Pantry pests are a category of pests that aren’t talked about much, but you must know how to handle them. Pantry pests include ants, beetles, earwigs, pillbugs, and other similar insects. They aren’t usually very harmful, but they can still cause problems if you don’t know what to do about them. In this article, we’ll go over the most important information about these pests. We’ll talk about some common pantry pests and how to identify them, the risks associated with allowing pantry pests to linger for too long, and how to keep them out of your home. While the best option for getting pantry pests out of your home is professional pest control, we’ll also give you some simple tips to follow that should help you prevent them from returning. A-1 Bonded Termite has been providing quality pest control in Anaheim for years, and we’re always happy to educate new customers.
Common Types Of Pantry Pests
Pantry pests get their name from their tendency to gather around food that is often stored in cabinets or pantries. This includes flour, sugar, dried fruit, grains, candy, and cookies. Before we talk about how to get rid of pantry pests, let’s examine two common examples of pantry pests and talk about how to identify them. These two insects are merchant grain beetles and Indian meal moths. Contrary to their name, merchant grain beetles are usually not found in grain products. They tend to prefer cereal, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies, and chocolate. They are dark brown and have long, flat bodies that allow them to get into packaging more easily. Indian meal moths eat a wide variety of pantry foods, such as grains, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, candy, dog food, and powdered milk. They grow to just over an inch long and are easily identified by the reddish-brown color on the outer edge of their wings. Next, we’ll discuss another key aspect of pantry pest control – the risks of an infestation.
The Dangers Of Pantry Pest Infestations
Pantry pests in Anaheim aren’t often directly harmful to people, like many other pests. Merchant grain beetles and Indian meal moths aren’t known to spread any diseases, but they can cause problems by getting into your dry food supplies and contaminating them. Typically, food stored in a pantry is meant to last a while, but these pests can quickly ruin the shelf life of any product they infest. Now that you know how pantry pests get into food and the dangers they present, let’s talk about the best way to get rid of them.
An Effective Way To Get Rid Of Pantry Pests
As with any pest, the best solution for dealing with pantry pests like the merchant grain beetle and Indian meal moth is to enlist the help of a professional home pest control company. A-1 Bonded Termite has been serving the Anaheim area for years, and we’re passionate about making sure homeowners are protected from these nuisance pests. We have access to the best pantry pest control products, and with our years of experience, you can be confident in our ability to get rid of these pests. Contact A-1 Bonded Termite today to request a free inspection!
How To Prevent Pantry Pests From Coming Back
After you’ve removed the pantry pests from your home, you may wonder, “What can I do to prevent pantry pests from invading in the future? Here are a few tips:
- Use plastic or glass storage containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Throw away expired pantry items.
- Don’t purchase pantry items that show signs of damage.
- Empty your pantry and cupboards and clean them with soap and water every so often.
By following this advice, you should be able to keep your pantry safe from these pests. Don’t forget to contact A-1 Bonded Termite with any questions you might have.