Here we go…
1. Store foods appropriately.
So you’re leaving opened dried food in the cupboard with no storage in sight? Big mistake.
While opened dried food can seem innocent, it is anything but. Really, it’s like sending a siren signal to unwelcomed invaders.
So what do you do? (Hint: it’s not grab a plastic bag.)
Before you automatically run to that handy Ziploc bag, you need to know that this isn’t enough. According to the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM), you need to “place it in containers with tight-fitting lids; plastic bags aren't adequate.”
If you have tight-fitting storage containers, use them. If not, consider buying a high-quality set of airtight storage containers. At the end of the day, this is one of the most handy invader stoppers known to man… and woman.
2. Don’t go on an all-out shopping spree.
Yes, we love Sam’s and Costco. But having too much food just may draw critters. So take heed when buying in bulk.
According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, you should “purchase food in package sizes that can be used up in a short time.” This means you don’t want to buy so much food that you just can’t eat it all in a reasonable amount of time.