Chocolate in the Pantry: Valentine Season Storage Tips
February in Orlando is still warm enough for ants and pantry pests to stay active while families stock up on chocolate for gifts and baking.
Store sweets in hard containers
Cocoa fat and sugar leave scent on foil wrappers. Move candy out of thin cardboard boxes into glass or rigid plastic bins. Wipe shelves after you unload groceries.
University of Florida IFAS Extension guidance on stored-product pests recommends rotating dry goods, checking dates, and freezing suspect flour briefly if you suspect hitchhikers.
Exterior checks in the same week
Walk the foundation while you reorganize the pantry:
- Pull mulch back from siding
- Point irrigation away from wood
- Move damp cardboard out of the garage
Seal foundation cracks and replace worn door sweeps while you are already in maintenance mode.
Orlando Pest Experts starts with inspection when pests show up despite good storage habits. Talk with our team or see residential pest control. Pantry ant calls are common in Winter Park and Orlando during gift seasons.
Related reading: Common Florida ants · Ant control service · Seasonal pest guide