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Kitchens and Critters by Nikki Willhite The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you keep your kitchen clean, you just feel better and your household runs smoother. One of the things that we have to fight in the kitchen is keeping our kitchens clean and sanitary, so that they will not attract bugs. Some areas of the country have a lot more bugs than others. Warm, humid climates have a lot more problems than areas like the Pacific Northwest. No matter where you live, there are good housekeeping practices that you should follow to keep your food and kitchen as clean and bug proof as possible. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO KEEP A SANITARY KITCHEN - Check food often to make sure there are no bugs in it. Weevil comes from within the grain itself. I had a roommate in college who came from a very poor family. When they found weevil in their flour, they would use a sifter to remove it. You can do that...or just throw it out. - Be careful of the foods that you store next to each other. Bugs can spread. Keep the cornmeal away from the flour. - Store food in secure containers when possible. Rodents and some insects can chew through cardboard. - Always wipe up food spills so that they don't attract bugs. - Keep food that is stored in cupboards tightly sealed. - Use your vacuum and periodically vacuum the corners of cupboards or drawers where you store food to remove crumbs. Check other areas crumbs may have fallen, such as behind appliances. - Don't allow kids to carry food around the house. Use designated areas for eating  food, and keep them clean. - Get rid of old fruit, and inspect and wash all the fruits and vegetables you bring into your home. One of my sons worked in the produce department of a large supermarket as a teenager. He killed at least one tarantula hidden in the bananas. - Sweep the kitchen floor daily to remove crumbs, and if necessary, run a wet mop over it to remove grease. - Don't leave dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink. If you must do it, rinse them off first.   - Keep your garbage cans clean. Pests are attracted to grease and grime. If you can seal your garbage can with a lid, do it. - Bugs and rodents come into your home through the pipes. Keep your drains clean. Freshen them periodically with baking soda or other chemicals. - Don't store wood in your house or garage. - To avoid spiders in your home, keep the foliage outside trimmed and cut back from your house.  I was once told by an exterminator that if you keep the foliage trimmed 3 feet back from your house you will never have a problem with spiders. - Use screens on your windows. - Finally, watch out for standing water. I have a friend who lives on a small lake. She says all the neighbors have cats, because they have a lot of rats there. Rats are attracted to water. All standing water causes problems with pests. Get rid of it when possible. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

 

 

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