Pantry Pests

Pantry pests are also called stored product pests. The term is used to describe a group of pests that like consuming dried and processed food products in your home. For instance, they can consume flour, powdered milk, dried nuts, bread, spices, and other products. Several pests fit into this category, but the most common include the Indian meal moth, cigarette beetle, and saw-toothed grain beetle. Pantry pests live in their primary food source.

Unfortunately, this allows them to eat and reproduce constantly. It is common for these pests to produce a few generations each year. A pantry pest infestation says nothing about your housekeeping activities.

Looks Of Pantry Pests

Indian Meal Moths

Indian meal moths are small. They have multiple colors. For instance, they are coppery on the back and white or gray on the front. Although the moths are problematic, the larvae cause food damage in your home. It doesn’t help that they’ll attack an assortment of food products. Indian meal moths are difficult to eliminate because they can build cocoons throughout your home.

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles

Saw-toothed grain beetles are flat and slender. These brown beetles are roughly a tenth of an inch. They have tooth projections that resemble saws. Adult saw-toothed grain beetles and their larvae will feed on the products found in your home. These pantry pests can sometimes be found consuming birdseed, rodent bait, and pet food.

Plus, they’ll eat flour, dried fruit, candy, and cereal.

Cigarette Beetles

These pantry pests are light brown and approximately an eighth of an inch. These pests have humped backs with smooth wing covers. Since they have body hairs, they look fuzzy. As you can tell from the name, these pests prefer eating tobacco products. However, they’ll also consume nuts, candy, and spices.

Reasons

Most pantry pest infestations occur because the homeowner purchased infested food products. There is a slim chance that these pests are going to enter your home from outside. However, most infestations occur after purchasing infested food products. Once a few pantry pests enter your home, it is only a matter of time before they reproduce. Before you know it, the infestation will worsen.

These pests thrive in their favorite food sources.

Signs Of An Infestation

Unfortunately, pantry pests are easy to overlook. Their presence isn’t always obvious. They blend in with the food products they hide in. Most people learn about a pantry pest infestation when they find bugs around their pantries. For instance, you might find beetles in your bags or moths flying around your pantry.

Potential Dangers

You cannot ignore the potential risks associated with pantry pest infestations. If you do, your decision may come back to haunt you. With that being said, you’ll be glad to know that these pantry pests aren’t dangerous. They don’t attack or transmit serious illnesses. The biggest issue is that these pests are going to destroy your food products. As a result, you’ll have to replace the food and that can be expensive. It is best to get rid of them and save money.

Avoiding Pantry Pest Invasions

Use the tips below to prevent pantry pests from entering your home or apartment.

• Make sure that your food products are stored in high-quality containers. Use materials that pantry pests cannot chew through.
• Take time to clean your pantry shelves several times each week. Get rid of leftovers and crumbs.
• Never add new food to containers with old food.
• Test to find out if your food is infested. Put it in a plastic bag and let it sit for a month or longer. If you find bugs inside the bag, you have a problem.
• Always clean your food containers before reusing them.

Eliminating Pantry Pests

To avoid overspending, it is pertinent to get rid of pantry pests as soon as possible. Thankfully, you have several options at your disposal. For instance, you can try tackling the problem without hiring a professional. If you want to do this, you’ll need to remove all of the food products from your pantry shelves. Once you’ve done that, clean the shelves as quickly as possible. Be sure to get rid of all eggs, food crumbs, and pests.

Vacuum up the mess. Then, place the vacuum’s contents in a plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag outside in the garbage. Don’t forget to wash and clean the walls before returning the items to your pantry shelves. Unfortunately, some DIY methods are ineffective. Others could be unsafe. With this in mind, it is a good idea to hire a local exterminator.

When Can It Begin?

Call our Phoenix office so we can help you schedule an appointment. We’ll get back to you in 24 to 48 hours.

Our Pantry Pest Treatments Are Safe

Our company offers cost-effective and safe pantry pest treatments. When you work with us, you’ll be able to take advantage of EPA-registered products. As a result, you can rest assured knowing that these products are going to keep you safe from start to finish. Working with us ensures that you protect the ones you love, your pets, and your plants. Our exterminators are trained to protect you during each phase of the process.

Preventing Pantry Pest Problems

Preventing future pantry pest infestations is hard, but you can reduce the risks. Be cautious when purchasing food products. Always check your powdered milk, cracks, spices, beard, and other products to ensure that you’re not bringing pests into your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.