Insect infestations can be a huge nuisance and cause you stress in your daily life. Many of these insects are easily avoided or disposed of, but sometimes sticky situations occur with no obvious solution. Whether you’re dealing with a fruit fly infestation from your compost or ants from your kitchen cabinet, we have the answers to some of the easiest solutions to prevent insect infestations in the kitchen.

Insects in your kitchen can be frustrating. They may not cause any damage, but they are unsanitary and unpleasant to look at. Many of them also have defense mechanisms that can be harmful to humans, such as biting or stinging. If you want to keep insects out of your kitchen, there are some easy steps you can take to do so.

No crumbs left behind:

Clean up food and drink spills. Crumbs, grease, and other food particles on the floor will attract ants and other pests. Any spilled liquid will also attract pests because it provides a drink for them. Make sure to clean up spills immediately if they happen while you're cooking or eating in the kitchen.

You should also wipe down your kitchen surfaces regularly. This will help prevent crumbs from accumulating on your counters, which can then fall onto the floor and attract pests. Use The Better Home’s multipurpose cleaners to keep your countertops clean and crumb-free.

Seal it in:

Keep food in sealed containers. Placing food in sealed containers will prevent pests from getting into it. If you keep food out on your counters or pantry shelves, it is likely that bugs will get into it at some point. Store dry goods in sealed plastic bins, glass jars with tight lids, or plastic zipper bags. Use plastic or glass containers for wet foods such as sauces or soups.

Do your dishes:

Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. This can attract fruit flies and cockroaches, which may carry disease-causing bacteria that can contaminate your food.

Clean and dry floors:

Keep your kitchen floor clean and dry. If you see signs of water damage, call a plumber to address the problem immediately so you don't attract termites or other insects that thrive in damp areas. Regularly check floor drains for grease buildup, which attracts flies and roaches.

Take out your trash:

Take out your trash daily and wash your garbage bin regularly. If your kitchen is small and you don't have room for a bin, take the trash outside at least once a day.