With the holidays approaching, more people tend to spend a lot more time in their kitchens baking. Our pantries are filled with lots of goods to keep us warm and cozy. But, one thing we don’t want to find in there are those pesky pantry pests.
Pests can be found in pantries that hold dry cereal, spices, chocolate, candies, grains, etc. They like to breed and a small infestation can grow quite large in a short time. Once they have found their way into your pantry goods, those goods are no longer safe to eat and chances are high, you’ll find them in your other goods as well.
Here are some pantry pests you’ll want to watch out for:
Merchant Grain Beetles: These little beetles can be found all over the United States and all-year round in the pantry. They prefer to eat cereal, cookies, grains, chocolate, cake mix and macaroni. Once they have taken over a food product, they have contaminated it. There is no saving it. They have the ability to reproduce very quickly and they have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies (enabling them to cut through packaging).
For prevention: Add a bay leaf to the packaging of your dry goods. It repels them.
Indian Meal Moths: Just like Merchant Grain Beetles, Indian Meal Moths can be found all over the United States. They received their name after a scientist found them feeding on corn meal, which is also known as Indian meal. These little guys are attracted to light and can be found anywhere that food is stored. However, they like to eat grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, pet food, powdered milk and vegetables. Once they have invaded your food, it’s important to throw out the product.
For prevention: Store food in thick packaging or air-tight glass containers to help keep Indian meal Moths from invading your food.
Weevils:These very tiny beetles feed on flour, rice, grain, beans, cereal and nuts and they are very common. Weevils don’t just eat food, they lay their eggs in the food. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will eat on what is left of the goods until they are fully grown. There are two types of weevils, rice and flour. They are both metallic in color and are only a few millimeters long.
For prevention: Use strong herbs like rosemary, onion, cloves or peppercorn around your kitchen. Weevils are repelled by these powerful aromas.
Finding pantry pests in your cupboards or pantry is a ghastly sight. But, not to worry because Wildout Animal and Pest Removal can help rid your kitchen of these pests and use preventative measures to make sure that they do not return. You shouldn’t have to deal with these little pests wreaking havoc on your pantry. While pantry pests are not harmful if eaten, they can be an unappealing sight. One that makes you go from hungry to “no thank” quickly. Just because they are not usually harmful doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Some could still carry disease-causing pathogens. To be on the safe side, throw out the infested product and call Wildout today! 844-945-3688