Avoid Bugs in the Pantry
The holidays may be over, but your pantry is still packed—and that means it could be hiding some unwanted guests. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s treat for your family or organizing your spice cabinet, now’s the perfect time for a little pantry refresh to keep bugs (and rodents) out of your baking supplies.
Pantry Pests: What to Look Out For
If you haven’t used your flour or powdered sugar since Christmas, take a moment to inspect it. Ingredients that are past their prime—or not properly sealed—can attract pantry pests like:
-
Flour beetles
-
Indian meal moths
-
Weevils
-
Mice
It happens faster than you’d think. A forgotten spice jar from a trip years ago or a half-sealed box of cookies your kids put back in the cabinet can turn into a pest buffet. And those moths you’re swatting in the kitchen? They might be coming from inside the cabinet.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Flour beetles | Indian meal moths | weevils | mice |
Simple Steps to Keep Bugs (and Mice) Out
Keeping pantry pests away starts with good habits. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Check packaging before purchasing—avoid anything with tears, holes, or signs of damage.
✅ Store dry goods in airtight containers—think flour, sugar, rice, cereal, snacks.
✅ Deep clean cabinets and counters with hot, soapy water—wipe, sweep, and vacuum regularly.
✅ Seal entry points—use steel wool or silicone caulk to block cracks near baseboards or behind pantry shelves.
✅ Inspect old items—spices, baking mixes, and grains you haven’t used in months could be harboring pests.
✅ Fun fact: Mice love chocolate even more than peanut butter. Be extra cautious with where (and how) you store those treats!
Did you know that mice prefer chocolate to peanut butter?
Sweeten the Deal: Valentine’s Ladybug Cookies
Once your cabinets are clean and your ingredients are pest-free, why not treat yourself? Our Valentine’s Day ladybug cookies are a fun, family-friendly recipe that’s as adorable as it is tasty.
Click the image below for the full recipe and decorating instructions.
When you’re done baking, be sure to seal your ingredients tightly and wipe down those counters again—because clean kitchens are less likely to attract pests!
Tag us with your cookie creations—we’d love to see how they turn out! ❤️
Get Peace of Mind with HHMP
The best way to keep pantry pests out year-round? Our Healthy Home Maintenance Program (HHMP). It includes:
-
Four seasonal service visits
-
24/7/365 protection
-
Free re-treatments between visits if needed
Whether it’s ants in summer or rodents in winter, we’ve got you covered. Let us help keep your home safe, clean, and pest-free—so you can focus on what matters most.
Call 1-800-GOT-PESTS? to get started today.
