8 Organising Tips for a Pest-free Kitchen

The kitchen can be particularly susceptible to a pest infestation. A hotbed of fresh produce, leftovers and food trash, this hardworking space frequently attracts ants, rodents, flies and cockroaches.

Design: The Interior Lab

Other than being really annoying, having pests in your kitchen isn’t safe. Besides keeping to a regular cleaning schedule, it’s also important to keep it organised to keep the pests at bay. Here are eight simple tips that will get you a clutter-free kitchen that is also free of unwanted guests.

1. Use air-tight containers for pantry staples
   
   Ideally, pantry staples and other food should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer wherever possible. Not only does this keep your food fresher, it also prevents the pests from getting to them. For foods that aren’t suited for storing in a cold zone, such as sugar, coffee beans or oats, they should be transferred into air-tight quality glass or plastic containers, which prevent bugs from getting to your food.

Design: The 80s Studio
 

2.  Unopened food should be stored within sight and easy reach

Keeping unopened foods within sight and reach helps you to make sure the expiry date and the pests don’t get to them first. A good tip is to place everything in one space, where you can see them all at once rather than storing them all over the kitchen and forgetting them after some time. When it comes to storage, keep foods of the same category together and don’t squirrel them away in some dark corner.

Design: Rezt & Relax

A chalkboard wall helps to keep things in track

A chalkboard wall not only adds to the aesthetics of your kitchen, it’s also a handy tool to keep your grocery supplies in track. Constantly re-evaluating what you have and keeping by the “first in, first out” rule create a clean and organised kitchen that pests won’t feel comfortable lingering too long in. Plus this helps to cut food waste!

Design: Distinct Identity

4.  Keep your counters and shelves clutter-free

Clutter is often a pest magnet, as it fashions a conducive – seldom disturbed and dark – place for bugs to stay in. To prevent this, clear your wares and tools away from your counters and shelves after using them and place them back where they belong.

Design: Fuse Concept

5.  Use cabinet organisers

The inside of your cabinets should be kept organised too; they shouldn’t be a catch-all for all your kitchen wares, appliances and tools. One way to keep things organised within is to keep everything compartmentalised. Use mesh or wire organisers to store cooking tools, plate stackers to stack your china and flatware trays to lay out utensils. Bonus tip: make sure your wares are dry before storing them in your cabinets. Pests are attracted to humidity and thrive in damp areas.

Design: Icon Interior Design

Design: The Local Inn.terior

6.  Take out the trash as soon as possible

Pests are attracted to food waste so you will want to throw out the garbage as frequently as you can, especially after throwing away leftovers or after a food prep session. Besides throwing out the trash, make sure your garbage bins and cans are wiped and cleaned to prevent any residue, which similarly attracts pests.

Design: Edge Interior

7.  Clean your kitchen appliances regularly

Regularly wiping down your kitchen appliances is very important in pest management. Appliances such as the oven, coffee maker, air fryer, blender and the hob and hood are potential hideaways for pests if you don’t clean them right after using them. For appliances that you don’t use often, make sure to seal them tightly in a large transparent plastic bag (makes it easier for you to find them when you need to) and store them away neatly.

Design: Lemonfridge Studio

8.  Mend chips and cracks

A broken tile in the kitchen isn’t just an eyesore – it can also be a hideout for the creepy crawlies. Either replace the tile if it’s badly broken or seal the chip and cracks with a tile filler.

Design: Kuro +