Johann Hunt
As we know, the heart of every home is the kitchen. It’s a space where one creates culinary delights and makes memories. However, there are many unwelcome intruders in our bakehouses. From pantry raiders to countertop crawlers, here’s a guide to 15 insects that may be kitchen bugs.
Gnats
Despite their tiny size, gnats can be annoying. They are attracted to decaying organic matter and moisture. To eradicate them, place an old banana skin in a jar and seal the opening using plastic. Punch holes in the top and secure it with a rubber band.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are petite brown mites that measure about 3 mm in length. Their presence poses a risk of contamination with bacteria and other pathogens as they feed on decaying organic matter. Keep damaged or cut fruit and vegetables in sealed containers or refrigerators to prevent infestation.
Drain Flies
As their name implies, drain flies commonly emerge from kitchenette sinks or floor drains. The most effective method of eliminating drain flies is to thoroughly clean pipes and drains to remove slime buildup. Since drain fly larvae can swim in water, completely eradicating them can be challenging.
Common Houseflies
Everyone is familiar with these parasites that incessantly fly and buzz around. With their remarkable eyesight, they can detect predators approaching, making them elusive targets to swat. Employing natural fly repellents such as essential oils, flypaper, or vinegar traps is the most effective way to eliminate houseflies.
Indian Meal Moth
The pesky white creatures devour various types of food, leaving feces, cast skins, and eggshells in their wake. They are easily recognizable by their wing pattern, with half of their wings displaying a bronze or reddish color. So if you spot one, dispose of contaminated food or freeze it.
Spider Beetles
While not widespread, these tiny mites can swiftly contaminate grain-based foodstuffs. Indications of spider beetle activity include holes in food containers, webbing found in packages of grain products, and potential shed skin within the food.
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
As the name suggests, it features distinctive saw-like teeth along the sides of its body. These small brown creatures have a slender form, two clubbed antennae, and a flat body. Clear spilled flour immediately and store all dried products in sealed containers to eradicate them.
Drugstore Beetle
The drugstore beetle is a small reddish beetle with a cylindrical body and fine grooves along its wing cases. It resembles a coffee bean. The larvae of this pest are creamy-white with a brownish head and can measure up to 5 mm. It’s better to sanitize surfaces to keep them at bay.
Rice Weevils
These critters have a brownish hue and feature a humped or curved back, ovate bodies, and long snouts, which differentiate them from beetle species. Rice weevils can enter your home through various means. Typically, freezing items for a week effectively kills these insects.
Flour Beetle
The destructive flour beetle, a copper-colored or black kitchen critter, infests packets of flour and grains. These minute arthropods are often spotted in stored grain products, dried fruit, nuts, and beans.
Bean Weevils
One distinguishing feature of this pesky weevil from its other counterparts is its lack of a snout. These minute bugs measure 2 – 5 mm long and typically target legumes, beans, and peas.
Ants
There is no place you will never spot an ant, and your cookhouse is no exception. Spotting one of them might indicate the presence of many more. The only way to eradicate them is to remove the nest. If you suspect an infestation, it’s advisable to call an exterminator.
Phorid Flies
Known as hump-backed or scuttle flies, phorids are petite black ticks. They may fly around your head and land on your meal. Removing their food sources and reducing the moisture that facilitates their reproduction will prevent future generations from proliferating.
Cockroaches
If you need to clear your space of these disease-carrying parasites that hide in dim areas, it is vital to clear food debris on countertops or beneath appliances. Crafting a cockroach trap with boric acid, flour, and sugar can be effective.
Silverfish
Silverfish are slithering, silvery-grey pests with a metallic sheen. They are present in places with humidity levels exceeding 75%. To eliminate silverfish, reduce humidity levels, repair leaks, declutter the area, and sprinkle diatomaceous earth in dry regions.
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