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Pests in the kitchen: ants and cockroaches

Find what they come for, clean up, block the way in, and know when to call a professional.

23 items · 5 sections · home, food, cleaning, safety

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Find out what it is (5)

  • Look at the size and colour; take a photo for a pest shop or your landlord
  • Find where they walk: along walls, behind the fridge, under the sink
  • Look at night with a torch: cockroaches are active in the dark
  • Check for droppings, egg cases and a musty smell
  • Look for gnaw marks on packets: that could be mice, not insects

Remove what they want (6)

  • Wipe worktops and the stove after cooking, and sweep crumbs daily
  • Store flour, rice, sugar and pet food in sealed containers
  • Empty the bin daily, with a tight lid
  • Do not leave dishes in the sink overnight
  • Fix drips: leaking taps and pipes give them water
  • Wash pet bowls and take them up at night

Stop them coming in (4)

  • Seal cracks around pipes, skirting boards and cupboards with sealant
  • Close gaps under doors
  • Check cardboard boxes and bags from shops for hitchhikers
  • Clear clutter and boxes where they hide

Treat it (5)

  • Wipe ant trails with soapy water or white vinegar
  • Put out bait stations (gel or traps) and keep them away from children and pets
  • Use baits where they walk, not on food surfaces; replace as the label says
  • Don't spray around food; keep children and pets out of the room
  • Repeat the clean-up for 2 weeks

Call for help (3)

  • Tell your landlord at once if you rent: keep a record and photos
  • Call a licensed pest control firm if you still see them after 2 weeks
  • Call at once if you see lots of cockroaches by day, rats or mice, or wasp nests

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