If you’ve spotted droppings, gnawed packaging, or worse, a scurrying culprit in your pantry, here’s a comprehensive guide to getting rid of them, cleaning up safely, and keeping them out for good.

1. Understand the Risks of Rodents in the Pantry

Before jumping into cleanup, it’s important to know why you need to act quickly:

Health hazards: Rodents carry bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning, respiratory issues, and other illnesses.
Food contamination: Even unopened food may be contaminated if droppings or urine are nearby.
Property damage: Rodents chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing, which can lead to damaged wiring, shelves, and packaging.

2. Step-by-Step Pantry Cleanup

Step 1: Empty the Pantry Completely

Remove every item from the shelves, including cans, jars, bags, and boxes. This lets you inspect for droppings, chewed packaging, or nesting materials.

Step 2: Inspect All Food Items

Discard anything with signs of gnawing, droppings, or contamination.
Transfer salvageable dry goods into airtight, rodent-proof containers (preferably glass or thick plastic).

Step 3: Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from airborne particles.
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings (this can spread harmful particles). Instead:

Spray droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Wipe up with paper towels and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.

Wipe down shelves, walls, and corners with disinfectant. Don’t forget high spots — rodents can climb.

Step 4: Clean the Pantry Floor

Vacuum or mop the floor after removing all droppings and debris. Pay special attention to corners, skirting boards, and behind storage bins.

3. Seal Off Entry Points

Rodents can squeeze through gaps as small as a coin. Inspect the pantry, kitchen, and surrounding areas for openings and seal them with steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk. Focus on:

Gaps around pipes and wiring.
Spaces under doors — install door sweeps if needed.
Cracks in walls, floorboards, or cabinetry.

4. Prevent Future Infestations

Use rodent-proof containers: Store all dry goods in glass or thick plastic jars.
Clean regularly: Wipe shelves and floors weekly to remove crumbs and residue.
Rotate pantry stock: Use older items first and avoid overstocking.
Maintain kitchen hygiene: Take out the rubbish regularly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

5. Natural Deterrents & Humane Removal Options

If you prefer non-toxic methods, before calling in a professional:

Peppermint oil: Rodents dislike the scent. Place soaked cotton balls in pantry corners.
Bay leaves: Scatter in dry goods storage areas as a natural deterrent.
Humane traps: Capture rodents alive and release them far from your home.

6. When to Call the Professionals

If the infestation is persistent, extensive, or you suspect rodents have spread beyond the pantry, it’s time to call licensed pest control experts. They can:

Identify and block all entry points.
Safely remove rodents without endangering pets or family members.
Implement long-term prevention measures.

Final Thoughts

Finding rodents in your kitchen pantry is unsettling, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your space, protect your health, and prevent future invasions. Acting quickly, cleaning thoroughly, and sealing entry points will go a long way toward keeping your pantry rodent-free.

For safe, effective, and lasting results, contact Knockdown Pest Control, a trusted professional rodent control service. Our expert team has the tools, knowledge, and strategies to quickly eliminate rodents and ensure your home stays clean, healthy, and pest-free.