What This Blog Covers
- Before/during/after hosting tips to reduce ants and roaches around food
- The most common kitchen “hot spots” pests use (trash, spills, pet bowls, clutter)
- Why repeat sightings usually mean an ongoing source or entry point (not a one-time party problem)
- When it makes sense to call a professional in Tampa Bay
Defensive Game Plan: Quick Checklist To Keep Pests Away
Stop pests before they ever sniff the snack table:
- Limit how long food is left out
- Wipe up sticky spills right away
- Use a lidded trash can and empty it during the game
- Keep pet food/water managed
- Do a quick post-game cleanup
Cutting off easy access to food and water makes your spread far less attractive to ants and roaches.
Before Guests Arrive: Set Your Kitchen Up for Success
Most party pest problems start when kitchens get busier than usual, and food is more readily accessible.
Put Out Snacks Closer to Kickoff
The longer food sits out, the more time pests have to find it.
- Keep chips, bread, and sweets sealed until you’re ready.
- For dips, cheese trays, and desserts, consider the “rotate and refresh” method: put out smaller amounts and refill as needed.
If ants are already a recurring issue in your home, you’ll also want to address the underlying attractants (not just the party-day symptoms). Our guide to How to Get Rid of Ants in Florida can help you pinpoint what’s attracting them.
Wipe Drips Fast (Especially BBQ and Sugary Drinks)
A few sticky spots can turn into an ant highway. Cockroaches are also drawn to readily available food sources and kitchen waste.
In Tampa Bay, cockroaches stay active year-round thanks to warm temperatures and moisture, which makes trash and food buildup especially attractive during parties.
For roach-specific prevention tips, this step pairs well with our local breakdown of How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Tampa Bay.
Use a Lidded Trash Can—and Empty It At Halftime
Trash is one of the most common “hot spots” in the home for cockroach activity, especially when food is involved.
Party-day tips:
- Use a trash can with a tight lid.
- Don’t let plates and napkins pile up.
- Take the bag out at halftime (yes, even if it feels early).
Pick Up Pet Bowls During the Party (and Really Between Feedings)
It’s easy to forget that pet food and water count, too. The EPA’s Integrated Pest Management guidance calls out not leaving pet food and water out overnight, and focusing on removing food and water sources.
During the Game: Keep It Clean Without Being “That Host”
You don’t need to sanitize your kitchen every 10 minutes. You just need to prevent a few common issues.
Create a “Spill Station”
Keep a small basket under the sink (or in a nearby cabinet) with:
- Paper towels or microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
- A small trash bag
- Disinfecting wipes (optional)
When spills happen, you’ll be able to handle them immediately—without leaving the party.
Keep Recycling From Becoming a Sticky Mess
Rinse cans/bottles quickly and get them into a bag or bin. Food residue is enough to keep pests interested.
Don’t Feed Pests With “Back-of-Counter” Clutter
Cockroaches love tight, dark, undisturbed areas. Cardboard and clutter can make those hiding spots better and encourage reproduction. Discarding unnecessary boxes quickly is the best approach.
Quick win before guests arrive: clear out any cardboard drink carriers, pizza boxes, and extra packaging as soon as you’re done with them.
After the Final Whistle: A 10-Minute Cleanup That Prevents Week-Long Problems
The most important part of party pest prevention is what you do right after the game.
Do a Fast “Crumb + Grease” Sweep
- Wipe counters and the stovetop.
- Sweep/vacuum under the snack area.
- Rinse plates and get them into the dishwasher or a sealed bag.
The CDC’s home pest tips also emphasize cleaning dishes, crumbs, and spills right away, storing food in airtight containers, keeping trash in a closed container, and sealing cracks and gaps to reduce pest infestations, such as cockroaches.
Lock Down Leftovers
Leftovers are great. Unsealed leftovers are a pest invitation.
- Use airtight containers.
- Don’t leave pizza boxes on the counter overnight.
- If you used pantry snacks (chips, cereal, crackers), seal them fully.
“We Did All That… Why Are We Still Seeing Bugs?”
Here’s the honest answer: a party can attract pests, but repeat sightings usually mean there’s already a steady food/water source or an entry point.
Common reasons ants or roaches keep showing up:
- Moisture: dripping faucets, leaky pipes, condensation
- Easy food access: trash, crumbs under appliances, pet food routines
- Entry points: gaps around plumbing, doors, windows, and baseboards
If you’re curious why you might still see bugs even after treatment, this article on Why You’re Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying explains what’s normal—and what isn’t.
And if you suspect a bigger roach issue, our Tampa Bay-focused resource on German cockroaches is a helpful place to start.
When DIY Prevention Isn’t Enough
Most party-related pest issues stop once food is cleaned up. But if ants or roaches keep showing up—even when you’re doing everything right—it usually points to an ongoing source or entry point.
Tampa Bay homeowners often reach out to Anti-Pesto when:
- You see roaches any time, and especially during the day (often a sign the population is higher)
- You’re seeing ants daily, especially in the kitchen
- Activity returns quickly after DIY sprays or store-bought baits
Anti-Pesto’s home pest control services are designed to stop that cycle. Instead of relying on one-time treatments, our approach eliminates existing activity, and regular pest treatments throughout the year help ensure insects and rodents don’t have the chance to re-infest.
Local, family-owned, Anti-Pesto has been protecting Tampa Bay homes since 1988 with straightforward, solution-first pest control. Ongoing home pest control helps keep kitchens, pantries, and living spaces protected long after the final whistle—not just on game day.
If you’re ready for a winning solution in Tampa Bay—including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, and surrounding communities- contact us today!
