We’ve all seen a bug or two in our dried goods and pantries. It’s a part of life and happens to the cleanest kitchens. These pests often enter our homes via contaminated food from supermarkets, and all food is susceptible. Flour beetles, saw-toothed grain beetles, granary weevils, rice weevils and Indian meal moths are a handful of pantry pests found in Florida. They are not considered dangerous and pose no direct threat if accidentally ingested, but you’ll want to steer clear of including them in your dinner ingredients, nonetheless.
How to spot pantry pests
Pantry pests typically breed and feed on the dried food stored in the dark corners of your kitchen cabinets and closets. They tend to infest whole grains, beans, corn, pasta, cereal, flour, cornmeal and other dried goods, including pet food. You’ll see tiny, black specks (excrement), small black or brownish beetles, and sometimes itty-bitty larvae, depending on the life stage of your pests. Once you’ve identified a pantry pest, it’s best to get to work immediately–before you find yourself with a full-blown infestation.
How to get rid of them
Completely eliminating an infestation could be more than the average homeowner can handle. Depending on the size of the problem, and what stages of life are present (from egg, to larva, to adult), the methods for removal vary from fairly simple to elaborate. The best way to ensure total removal is to call in a professional, otherwise there are a few things you can try:
- Throw out all infested food
- Use a vacuum to clean out shelves, corners and crevices
- Wash the area with warm soapy water
Using chemicals around food is never recommended, so for pest problems that require further efforts, consider calling one of our experts at Slug-A-Bug. Our professionals have extensive training and know how to eradicate your issue while keeping your safety at the forefront.
How to prevent future problems
- Once all contaminated food has been removed and appropriately discarded in a trash receptacle outside the home, store all replacement items in airtight containers, if possible.
- Thoroughly check your items at the grocery store prior to purchasing. Look for signs of droppings, larvae or adult beetles. Avoid any items with rips or tears in the packaging.
- Rotate the items in your pantry regularly and discard anything old or questionable.
If you have any questions or need assistance, Slug-A-Bug is here for you. We offer a range of services that will eliminate your need to worry. We’ll get the job done and your pantry problem will be a thing of the past. Call us at (321) 259-7844 to make an appointment today.