Have you spotted tiny bugs in your boxes of cereals or bags of rice? If so, you might be dealing with a pantry pest intrusion. These invasive insects infest stored food products, rendering them unsafe to eat. Preventing them from invading requires vigilant storage practices, as infestations can start at the packing plant long before you bring your purchases into your home.
In this blog by the Ventura Pest Control experts, we will review the common types of pantry pests in the area, explain how they ruin stored food, and educate you on the best way to keep them at bay, from prevention strategies to professional pantry pest control in Ventura County.
Types of Pantry Pests: A Comprehensive Overview
Pantry pests are a common nuisance. You can find several types in the area, including the following four:
- Indian meal moths: This type is notorious for infesting everything from stored grains and nuts to dried fruits. They will lay their eggs in your food packages, and their larvae will feed on the contents, leaving noticeable webbing and excrement behind.
- Drugstore beetles: These invaders are small and reddish-brown. They infest a wide range of dried goods, including spices and herbs. They can readily chew through packaging and contaminate the contents.
- Weevils: Weevils are a diverse group of beetles. They typically infest dry, carbohydrate-rich foods like rice, flour, and cereal. They use their elongated snouts to bore into grains.
- Cigarette beetles: While they primarily infest tobacco products, they can invade spices and dried herbs like drugstore beetles. They emit a strong odor when crushed.
Preventing these common pantry pests from taking over requires a well-rounded strategy, including professional pest control measures when needed, as they can quickly ruin your pantry items and cause expensive damage.
Pantry Pest Damage: How They Ruin Stored Food
Pantry pests can wreak havoc on stored food. It is a definite problem when you have spent a lot of money stocking your pantry with items like flour, cereal, rice, and more. Unfortunately, once pantry pests get into your packages, you need to throw their contents out because of contamination risks.
Their damage occurs in several ways, but you might only notice it once it's too late. These pests, including the Indian meal moths and weevils, lay their eggs in food products to feed the larvae. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the contents, introducing bacteria and mold and rendering the food inedible.
As pantry pests search for food, they leave feces, shed skins, and silk-like webbing behind. They not only make it unappealing but also pose health risks. Throwing food out is the only reliable way to avoid getting sick from a pantry pest infestation.
Unfortunately, certain pantry pests can chew through packaging, making them formidable opponents. Drugstore beetles, for instance, are notorious for getting into plastic bags, even if they seem sturdy.
One of the best strategies to prevent pantry pest damage is to properly store your food and regularly inspect stored items for signs of infestation.
Sealing The Deal: Tips For Properly Storing Food To Keep Pests At Bay
Properly storing your food is essential to keep pantry pests at bay. Here are some tips for effective food storage:
- Use airtight containers. Invest in high-quality containers made of glass or plastic to store your dry goods, especially grains and cereals. They will prevent pests from accessing them. They will also help keep them fresh. Do the same with pet food.
- Regularly inspect your food. Routinely check packages for signs of infestation. Typical clues include webbing and pantry pest larvae. If you find any, throw out all affected items. You might see larvae in cupboards if the infestation is widespread.
- Store your grains and flour in the freezer. Storing grains and flour in the freezer is an excellent strategy to protect your carbohydrate-rich foods from pests. The cold temperature kills any potential invaders and their eggs. It also helps extend shelf life.
- Clean your pantry. Keeping your pantry tidy and organized by vacuuming and regularly wiping down shelves is essential to keep pantry pests and other intruders away, including ants and cockroaches. Use the oldest items first and place newly purchased items at the back.
- Eliminate moisture. Moisture attracts pests. Eliminate leaks around your home, consider installing dehumidifiers if your home has high humidity levels, and use silica gel packets to keep stored food dry.
These tips can help keep your stored items safe. Unfortunately, pantry pest infestation can start at the packing plant, requiring professional interventions if they are severe.
Professional Pantry Pest Control: When To Call In The Experts
While DIY methods can address some pest infestations, you will often need more for pantry pests. Ventura Pest Control can help if you have a persistent intrusion or need preventive pantry pest control strategies. Indian meal moths and other invaders are tiny and hide in food packaging and pantries, where you might not notice them until you find a bag covered in webbing and larvae. Our experts can effectively tackle these challenging pests, providing long-term solutions and complete pest eradication. Get started today with an estimate.
Ventura Pest Control can help you get rid of pests in Ventura County with prevention strategies and effective interventions. Get started with a quote for professional pantry pest control today!
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