The holiday season is here, and for many Wichita residents, that means it’s time to stock up on baking essentials like flour, sugar, and spices. But as you prepare your pantry for festive baking, it’s important to keep an eye out for unwanted guests—pantry pests. Common in Wichita, pantry pests like flour beetles and Indian meal moths can quickly spoil ingredients and dampen the holiday spirit. Here’s how to keep your kitchen pest-free so you can focus on holiday treats instead of creepy crawlies.

1. Store Ingredients Properly

  • Pantry pests are skilled at finding even the smallest openings, so it’s essential to store ingredients in airtight containers. Glass or thick plastic containers with tight lids are best for flour, sugar, rice, and dried fruits. Not only do these containers keep pests out, but they also help preserve the freshness of your ingredients throughout the holiday season.

2. Inspect Ingredients When You Buy Them

  • Pantry pests can sometimes sneak into homes through ingredients bought from the store. Before putting new items in your pantry, inspect the packaging for small holes or tears. For items like flour and rice, give the packaging a gentle shake to check for any signs of tiny insects inside. If you see anything suspicious, it’s best to return or discard it.

3. Clean Your Pantry Regularly

  • Even tiny food crumbs or spills can attract pantry pests. Make it a habit to clean your pantry shelves regularly, especially before restocking for holiday baking. Vacuuming the shelves and wiping them down with a mild cleaning solution helps remove crumbs and any pest eggs or larvae that might be hiding.

4. Check Expiration Dates and Rotate Stock

  • Pantry pests are more likely to infest old or rarely-used items, so make sure to check expiration dates on your ingredients. Use a “first in, first out” approach to rotate older items to the front, ensuring they get used first. Discard any expired or stale items, as they’re more susceptible to attracting pests.

5. Freeze Flour and Dry Ingredients Before Storing

  • A simple trick to prevent pantry pests is to freeze flour, grains, and spices for a few days after purchasing. Freezing kills any eggs that might be present, keeping your ingredients pest-free. This is especially helpful for holiday bakers stocking up on large quantities of flour and sugar for the season.

6. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Pantry and Kitchen

  • Pantry pests are often small enough to squeeze through cracks in walls or baseboards. Inspect the area around your pantry for any small gaps or holes, and seal them with caulk to prevent pests from finding their way inside. This step is especially useful for Wichita homes, as seasonal temperature changes can sometimes encourage pests to move indoors.

7. Know the Signs of an Infestation

  • Recognizing a pantry pest problem early can save you from tossing out large quantities of food. Look for signs like tiny beetles in flour, rice, or cereal, or webbing and larvae in grains. If you suspect an infestation, remove the affected items and thoroughly clean the area.

By taking these steps, Wichita residents can enjoy holiday baking without the worry of pantry pests. Remember, a few preventive actions now can go a long way in keeping your kitchen festive and pest-free all season long.