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Stored product pests or pantry pests are common in Baltimore. These pests can be found across the United States. With that being said, you cannot overlook the possibility that you’re going to experience a pantry pest infestation. Pantry pests consume a handful of food products, including powdered milk, cornstarch, dry pasta, flour, cereal, pet food, spices, bread, dried nuts, and more.
The term pantry pest is used to describe several pests. However, the most common pantry pests include cigarette beetles, Indian meal moths, and saw-toothed grain beetles. Once these pests enter your home, they’re going to stay in your kitchen. Since they reside with their food, they can consume and reproduce around the clock. In addition to this, they’re difficult to spot.
Rest assured knowing that a pantry pest infestation doesn’t mean you didn’t clean your home well enough.
Spotting Pantry Pests
Are you concerned that you have a pantry pest infestation? Use the information below to find out which species you’re dealing with.
Indian Meal Moths
These small moths are reddish-brown in the back and light gray in the front. When you have an Indian meal moth infestation, remember that the larvae are responsible for damaging your food. You’ll find the moths flying around your kitchen, and that makes it easier to identify a pest problem. Indian meal moth larvae will consume various food products.
Plus, they’re difficult to remove from your home. The moths will build cocoons throughout your home. You’ll likely need a professional to remedy the problem.
Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles
Baltimore residents may encounter saw-toothed grain beetles. These flat brown beetles are very small. They’re roughly a tenth of an inch, so they’re difficult to spot. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see tooth projections on both sides of their thorax. Saw-toothed grain beetles and their larvae will consume the dried foods in your home. These pantry pests are scavengers and will consume a variety of products, including flour, candy, dried fruit, and cereal.
From time to time, they’ll eat dog food and rodent bait.
Cigarette Beetles
Cigarette beetles are common in Baltimore. These light brown beetles are roughly an eighth of an inch in length. They’re hump-backed with smooth wings. Since they have body hairs, they look fuzzy. As the name implied, cigarette beetles primarily feed on tobacco products. For instance, they’re going to consume cured tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes.
In addition to this, they’ll eat your pet food, candy, nuts, and cereals. They can also consume spices.
Reasons For Pantry Pests
Why are pantry pests living in your food products? Was it something you did? In most cases, it has nothing to do with what you did. It likely has nothing to do with your housekeeping activities. Instead, you might’ve purchased food products that were infested with pantry pests. Once you’ve done that, you brought the pests into your home. Some pantry pests will enter your home from the outside.
It only takes a few pantry pest insects to create an entire infestation in your home. They can expand rapidly since they live in their primary food source. In addition to this, they blend in with their food so they’re difficult to spot. Pantry pests breed consistently so they can create an entire generation each year.
Signs Of Pantry Pests
Do you want to identify a pantry pest infestation? Unfortunately, doing so will be difficult because pantry pests blend in with their food source. Pantry pests are small, and they blend in with their food. Identifying a problem won’t be easy. Instead, you’ll likely need to wait until the infestation worsens before you can easily identify the problem. When you begin noticing small moths around your kitchen and food packages, you know that you have a pantry pest infestation.
Dangers Linked To Pantry Pests
Are you worried about the dangers associated with pantry pests? Although this is a common thought, you should know that most pantry pests aren’t dangerous. For starters, they don’t bite people or pets. They’re not going to attack you. Another thing to note is that pantry pests can be eaten and ingested without problems. If you consume them, you likely aren’t going to get sick. Pantry pests do not transmit dangerous illnesses.
The primary problem is that pantry pests will destroy your expensive food products. When you have pantry pests, you’ll constantly have to replace your food products.
Preventing Pantry Pest Infestations
You’ll want to do everything you can to prevent future pantry pest infestations. Use the tips below to achieve this goal.
- Store your food in appropriate containers. Make sure that your containers are tight and durable. Don’t use weak materials such as paper or cardboard because pantry pests larvae will chew through them.
- Keep your pantry spotless. Use a vacuum to remove food remnants.
- When purchasing new food, make sure it is placed in new or clean containers. Never mix it with old food that could be infested.
- Test to see if your food products are infested. Put the food in a plastic bag and let it sit for a month or so.
Dealing With Pantry Pests
Once you’ve found pantry pests in your home, find a solution to fix the problem. It is pertinent to hire an exterminator if you can’t fix the problem on your own. Our company is eager to help. We’ll work around the clock until your problem is remedied. DIY methods might work, but they might not. Below, you’ll find tips for eliminating pantry pests in your home.
- Get rid of infested food products. Place them in a plastic bag before throwing the bag into the trash.
- Clean your pantry shelves thoroughly. Use a vacuum to clean up food crumbs and leftovers. Remember to dispose of the contents in a sealed bag.
- Wash your pantry walls and shelves.
Some over-the-counter products are not effective. You need to work with us because we ready to work hard for you. We won’t stop until your home is free of pantry pests.
How Long Will I Need To Wait For The Exterminator To Arrive At My Baltimore Home?
Our exterminators are trained to deliver efficiency on all levels. On the appointment date, the exterminator will arrive a few minutes before the scheduled appointment. We need at least 24 hours to process your pest control service request.
When the demand for professional pest management is at its highest, we may need an additional 24 hours to process a service request. Keeping in mind, we recommend immediate action to avoid any potential delays.
Should I Being Concerned About My Children Be Exposed To Dangerous Pest Control Products?
No, we never treat an infested home that is occupied with adults, teens, children, or pets. We request the home to be vacant upon our arrival. However, you can remain until the exterminators arrive. This will be the perfect time to inquire about our pest control services and treatments.
Our pest control products consist of only EPA-approved brands. We refuse to invest in pesticides, insecticides, and traps that have not met the guidelines established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What Pest Control Tools Do I Need To Prevent A Repeat Pantry Pest Infestation?
You do not need special tools, experience, or knowledge of pantry pest infestations when you hire our extermination team. We will work with you and your family members to ensure your home remains pest-free forever. Our professional pest management utilizes regular visual inspections to ensure early detection with immediate pesticide treatment.
Our goal is and always has been to help Baltimore residents fight against pantry pest infestations. Sometimes all your effort will not pay off. In this case, we will be there to fully eradicate the insects before they have time to infest your entire home.
In the meantime, we recommend an updated non-refrigerated food storage system utilizing glass and BPA-free plastic containers.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
