Pantry and Stored Food Pests

Pantry and Stored Food Pests

Pantry and stored food pests are a term to describe many species of insects that can be found in food pantries. These pests are usually introduced into our homes by the way of previously infested food. Some common pests are flour beetles, saw-toothed grain beetles, cigarette beetles, mealworms, granary weevils, rice weevils, and Indian meal moths.

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What Foods Can Be Infested?

Many foods can be infested if left unused and exposed in a dark area of the home long enough. Items commonly infested are pastas, spices, hot pepper, ice cream cones, cereals, grits, flour, cake mixes, dried flower arrangements, stuffed furniture and toys. This is not a complete list; these insects are known to infest many more as well.

Don’t Forget to Check the Pet Food

Dry bagged pet food can also be a carrier for stored product pests. Make sure to check the pet food if you are experiencing a pantry or stored product pest.

Are Pantry Pests Dangerous?

No, these pests are a nuisance pest. Even though they are not dangerous they can be costly depending on what they have infested. Usually, large portions of food or other items need to be discarded to ensure that reinfestation does not happen.

These pests were most likely introduced to your home by way of the grocery store. The food or item that was purchased was already infested and insects were waiting for the optimal conditions to present themselves.

Locate the breeding site, once located the food or item being infested will need to be discarded to prevent reinfestation. Usually this takes care of the issue, a pest control service in the home can also help eliminate any stragglers.

We recommend buying plastic storage bins for food and keeping those foods stored in these bins when not in use. If an infestation does occur at some point later, the infestation will be localized to that bin and will not result in throwing away massive amounts of food.

Call (561) 313-5565 to Speak With a Representative.