Pantry Pest Identification & Prevention

Pantry pests are a classification of pests that like to invade stored food items. Common species include cockroaches, red flower beetles, Indian meal moths, sawtooth grain beetles, confused flower beetles, larder beetles, and cigarette beetles. Although all these local critters like to eat dried food, only a few choose to lay their eggs inside food boxes. These species usually don't eat dried food as adults but rather lay their eggs inside boxes so their larvae will have something to munch on when they hatch. We will discuss some other interesting facts and concerns about pantry pests today and give you what you need to combat an infestation inside your home or business.

Pantry pests are certainly annoying to deal with. Most species, however, do not pose any serious risk to human health. You can even eat most larvae and eggs, although we highly recommend not doing so. The pantry pest in our area that does get people sick is the cockroach. This nasty bug spreads many harmful diseases like salmonellosis and cholera. It can also trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions with its shed skin and fecal droppings.

Most pests invade homes and businesses by crawling through gaps, cracks, holes, and other entry points found in exterior walls, foundational blocks, windows, doors, vents, and rooflines. Some species, like the Indian meal moth, invade homes and businesses differently. They do this by laying their eggs inside boxes or bags of dried food at the grocery store or food processing facility. Damaged packages are much more likely to be infested with tiny eggs and larvae.

One would assume that pantry pests are only inside and around pantries; this is not entirely true. Most pantry pest larvae and eggs are inside boxes of stored food. Adults, however, fly away from these sources and often look for ways to get out of homes and commercial properties. Cockroaches are an exception to this norm. They establish large nests indoors and constantly invade pantries when they feel it is safe to do so.

You will need two things to remove panty pests from your home or business. The first step is throwing away all food that might be contaminated and storing all other pantry items inside airtight containers. Step two involves bringing in our team for a thorough inspection and treatment. We will identify where pantry pests are hiding, eliminate existing threats, and offer long-term solutions to keep out future pests that might invade through cracks, gaps, and other openings. Call us now to learn more about our pantry pest control, like cockroach control, and schedule an appointment for your home or business property.

There are two ways to protect your property from pantry pest problems. The first method involves following some simple DIY strategies. Here are a few to consider today:

• Do not buy boxes of food that appear to be damaged.
• Seal up gaps, holes, and cracks in your home or business facility's exterior foundation using some silicone caulk.
• Repair damage to exterior windows and doors and seal them properly.
• Store all dried food inside airtight containers, including pet food.
• Make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed, and take out bags as they get full.

The best way to keep unwanted pests out is with Dependable Pest Solutions. Our team will visit your home or business and implement guaranteed solutions to keep your interior spaces pest-free year-round.