Pests Invading The Pantry

While discovering bugs in your food may be disgusting, it isn't unusual. Many insects like to eat what we do, so the food in our pantry are often the first places they go to. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're not sharing your food. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company offers tips on how to get rid of and control pantry pests this spring.

What Are Pantry Pests?

Grain products and other foods stored in kitchen cabinets, pantries or other areas in the home may become infested with insects or other organisms. These invaders are commonly referred to as "pantry pests." The most common pests we see in the pantry are beetles, moths, mites or psocids. In Missouri, we can see the saw-toothed grain beetle, mealworms, Indian meal moth and spider beetles hiding in the cabinets. However, there are many more pests we could see crawling around our homes and enjoying our food.

What Do Pantry Pests Infest?

Stored food commonly infested with pests include flour, cereals, cracked grains, baking mixes and processed foods, crackers, macaroni, cured meats, powdered milk, dried fruits, nuts, popcorn and spices. Insects that feed on these products may also infest other grain-based items such as pet foods, birdseed, ornamental corn and even dried flower arrangements. Nearly all dry, stored human food products as well as dry pet food are susceptible.

Prevent Pantry Pests

Sometimes, pantry pests are brought into the home from the food items. Be sure to inspect dry goods before bringing them inside. However, be especially suspicious of birdseed and pet foods. Purchasing large quantities of these items and having them sit for long periods of time can be an invitation for trouble, so be sure they are stored in an air tight container. Remove spilled food products from storage areas and replace torn or damaged storage containers immediately. In addition, make sure your home is sealed well by caulking around windows and doorframes and sealing up gaps under exterior doors. Adequate ventilation in storage areas are also important to minimize mold and mildew growth that could attract pantry pests.

Get Rid of Pantry Pests

If pantry pests have invaded your kitchen, carefully examine all susceptible foods to determine the source of the infestation. Throw away items that are infested by putting them in tightly sealed bags and taking them outside of the storage area to a trash bin. Empty and clean the storage area and shelves thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner and hot, soapy water. However, the best way to ensure that the pantry pests are properly taken care of is by calling a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to help if you have pantry pests, or any other insect, invading your home. We offer pest control services at the Lake of the Ozarks and other surrounding towns. We are equipped with the knowledge to get rid of pests that affect Central Missouri. To schedule your pest control service, contact us today at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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www.abpest.net

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