages, it’s possible they’ve laid eggs in your food.
For those hesitant to throw away all open packages, consider freezing the ones you didn’t see bugs in 3 days. This can help eliminate any potential eggs or larvae.
2. Use Vinegar Solution
When it comes to your kitchen, vinegar proves to be a reliable ally. Not only does it contribute to maintaining a spotless home, but it also stands out as an effective remedy for tackling small insects in the kitchen.
Create a solution of vinegar that is 50% vinegar and 50% water, then apply it to troublesome areas. While the solution is safe for your family or pets, it does come with a strong odour. Interestingly, this scent acts as a deterrent, keeping small insects and other flying bugs in check.
But if you’re wondering how to banish kitchen insects without the lingering smell, fear not. You can combine vinegar solution with a touch of dish soap, which proves equally effective.
3. Power of Neem Oil
Comes from neem trees flourishing in India and Africa, neem oil emerges as a natural powerhouse against bugs. Applying this organic repellent to your kitchen cabinet or plants proves to be the optimal and safe approach for bug control.
Many tiny kitchen insects can’t handle strong smells. Consider using plants such as Tulsi, mint, basil, bay leaf, lemongrass, and lavender.
4. Use Garlic
Tiny brown bugs that live in kitchen cabinets and other spots can’t stand the smell of garlic, making it a powerful natural repellent. For an effective solution, cut garlic cloves in half and place them in corners and other vulnerable spots.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil acts as a great natural repellent, effectively preventing ants, beetles, and fleas. Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water, give it a good shake, and then apply it around kitchen cabinets and various kitchen elements.
Embrace this natural solution as a safe and eco-friendly way to keep unwanted bugs at bay, ensuring a fragrant and pest-free environment.
6. Give a Try to Borax
Borax, a versatile white powder, not only excels at household cleaning but also acts as a disinfectant for surfaces. Combat tiny black bugs in the kitchen, especially in hidden spots like under the sink, fridge, stove, and cupboards, by simply sprinkling borax on infested areas.
While it’s an effective solution, caution to keep it away from children and pets to avoid potential harm in case of accidental ingestion of large quantities.
7. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves, a favoured herb among chefs for enhancing flavours in meals, can also double as a natural bug repellent in your kitchen. Opt for leaves over harmful insecticides by placing them on shelves or in cabinets for an effective and aromatic defence against bugs.
8. Cinnamon Against Ants
Sprinkling cinnamon powder in your kitchen corners is a powerful home remedy to eliminate ants. These tiny pests can’t stand the scent of cinnamon, making them either flee or meet their end. Say goodbye to ants with this effective and natural solution.
9. Use Insecticides
Insecticides are powerful tools for dealing with bugs in and around your home. Choose a suitable insecticide based on the type of pests you’re dealing with and follow the product instructions carefully for effective and targeted application. Keep in mind that while insecticides can be highly effective, it’s essential to prioritize safety by following recommended precautions and guidelines.
10. Go For Pest Control
If you’re still dealing with those pesky brown bugs despite trying natural methods and bug sprays, it might be time for expert help. This difficulty often arises due to a severe bug infestation and undiscovered primary sources of their invasion. In such cases, turning to a professional pest control company emerges as the most effective solution.
How to prevent kitchen cabinet bugs in the first place?
Here are some tips to successfully prevent kitchen cabinet bugs –
1. Organize Your Garbage Bin
Keep pests at bay by maintaining an organized garbage bin. Cover it to prevent easy access, change the bag daily, and consider separating dry and wet garbage to prevent insect issues.
2. Welcome Sunlight
Embrace the power of sunlight in your kitchen for a germ-free environment. Sunlight acts as a natural insect killer, prevents mould growth, and helps eliminate lingering smells from cooking ingredients.
3. Fix Leaks
Insects are attracted to moisture, so tackle potential infestations by promptly repairing leaking pipes and addressing other sources of water leaks. This simple step can significantly contribute to an insect-free kitchen.
4. Unclog Drains
Ensure there are no drainage issues in your kitchen. A clogged wash basin not only looks unpleasant but also attracts various insects. Keep those drains flowing smoothly.
5. Always clean Your Kitchen Counter
Bid farewell to insects by adopting the habit of cleaning your kitchen counter every night. This simple yet effective step ensures a hygienic and bug-free kitchen when you wake up in the morning.
6. Seal Entry Points
Take action to seal any entry points for pests. Check windows, doors, and any gaps in walls, ensuring that bugs have no easy access to your kitchen.
7. Store Food Properly
Use airtight containers to store food, especially grains, cereals, and other pantry staples. Proper food storage reduces the chances of attracting bugs and ensures your kitchen remains insect-free.
8. Regular Pest Checks
Conduct routine checks for signs of pests. Early detection allows for prompt action, preventing a small issue from turning into a full-blown infestation.
Conclusion
Spotting various small brown bugs in your kitchen is common. While they may not pose a direct threat to your health, they can seriously endanger your stored groceries. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize disinfecting kitchen elements, maintaining cleanliness, and getting rid of these pesky bugs.
Getting rid of those little brown bugs in your kitchen cabinets is all about keeping things clean and smart. Regular cleaning, storing food properly, and using natural repellents are your go-to strategies.
