Spending summer days in Oregon can be quite blissful. You can get to enjoy so much sunshine get more time to cook at home and enjoy fresh produce. But this is also the time when ants and fruit flies can invade your kitchens. Due to excess moisture, scraps of food and warm temperatures, these unwanted pests can feel more welcome in your kitchen space.
Even if you clean your kitchen regularly, a few common mistakes can encourage pests to thrive. If you want to keep your kitchen pest-free throughout the season, here are some oft-repeated cleaning errors that you must avoid.
Leaving Food Crumbs on Countertops and Floors
On the outset, small crumbs of food may not look like a big deal. However, ants can get a chance to feast on them. They can get a steady food source in sugar crystals, cereal pieces, bread crumbs and pet food scattered around the kitchen.
During the hot days of summer, ants can detect these leftovers quickly. They can establish trails that lead directly into your home. After having every meal, you need to wipe your countertops properly. Vacuum or sweep your kitchen floors every day. Do not forget to clean the spaces underneath dining tables and appliances. Crumbs often accumulate unnoticed in these areas.
Ignoring Sticky Spills
Both ants and fruit flies get highly attracted to fruit juice, syrup, soda, honey and jam spills. Even when a spill appears dry, the sugary residue continues to attract insects for days.
You need to remove sticky residues from cabinet handles, refrigerator shelves, dining tables and countertops thoroughly, with the help of a disinfecting cleaner. Pay more attention to spaces around blenders, coffee makers and the eating areas of your kids where sugary spills can occur often.
Letting Garbage Sit Too Long
The excessive heat of summer can accelerate the decomposition of food waste. Leftover meals, coffee grounds fruit scraps and vegetable peels produce odors that easily attract various types of pests such as fruit flies. Fruit flies multiply very quickly once they discover a source of food.
During warm weather conditions, you should empty your kitchen trash every day. This is especially necessary if it contains food waste. Regularly wash your garbage bin with soap and disinfectant, to get rid of sticky residue and lingering odors. Use trash bags with secure closures to reduce pest issues.
Forgetting to Clean Sink Drains
While trying to keep your sink spotless, do not overlook the drain itself. Moisture, grease and food particles collect inside drains quickly. Fruit flies can get the perfect breeding environment for themselves. Ants can also get attracted to organic matter that is trapped around the edges of sinks.
Use hot water to flush drains regularly. Use a suitable drain cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to get rid of buildup. The opening of the drain and adjoining sink area must also be scrubbed properly. This will help you to get rid of unpleasant odors and hidden food residue.
By avoiding these common mistakes while cleaning your kitchen, you can help reduce the conditions that attract ants and fruit flies during the summer months in Oregon. Regular kitchen maintenance can make a noticeable difference, but a house cleaning service can also help when your home needs more detailed attention. For more extensive cleaning assistance, professional cleaners can tackle areas where food residue, grease and moisture tend to build up.
