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Pantry Pests

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Pantry pests are often referred to as stored product pests. The group of pests has an appetite for processed and dried food products. Suffice to say, they’re going to eat the stored products found in your home. Pantry pests will consume a wide assortment of food products, including cereal, dry pasta, powdered milk, crackers, spices, dried nuts, cereal, and more. Just remember that the diet will depend on the species you’re dealing with. Although there are other species in our area, the most common include Indian meal moths, cigarette beetles, and saw-toothed grain beetles. These pantry pests are regularly found in Baltimore kitchens.

Pantry pests have easy access to food because they live in their food source. In addition to this, they hide in their food sources so they can breed around the clock. Pantry pests can create several generations of offspring every year. Although your home is properly clean and tidy, you may still experience a pantry pest invasion.

More About Common Pantry Pests

Remember that there are several pantry pest species in our area. Below, you’ll learn more about the most common species in Baltimore.

Indian Meal Moths

Indian meal moths often invade Baltimore residences. These pests are small with multiple colors. For instance,  they have forewings that are reddish-brown. As for their front half, they’re a mixture of white and gray. Although the moths are problematic, you need to worry about the larvae because they’re responsible for damaging the food products in your home. The larvae will attack a wide assortment of products in your home. They primarily prefer dried foods.

Unfortunately, these pests are difficult to remove from your home. The Indian meal moths will crawl on your ceilings and build cocoons throughout the dwelling.

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles

You’ll also encounter saw-toothed grain beetles. These pests have slender bodies. They’re flat and brown with some of them reaching a tenth of an inch. These pests have six tooth projections that resemble saws. They’re located on both sides of the pest’s thoraxes. Adults and larvae are going to destroy the dried foods in your home. They’re going to feed on a variety of open and loose products, including dried fruit, flour, cereal, and candy. They’ll also eat pet food, rodent bait, and birdseed.

Cigarette Beetles

Finally, you’re going to encounter cigarette beetles. These pests are light brown and grow up to an eighth of an inch. They have a fuzzy appearance thanks to their body hairs. Besides having smooth covers on their wings, they are hump-backed. As you can guess by the name, cigarette beetles are going to consume cigarettes and other tobacco products. They’ll also consume pet food, candy, nuts, and cereal. From time to time, they’ll eat spices.

Reasons For Pantry Pests

You’ve likely wondered why pantry pests enter residences. They enter homes by hiding in food products. Once inside, they’ll remain in those food products so they can thrive. In most cases, pantry pests are going to enter residences by hiding in food products. They may enter your home from outside but you’ll likely bring them home with you. It only takes a few pests to create a large infestation in your home. It doesn’t take long for them to reproduce and create a bigger problem in your home.

They can reproduce rapidly because they live in their food source. They reproduce and breed constantly with most pantry pests producing a couple of generations each year.

Signs Of Pantry Pest Infestations

It is wise to learn how to identify a pantry pest infestation in your home. Unfortunately, most people overlook the problem because they’re difficult to spot. They’re small and easily blend in with the food products they eat. Most people identify the infestation once they find small moths around their homes. Another thing to note is that these pests are attracted to lights. Therefore, you’ll likely find them flying around the lights in your home.

Pantry Pest Health Hazards

One would think that pantry pests would be dangerous but they’re not. Most pantry pests are not dangerous physically. They do not bite people. In addition to this, you can consume pantry pests and their eggs without getting sick. They are not known to transmit diseases. They don’t carry any dangerous pathogens or parasites. The primary issue is the fact that they’re going to destroy the food products in your home.

Once they invade, they’re going to begin destroying the good in your home. Get rid of them or they’ll cost you a fortune.

Preventing Pantry Pest Invasions

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to prevent pantry pests from entering your home. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that your food products are stored in tough containers. Seal them and make sure that pantry pests can’t get inside. You have to use durable containers because the larvae will be able to chew through cardboard and paper. Take the time to clean your pantry regularly. Try to get rid of food leftovers and crumbs so these pests can’t find food to consume.

When purchasing new food products, never combine them with old products. Doing so could lead to both foods becoming infested. If you’re curious whether something is infested, test it. All you have to do is place the food in a plastic bag. If pests show up in the bag within a month, it has pantry pests. If not, you can consume the product in question. Finally, be sure to clean old containers before using them again.

Steps For Eliminating Pantry Pest Invasions

One thing you have to remember is the fact that pantry pests are hard to eradicate. When they invade your residence, it’ll be had to identify and eliminate them. They are slow and fragile, but it is difficult to find them. They blend in with their hiding places. Therefore, it may take weeks or months to realize you have a problem. Furthermore, many DIY methods aren’t effective. Unless you can pinpoint the source of the infestation, using DIY methods won’t be effective. Follow the steps below to try to fix the problem on your own.

  • Start by getting rid of any products that are infested. Be sure to seal them in a plastic bag before throwing them out.
  • Remove everything from your pantry shelves. Then, use a vacuum to remove pests, eggs, and food crumbs. Again, be sure to place the vacuum’s content in a plastic bag before throwing it away.
  • Clean your pantry walls, corners, and shelves. Once you’ve finished, you can place the items back onto your pantry shelves.

Unfortunately, many DIY products are ineffective. Furthermore, you have to worry about the health risks involved. These products have to be mixed and used properly. If they’re not, the risks are immense. Unless you know how to use these products correctly, it is best to find another solution. Contact our office so we can deal with the problem for you.

When Can You Begin?

Contact our Baltimore office so we can start as soon as possible. After your initial call, we’ll contact you within 48 hours or sooner.

The Safest Pantry Pest Solutions

We want to do everything we can to protect you and your loved ones. As a result, we required our technicians to use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. We know that these products are effective and safe. Since we use these products, you can sleep soundly knowing you’re going to be protected. Plus, they’re safe around people and pets. Contact us to learn more about the steps our technicians take to keep you safe.

Preventing Pantry Pest Infestations

It won’t be easy to stop pantry pests from entering your home. It is pertinent to carefully inspect the food products you purchase before bringing them inside. Doing so can help ensure that your home does not become infested. Check the items and make sure they’re free of pests.

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

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Wye Mills, Rising Sun, Ft Myer Va, Colora, Arlington Va, Glen Echo, Cabin John, Conowingo, Port Deposit, Perryville, Centreville, Queenstown, Perry Point, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Capitol Heights, Whiteford, Havre De Grace, Grasonville, Garrett Park, Washington Dc, Darlington, Derwood, Kensington, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, New Windsor, Takoma Park, Mount Airy, Bladensburg, Gaithersburg, Upper Marlboro, Manchester, Rockville, Still Pond, Suburb Maryland Fac, Chester, Betterton, Lineboro Cpo, Pylesville, Maryland Line, Street, Riverdale, Freeland, Mayo, Stevensville, Chestertown, Hyattsville, Westminster, Aberdeen Proving Grou, Aberdeen, Worton, Olney, College Park, Churchville, Lisbon, Edgewater, Brookeville, Hampstead, Davidsonville, White Hall, Parkton, Sandy Spring, Greenbelt, Perryman, Silver Spring, Woodbine, Glenn Dale, BeltsvilleRiva, Brinklow, Ashton, Jarrettsville, Bowie, Rock Hall, Belcamp, Lanham, Forest Hill, Spencerville, Cooksville, Burtonsville, Glenwood, Upperco, 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Pantry Pests