What are pantry pests?
Pantry pests are small insects known for invading dry goods and packaged foods. Pantry pests range from beetles to moths. Adult pantry pests will lay their eggs inside stored flour, pasta, grains, and other packaged items. The eggs then hatch into pantry pest larvae which feed on the items and continue the lifecycle into pupa and then adult pantry pests.
There are several different types of common pantry pests, and the species you will need to look out for in our area include rice weevils, drugstore beetles, Indian meal moths, confused flour beetles, and sawtooth grain beetles.
The pantry pest control experts at Explorer Pest Management can help you identify the type of pest you are up against on your property and suggest ways to keep them out.
Are pantry pests dangerous?
While pantry pests don't attack or bite humans, aren't venomous, and don't carry serious diseases, they are still a major nuisance to host on your property. Pantry pests contaminate and destroy stored food, making it inedible. They may also contaminate food preparation areas, increasing your chances of stomach illness as an infestation persists.
Why do I have a pantry pest problem?
Pantry pests most commonly find their way to properties after being transported in dry goods and packaged items bought in a grocery store. It's important to check for signs of pantry pests in the items you buy to avoid accidental infestations.
Additionally, some pantry pests may be attracted to lighting around your property or the aroma of food and will slip inside any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior in their pursuit of food.
Where will I find pantry pests?
Pantry pests are most commonly found in and around dry goods such as bags of flour, rice, grains, and sugars. They may also inhabit packaged items like cookies, pasta, and bread. You are most likely to see pantry pests in kitchens, food storage or preparation areas, food processing and storage facilities, and grocery stores.
How do I get rid of pantry pests?
Wondering how to get rid of pantry pests for good? Instead of investing in pantry pest traps and DIY pantry pest repellents, the best way to eradicate pantry pest infestations is to seek help from Explorer Pest Management. Our expert team will provide you with the professional pantry pest control products and solutions you need to be free of this pest and save your stored food items from contamination.
Request your free consultation today to get started.
How can I prevent pantry pests in the future?
Follow our expert steps below to prevent future pantry pest problems from taking place on your property:
- Check items purchased in grocery stores to ensure they don't show signs of packaging damage or have traces of pantry pests on or inside of the item.
- Always clean out the pantry and food storage areas and make sure that old or expired food is promptly thrown away.
- Install motion-sensor lights in outdoor areas to minimize lighting attracting pantry pests to your property.
- Seal cracks along windows, doors, and the foundation of your property in addition to installing window screens, door screens, and weather stripping to keep all pantry pests outside.
Reach out to Explorer Pest Management today for more information on pest control in Sacramento or for assistance defeating an infestation of these insects on your property.
