Bugs! They are everywhere and we need them. However, they also create a lot of problems. One of those problems is the destruction of food. They cost us billions of dollars a year in lost foods. It isn’t that they eat that much, but they do contaminate a lot of food making it unusable. If food that is contaminated by bugs and rodents is eaten it can lead to serious diseases.
One place that bugs and rodents can do their damage is in individuals storage of food items like meals ready to eat that people have purchased for their food crisis plan. If these foods become contaminated, they must be destroyed and the place where they were stored cleaned thoroughly. Malathion is sometimes used for cleaning. The surfaces and even crevices need to be cleaned. If the cleaning is not done completely, then the new foods could also become contaminated.
Of course, it is much better to prevent any contamination from taking place. This will save a lot of money and cleaning work. You want to keep the pests out. Check the storage area for any cracks or openings where bugs might get in. As you know, they don’t need much space to get in. So the storage area must be sealed up completely.
Second, bugs and rodents love darkness and warmth. It may be difficult to have a storage area that is not dark, but you may at least be able to store your foods in a cooler and less humid place.
Third, keep the food storage area clean. Spilled foods will draw insects in like a magnet.
Fourth, only use storage containers that are designed to keep insects and rodents out. These may cost a bit more than other storage options but will save you a lot more money if your food is not ruined.
Fifth, you can check with your local hardware store and ask what types of insecticides they would recommend that you use to keep your storage area free from pests.
A good pest control plan for your crisis food storage goods will be time and money well spent.