Pantry Pests

Pantry pests are also referred to as stored product pests. They’re called this because they will consume the processed food products in your home. For instance, they’re going to consume cereal, dry pet food, cornstarch, spices, bread, dried nuts, crackers, and more. The diet will depend on the species you’re dealing with. In Akron, our clients often deal with cigarette beetle, Indian meal moth, and saw-toothed grain beetle infestations. These pests are often found in pantries and kitchens across Akron. Although they’re not dangerous, they can cause extensive damage.

These pests live in the food that they consume so they never have to stop eating or breeding. Unfortunately, they blend in with their food. As a result, it may take a few weeks or months until you realize that you have a problem. A pantry pest infestation says nothing about your housekeeping activities

What Do Pantry Pests Look Like?

Be sure to learn more about pantry pests and their appearances.

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles

Saw-toothed grain beetles are slim, flat, and brown. These beetles can reach a tenth of an inch. They’re easy to identify because they have saw-like projections on the sides of their thoraxes. These pests are problematic because they’re going to destroy your dried food products. Adults and larvae will feed on your dried foods. Unfortunately, these pests will consume a wide assortment of foods, including flour, dried fruit, cereal, candy, and more.

Cigarette Beetles

You’re also going to encounter cigarette beetles. These light brown beetles can grow up to an eighth of an inch in length. Besides having smooth covers on their wings and a fuzzy body, they have a humped back. Cigarette beetles are common in our area. They’re going to feed on tobacco products, including cigars and cigarettes. In addition to this, they can consume spices in your home. They’ll eat chili powder, wreathes, cereals, and pet foods.

Indian Meal Moths

Residents of Akron are going to encounter the Indian meal moth. These pests often invade Akron homes. Indian meal moths are small with reddish-brown wings on the back. Near their head, the wings become white or gray. They’re not easy to identify because they move quickly. Once Indian meal moths have invaded, you need to begin working to get rid of them. Unfortunately, Indian meal moth larvae will destroy the food products in your home. Plus, they can consume a wide assortment of food products, including pet food, cereal, and bread.

These pests are difficult to eliminate. The adults will build cocoons in your kitchen and pantry.

Causes Of Pantry Pests

What causes pantry pest invasions? Why would these pests enter your home? Unlike cockroaches, pantry pests do not invade due to poor housekeeping. From time to time, pantry pests will invade residences from outside. However, most infestations occur because someone purchased infested food items. It requires a few insects to create a full-blown infestation in your home. With that being said, you cannot ignore small infestations.

Since these pests live in their food sources, they can constantly eat and breed. They’ll reproduce rapidly and turn your life upside down.

Signs Of Pantry Pests In Your Home

Unfortunately, many will overlook pantry pests because they’re difficult to identify. They often hide in food products that they blend in with. You may not realize that you have a problem until you find pests flying around your kitchen. You’ll discover small moths flying around. Plus, you’ll discover small beetles in your food bags.

The moths like being close to light so they may fly around the lights in your kitchen.

Dangers Of Pantry Pests

You can’t ignore pests in your home because some of them could be dangerous. Although some pests are dangerous, most pantry pests are not. These pests shouldn’t pose any risks to your health. These pests generally do not bite or transmit diseases. When it comes to common pantry pests such as saw-toothed grain beetles and Indian meal moths, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be okay. The primary concern is that you’re going to overspend on replacement foods.

You’ll have to replace the food they destroy and this can be costly. There is always a risk that you’re going to swallow the larvae of Indian meal moths or their eggs. Even if you do, you shouldn’t get ill.

Preventing Pantry Pest Infestations

Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to prevent pantry pests from invading your home. There are things you can do to reduce the risks, but you can’t eliminate the risk. Use the tips below to reduce the possibility that pantry pests are going to enter your home.

• Keep your food products in sealed containers. Make sure that the lid is fully secure to prevent pests from getting inside. You’ll want to use a tough material such as thick plastic or metal. Don’t use cardboard or paper because pantry pests may chew through these materials.
• Take steps to properly clean your pantry shelves. Get rid of the food leftovers on your shelves.
• Never add new food products into containers with old food products. Doing so could lead to the new food becoming contaminated too.
• Test to see if the product is infested. Plastic the food product in a plastic bag and seal it. Wait a month or so and look for pantry pests inside. If you find any, the food needs to be discarded. Otherwise, it is free of pantry pests.
• Always clean old food containers before using them again.

Eradicating Infestations Of Pantry Pests

It won’t be easy to wipe out the pantry pest infestation in your home. The biggest issue is that these pests are hard to spot. They can live in your food packages for a month or longer before you realize it. Plus, you’ll find that DIY methods are hit or miss. They might work but you might waste your time. Working with a professional Akron exterminator is recommended. You’ll also want to use the advice provided below.

• Get rid of any food products that contain pantry pests. Place the product in a plastic bag before taking it outside and disposing of it.
• Properly clean your pantry shelves. Remove all items. Use your vacuum to get rid of food crumbs, pests, and eggs. Once you’ve done that, you should place the vacuum’s content in a plastic bag. Finally, you can throw the bag out.
• Once you’ve finished the steps above, carefully wash your pantry walls, shelves, corners, and crevices.

DIY methods can help, but they might not deal with the problem properly. You also have to remember that over-the-counter products can be dangerous. You likely don’t want to put yourself or your loved ones at risk. Instead, you should work with a qualified professional. Do so and you’ll be able to avoid the risks involved with DIY methods.

Average Time Frame

Working with us ensures that your problem will be dealt with promptly. We’ll respond to your initial call within 24 to 48 hours.

We’re Going To Protect You

You’ll want to work with us because we’re going to protect you. Our employees pride themselves on delivering high-quality, safe products. We aim to use EPA-registered products to wipe out the infestation without risks. The products we implement into our procedures are safe and reliable. They’re good around people, pets, and plants. Plus, our company rigorously trains its exterminators to ensure that the problem can be dealt with safely and efficiently. Contact us to learn more about the steps we take to protect you.

Preventing Pantry Pest Home Invasions

Finally, you’ll want to do what you can to stop pantry pests from invading your home. Pantry pest infestations are hard to eliminate and prevent. There is little you can do. First, you should try properly sealing your exterior walls. Finally, you’ll want to check your food products carefully before bringing them inside.

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