(BPT) - The holidays are a busy time, filled with joyful gatherings, plenty of good meals and houseguests galore. But the jam-packed celebrations can also provide an opportunity for uninvited pests to find their way indoors. The experts at Terminix have a few tips for protecting your kitchen from insects, so that you can spend your time enjoying the holidays rather than combating pests.
Start with a deep clean
ItÂs easy for things to fall through the cracks  literally. Stray crumbs and particles of sugar or flour can attract insects like ants. Prepare for the holidays by cleaning your kitchen and pantry top to bottom, removing food spillage and stains that could attract pests.Â
DonÂt try to salvage contaminated food
If you do find a food item thatÂs been contaminated, simply throw it out. Even if itÂs just one weevil in your box of rice, for example, itÂs better to dispose of the contaminated food entirely instead of trying to salvage it. You may think youÂve removed the Âbad part, but you could easily miss tiny insect eggs or larvae. DonÂt risk an infestation  when in doubt, throw it out! Â
Store supplies in airtight containersÂ
With all the cooking taking place during the holidays, youÂll likely find yourself with a plethora of leftovers and open packages. Flimsy cardboard and paper containers may not act as much of a barrier to pests. Instead, seal those food items in airtight containers.Â
Inspect new purchases for signs of damage
Despite what you might think, brand-new packages can also harbor uninvited guests, such as moths or beetles. Be sure to examine each new food product for signs that it could already be infested  even the tiniest tear in a package can act as an entryway for pests. If you do notice signs that a product is infested, dispose of the package.
Call in a professionalÂ
Even the most attentive homeowner can miss the subtle signs of a pest infestation. If left unchecked, infestations can worsen and give you a real headache during the holiday season. TerminixÂs trained technicians can help determine what kind of pest is trying to invite itself to your classy dinner, and how best to get rid of it.Â