Just because your house is clean doesn’t mean pests can’t come in. They’re constantly looking for food and warmth. They like many of the same things in your house that you like!
You may be surprised to learn that most pests make their way into your residence by hitchhiking inside food products. Pest control professionals have a special name for them: “pantry pests!”
The three most common types of pantry pests are Indian meal moths, beetles, and wheat weevils. Because they hide in your groceries, they’re really hard to see and even harder to prevent.
If you find these critters have invaded your space, follow these steps to get rid of them:
- Determine where they’re living. Start by checking food items you recently carried inside. Cereal and grains like oats and rice are typical hideouts. So are crackers, macaroni, candy, nuts, dried fruit and beans. They can also be found in pet food, including birdseed and dry dog food.
- Once you know where they’re hiding, removing all infested food. Then…
- Give your pantry a thorough cleaning. Be sure to vacuum and wash shelving. If moths are a problem, clean all corners, too, as they like to lay eggs there.
Once you’ve finished you should notice far fewer bugs!
Want more tips for keeping pests out of your pantry?
Check the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) website for more ways you can keep your pantry pest free. Among their suggestions:
- Properly store food in sealed plastic or glass containers with secure lids.
- Inspect all bags/boxes prior to purchasing to ensure that they are securely sealed.
- Do not purchase damaged boxes.
- Periodically check expiration dates of food in your cabinets and sort through older items in your pantry. Dispose all food you’ve stored for a long period.
If you are still having problems after doing all these things, give us a call at 405-679-8729. One of our highly skilled representatives will be glad to provide a free, no-obligation in-home review.
