It is definitely an unwelcome surprise to open up your food and find bugs crawling around in it. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happens to countless people every day. Pantry pests thrive in kitchens and storage areas all over the world and at all times of the year. Getting rid of pantry pests can be a long, tedious process, so prevention is the way to go.
Many different types of moths, beetles, and weevils are considered pantry pests. These bugs enjoy feasting on all kinds of grains including: flour, noodles, cereals, and more. They may also infest other items like spices, nuts, baking mixes, and dried fruits.
Pantry pests can seemingly appear out of nowhere, but even before they are visible an infestation may be present. You will likely only notice adult bugs, but eggs, larva, and pupa will also be present. If you find bugs in your pantry, you will need to find the source of the infestation. This is easiest when the infestation is still small and may be impossible once it has expanded. You will then need to clean out your cupboards, discard any food that has been affected, and vacuum or wipe out all the crumbs. Once you have experienced the frustration of pantry pests, prevention efforts will become even more important to you.
Pantry Pest Prevention Methods
Following these simple tips can help to prevent infestations before they start.
- When you are at the grocery store, inspect all packages for small holes or bugs before you purchase. Infestations can start inside packaged food that you bring into your house.
- Also before you purchase, make sure the food is in a quantity that you can use relatively quickly (2-4 months). If you are buying it for long-term use, proper storage is even more important.
- After you purchase flour and other grains, you can seal them in a ziplock bag and place them in the freezer for a week before using them. This will kill any eggs that might be present inside the package.
- Always store your food (including cereals, flour, rice, etc.) in sealed, airtight containers. Use heavy plastic, glass, or metal, as some pests can chew right through thin packaging.
- Do your best to keep pantries and other food storage areas clean. Wipe down counters, shelves, and drawers frequently, sweep or vacuum up crumbs often, and make sure that you throw out expired food that has been opened for a long time.
Using these tips should help decrease the likelihood of an infestation, but even the best preventive measures are not always failsafe. If you are in need of Sunshine Coast pest control, Radar Pest Control is here to help. Our friendly, fast, and professional technicians can identify the problem and come up with a customized solution to meet the needs of your family. Our goal is to keep your family safe and pest free.