Insect infestations in fridges can be a problem during the summer months and they're unhygienic and unpleasant. In the UK there are a few common pests that can become a nuisance around fridges.
With the warm weather of recent weeks set to continue, the white goods and appliance care experts at RGB Direct have analysed the four most common UK kitchen pests in summer that target your fridge and have offered advice on how to handle them.
Insects are attracted to fridges in the summer for a few reasons. Firstly, food odours. During the summer, people tend to cook more and keep more perishable food in their refrigerators. The scents from the meal may attract insects, especially if it is not adequately packed or covered.
Secondly, in the summer people commonly leave their windows and doors open to let in fresh air. Inadvertent bug entrance may occur as a result of this and some may end up in the refrigerator.
Finally, insects are also drawn to moisture and humidity. In hot, muggy weather, condensation may gather within the refrigerator, creating a wet environment that attracts insects.
Ways to prevent insect infestations in your fridge
- Regular cleaning: Cleaning your refrigerator on a regular basis, ideally once a month, is advised. Remove everything from the refrigerator, unplug it, and then clean the inside with a little detergent or warm, soapy water. Pay particular attention to any areas where food particles may collect, such as corners, shelves, and drawers.
- Proper food storage: To stop insects from getting into your food and contaminating it, store it in airtight containers or sealed bags, and avoid keeping open containers or unprotected food in the refrigerator. Before putting leftovers in the refrigerator, properly wrap or cover them with cling film or foil and firmly seal them. Fruits and vegetables should be kept in the crisper drawers or airtight containers of the refrigerator.
- Check food expiration dates: Microorganisms grow rapidly in warm weather during the summer and in moist/humid conditions. In turn, this makes food go off quicker, so remember to check the expiration dates of the foods in your refrigerator on a regular basis. As rotten or outdated food might attract insects, remove it as soon as possible. A neat and orderly refrigerator aids in avoiding infestations.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Look for any gaps or breaks in the seals that surround the fridge doors. These gaps can be used by insects to enter. If you discover any holes, make sure to clean them with disinfectant and seal them completely using silicone-based sealant.
- Keep a clean fridge exterior: Spills or residues on the outside of your fridge may also attract insects. To stop food residue or particles from building up, wipe out the exterior surfaces often including the doors and floor around the fridge. Use a basic solution of dish soap and water for a gentle clean.
- Regularly empty and clean the drip pan: The drip pan located beneath the fridge can collect moisture and food particles, creating a hub for nasty insects, mould, germs and bacteria. Check the drip pan regularly and clean it with a mixture of hot water and mild detergent.
- Vacuum and clean nearby areas: Insects may find their way into your fridge from nearby areas. Regularly vacuum and clean the surrounding kitchen areas, including countertops, cabinets, and floors, to remove any food crumbs or debris that may attract insects.
- Consider using natural repellents: Some natural repellents can help deter insects. For example, placing sachets of dried bay leaves, cloves, or cinnamon sticks near the fridge can discourage pests. Citrus peels or essential oils with strong scents, such as lemon or peppermint, may also act as natural repellents.
The four most common UK summer pests for your fridge and how to deal with them
Ants
- Keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris: Ants are drawn to food residue, so make sure to wipe up spills or crumbs inside of and around your refrigerator right away. Keep your kitchen clean and clear of food debris. To get rid of food odours, wipe surfaces down with a light cleaning solution.
- Store food in airtight containers: Food should always be kept in airtight containers, including leftovers, fruits, vegetables, and other foods. If food containers are not adequately sealed, ants will get inside of them.
- Seal any entry points or cracks near the fridge: Ants can enter the fridge through tiny gaps and crevices. To stop this, use caulk or silicone to fill in any cracks or openings around the refrigerator to keep pests out. To further establish a barrier that ants cannot readily penetrate, think about placing a thin layer of petroleum jelly or adhesive tape around the base of the refrigerator.
- Use ant baits or natural deterrents: Place ant repellents next to the refrigerator's access points. Ants don't like a number of natural ingredients, including cinnamon, peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus peels. To keep ants from approaching, scatter these repellents around the base of the refrigerator or on the shelves.
Flies:
- Clean up spills immediately and keep the area around the fridge clean: Regularly clean up spills, food residues, and crumbs inside and around your fridge. Flies are attracted to food sources, so keeping the area clean will help deter them.
- Ensure that bins are tightly sealed and emptied regularly: Keep your garbage bins clean and tightly sealed. Regularly empty the bins at least once a week to prevent flies from being attracted to the odour.
- Use fly screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering: If you notice persistent fly issues, you can install fly screens specifically designed for refrigerators. These screens attach to the ventilation areas of the fridge and prevent flies from entering while allowing proper airflow.
- Consider using fly repellents: Place fly repellents near the fridge or in the surrounding area. Fly repellent sprays or sticky traps can help capture and eliminate flies. You can also use natural remedies such as essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, or citronella, which flies tend to dislike.
- Maintain proper ventilation: Ensure that your kitchen and the area around the fridge are well-ventilated. Flies are less likely to be attracted to areas with good airflow and fresh air.
Wasps and bees:
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent their entry: Wasps and bees can enter your home through open doors and windows in summer. Make sure your doors and windows have properly fitted screens to prevent their entry or keep windows closed when possible.
- Avoid leaving sugary foods or drinks exposed near the fridge: Wasps and bees are attracted to sweet scents, so avoid spilling sugary drinks or food near your fridge. Also try and limit your time spent near the fridge or spending time outside if you’re wearing strong perfumes/aftershave.
- If you notice a wasp nest or a bee hive near your fridge, contact a professional pest control service to remove it safely.
Cockroaches:
- Eliminate any sources of food and water around the fridge: Regularly clean your kitchen, paying attention to countertops, floors, and other surfaces. Sweep, vacuum, or mop regularly to remove any food particles that may attract cockroaches. Don’t forget about under your fridge as cockroaches are attracted to small dark areas.
- Wipe down spills and leaks: Clean up spills, leaks, and condensation promptly. Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so ensuring a dry environment in and around your fridge will discourage them from infesting it.
- Properly ventilate the area: Ensure that the kitchen and the area around your fridge are well-ventilated. Good airflow and proper ventilation help reduce moisture and make the environment less attractive to cockroaches.
- Fix plumbing leaks : Cockroaches are often found near water sources. Check for any plumbing leaks near your fridge and fix them promptly. Eliminating water sources reduces their attraction to the area.
- Use cockroach repellents: Consider using cockroach repellents in and around your fridge. There are various commercial repellent products available, such as sprays, baits, or traps, that can help deter cockroaches. Follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer for effective use.
- Regular maintenance: Clean the coils and the back of your fridge. Cockroaches can hide in these areas, so keeping them clean reduces potential hiding spots.
