Home Remedy for Small Bugs in Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are an area of the home that can fall prey to small bug infestations, because insects are attracted to food stored in cabinets and can get through even the smallest crack in a cabinet.
Treating small insects in cabinets can be done with a few home remedies, and prevention is also important in fighting these small nuisances.
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Remove all items from the cabinets and set them aside. Throw away any spoiled or expired items. Remove contact paper if there is any laid down on cabinet floors.
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Clean the inside surfaces of cabinets, including side and back walls, floors and top walls. Use a rough sponge and dish soap mixed with warm water to clean. Thoroughly scrub the corners and any small cracks or crevices. Allow the walls to dry for an hour.
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Spray a light layer of household insecticide such as resmetherin or terametherin on the cabinet surfaces. Wear a protective surgical mask to prevent inhaling too many vapors. You can find household insecticide sprays at most hardware stores. Talk to an employee to determine the proper one for household use. Allow the spray to dry completely for at least two hours or longer if instructed on the label.
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Measure the area of the bottom of your cabinets and cut new contact paper accordingly. Lay contact paper on floors of cabinets and use a wide scraper to press it down and ensure paper doesn’t adhere with any bubbles underneath.
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Place any food products in air-tight plastic containers. Place all the items back in cabinets. Every two months, remove the items and wash down cabinets with some dish soap and warm water to prevent grime and food buildup.
Things You Will Need
- Rough sponge
- Dish soap
- Water
- Household insecticide spray
- Surgical mask
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Contact paper
- Wide scraper
Warning
Always follow all instructions that accompany your insecticides. Insecticides can pose a serious poison risk if you used the wrong type or use it incorrectly.
Never spray insecticides in areas where food or utensils are being stored without removing all items first.
Always spray insecticides in a well-ventilated area. If the room doesn’t have windows you can place fans in the area to promote air circulation.
References
Writer Bio
Amy Davidson is a graduate from the University of Florida in Gainesville, with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She also writes for local papers around Gainesville doing articles on local events and news.
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