Proper storage preserves the quality and nutritional value of your food. However, many households are unaware that keeping items in the pantry invites small crawlers. Although ants primarily love to feast on sugary snacks, they will gravitate to any nutritional source. To protect your kitchen and food from these critters, you should implement the following ant control measures.

How to Maintain an Ant-Free Food Storage

1. Clean Dishes Right Away

Keeping your kitchen clean is essential to maintaining ant-free food storage. These pests enter homes looking for nutritional sources, so they'll feast on dirty plates and surfaces covered in crumbs and spills. 

After dining, rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher, even when you can't run it right away. Using the appliance to hold these items can stop critters from infiltrating your storage. As an additional ant control measure, wipe the counters with soapy water to remove leftover crumbs.

2. Sweep and Mop Your Floor

Scouting ants lay down a chemical trail to any food sources they find. Afterward, the working crawlers follow this path to start building their supply. 

If you want to eliminate the smell of the chemical trail, check your storage for any ant activity. This step gives you an idea of where the nest is. Then, start sweeping the area with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. If the ants keep returning, inspect the room for cracks and seal them.

3. Use Sealed Containers

Although cleaning helps keep ants at bay, these crawlers can be persistent in finding nutritional sources for their survival. Before gathering food for long-term storage, ensure you have air-tight containers and mason jars for preservation. 

Use receptacles to hold sugar and protein-based items that are appealing to ants. Also, remove foods from paper, cardboard, and thin plastic cases and place them in separate containers. After that, label the jars with the item's name and expiration date.

If you need assistance removing these pests from your food storage, turn to AAA Termite & Pest Control Inc. in Kaneohe, HI. Since 2010, the technicians at this family-owned company have provided residential clients across Oahu with reliable and affordable ant control services. To learn how they can keep your home free of pests, call (808) 247-5533 or visit them online.