Anyone who’s ever found a pest in their kitchen knows the horror of finding out their food has an infestation. Kitchens are especially vulnerable to pests because, just like you, pests also need to eat.

Unfortunately, there are no grocery stores where common house pests can buy what they need. The next best thing? Your kitchen cupboards. Unfortunately, most people aren’t willing to share their food with pests and the potential diseases that they can bring.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common pests you may come across who may be stealing your food – and what you can do to get rid of them.

Ants

All it takes is one crumb – from a sandwich to a banana to attract ants into your kitchen.

The tricky thing about ants is that they rarely come by themselves. You’ll usually see a line leading up to whatever fell on the ground.

Dealing with ants can be a long and tedious process. The easiest way would probably be to take the help of the Pest Authority of Charlottesville or other such organizations in your area, as they are well trained for these specific jobs. However, it can be quite a hassle if you plan on dealing with the infestation yourself. They are so small that they can sneak through tiny cracks and openings that can be difficult to block off. However, as with most critters, it’s possible to get rid of them if you follow a two-step process.

The first step is identifying what it is that they are after. Get rid of any sort of food that is attracting their attention, and thoroughly clean your kitchen. Once you’ve removed the source, you need to seal any cracks or crevices where they could be getting inside. Following this, regularly clean your kitchen, especially anytime you spill even the smallest crumb.

Flies

Most people know the annoyance of a fly buzzing in your ear. The buzzing of flies around your house can be particularly annoying in your kitchen. They love to come in while you’re preparing meals and try to taste whatever they can.

Apart from the noise being obnoxious, it can also be a health hazard. Flies can spread all sorts of bacteria on the surface is that they touch. For example, if a fly lands on a raw piece of chicken, and then lands on a piece of raw fruit that you then eat, it’s possible for you to contract salmonella.

It can be difficult to get rid of flies because they move so quickly and are so small. One of the best ways to keep flies out is to place the fly screens over all of your windows and doors. In addition to screens, you should also keep your kitchen as clean as possible.

Rodents

There is no place that a rodent loves more than a dirty kitchen. A kitchen full of old food and an unclean floor is full of plenty to fill their bellies.

Unfortunately, once rodents find their way into your kitchen, you’ve got a serious risk for sickness and, in some cases, even death. Although poison and rodent traps can be effective, most experts agree that you should call a professional to handle a rodent problem.