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Residents of Chicago will likely run into pantry pests at some point. Stored product pests or pantry pests are household pests that consume dried and processed foods they’ve found in homes. Although they can eat other food, they tend to target flour, dry pasta, cereal, dry pet food, crackers, spices, birdseed, and more. In our area, the most common pantry pests are cigarette beetles, Indian meal moths, and saw-toothed grain beetles. Once they’ve invaded your home, they’re going to be found in your kitchen and pantry.
Since these pests live in the food they eat, they never have to stop reproducing. They can thrive and reproduce constantly. In some cases, pantry pests can create a few generations every year. Keeping your home clean likely won’t stop a pantry pest infestation.
Figuring Out Which Pantry Pest It Is
It is vital to figure out which pantry pest you’re dealing with. Use the advice below to do that.
Indian Meal Moths
These small moths are light gray on the front and coppery on the back. Their forewings are reddish-brown. Although the adult moths can create problems, their larvae will damage the food products in your home. They will attack a handful of foods. Also, you’ll find that they’re incredibly difficult to eliminate.
Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles
These beetles have slender, brown bodies. They only reach a tenth of an inch. They’re unique thanks to the tooth projections on both sides of their thorax. They resemble saws. Adults and larvae are going to consume dried, processed food products in your home. Remember that saw-toothed grain beetles are going to consume birdseed, pet food, rodent bait, flour, cereal, candy, and more.
Cigarette Beetles
You’ll likely encounter cigarette beetles. If you smoke, you’ll be more likely to run into them. They’re an eighth of an inch with light brown bodies. Their humped back makes them easier to identify. They have body hairs, so they look fuzzy. They primarily consume tobacco products, including cigars and cigarettes.
Causes
In general, you’re going to unknowingly bring pantry pests into your home. Consumers often experience infestations after purchasing food items that contain pantry pests. They may enter your home unexpectedly from the outside, but they usually invade through food products. When visiting your local grocery store, check the food items carefully. If you see small bugs inside the bag, don’t buy the item in question.
Signs Of Pantry Pest Infestations
Don’t ignore the signs of a pantry pest infestation. If you suspect that you have a problem, call a professional immediately. Check for small beetles around your pantry and food packages. Look for small moths around your kitchen. If you find these things, they might be caused by pantry pests.
How Dangerous Are Pantry Pests?
Some people believe that pantry pests could be dangerous, but they’re usually not. Pantry pests usually do not spread illnesses or make people ill. You might ingest a few pantry pests or their eggs, but you shouldn’t worry about it. Although it will be disgusting, they’re not going to make you ill. They do not carry parasites or harmful pathogens.
Preventing Additional Pantry Pest Infestations
Try to keep pantry pests out of your home. Use the tips below to avoid future pantry pest infestations.
- Always store your food products in durable containers. Make sure that the lid always remains secure.
- Take time to clean your pantry shelves several times each week.
- Place new food products in new, clean containers. Never mix it with old food products.
- Always clean food containers before using them again.
You can test to see if a food container is infested. Place everything in a plastic bag and wait for a few weeks. After a month, you should know whether pests are in the bag.
Eliminating Pantry Pests
You can take steps to try to eliminate the pantry pests on your own. Just remember that DIY methods may not be as effective as professional services. Start with the steps below.
- Get rid of any food products that contain pantry pests. Throw the items in a plastic bag before disposing of them.
- Clean your pantry shelves thoroughly. Remove everything before vacuuming. Be sure to place the vacuum’s contents in a plastic bag before throwing the items away.
- Wipe down your walls and pantry shelves.
Some over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. You’ll also find that some contain dangerous chemicals. Be careful since these products are dangerous. Get in touch with us to take advantage of our free inspection service.
When Can You Start?
Call us so we can get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.
Our Treatments Are Safe
We provide the safest treatments in Chicago. When you work with us, you can sleep soundly knowing you’re going to be protected. Our products rely on EPA-registered products. We prefer these products because they’re safe and reliable. We’ll always do what is necessary to protect our clients.
Preventing More Problems
It is impossible to keep pantry pests out of your home. You never know when a product is infested. Be careful and check the items carefully. If you identify the signs of pantry pests, call our office so we can deal with them.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
