By Andrey Zhilin, Cleaning Specialist
Florida kitchens have it rough in August. Between the heat, high humidity, and the seasonal explosion of pest activity, even the cleanest home can become a target for ants, roaches, and pantry invaders.
Over the years, I’ve cleaned homes where everything looked perfect — until I opened a drawer or moved a fridge. Ant trails along baseboards. Roach droppings behind spice racks. Nesting materials in rarely used cabinets. If it’s warm and humid, pests feel welcome.
So let’s be clear: August is the critical month. If you wait until you see insects, you’re already late.
Why Pests Love Your Kitchen in August
Most people assume bugs come in for food — and that’s true. But in Florida, they’re also coming in for:
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Moisture from under-sink leaks, dripping A/C units, or steamy appliances
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Darkness inside closed pantries and cluttered drawers
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Access through worn weather seals, tiny cracks, or open doors at night
Roaches and ants are especially active when nights stay hot, which happens often in late summer.
Common Mistakes That Invite Pests
Even careful homeowners make these errors:
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Leaving pet food bowls out overnight
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Storing snacks in original packaging instead of airtight containers
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Ignoring sticky residue under appliances or near trash cans
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Using vinegar spray without proper scrubbing — leaving sugar molecules behind
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Skipping regular cleaning of pantry shelves or spice cabinets
Ants don’t need much — a few crumbs and a drop of water are enough to bring them back every night.
What I Recommend — Real-World Solutions
As someone who cleans kitchens professionally in Florida homes year-round, here’s what actually works:
1. Empty and Clean the Pantry
Yes, everything. Wipe every shelf with soapy water and dry thoroughly. Toss anything expired, sticky, or chewed. Use clear plastic bins for snacks, cereals, and flour — pests hate smooth plastic.
2. Move Appliances and Clean Underneath
Don’t assume it’s clean because you can’t see it. Pull out the fridge and oven. Vacuum, scrub, disinfect. Roaches love the warmth and crumbs there.
3. Seal Entry Points
Use caulk around pipes under the sink. Install tight-fitting weather stripping on doors. Check screen doors and window frames for holes or gaps.
4. Switch to Night Watch Mode
Roaches and ants are most active when you sleep. Before bed, do a final wipe of counters, empty the trash, and make sure the sink is dry. Remove any fruit or leftovers.
5. Dry, Dry, Dry
Wipe excess water from under the dish rack, sink edges, and around refrigerator drip trays. Florida pests love moisture more than food.
6. Avoid DIY Spray Traps
Many sprays only mask the issue or push insects deeper into the walls. If you already see droppings or clusters, call a pest control service — and schedule a professional deep cleaning right after.
Conclusion
Roaches don’t care how nice your kitchen looks. They care about what’s left behind, what’s damp, and what’s hidden.
Preventing infestations in Florida isn’t about one big cleaning session — it’s about consistency, strategy, and attention to moisture.
Start in August. Or risk dealing with a much bigger problem by September.
