Picture this: you're about to make your morning coffee, and as you reach for the sugar, you notice something moving inside the container. Your sleepy brain tries to rationalize it as clumps jostling around, but then your worst fear is confirmed. Pantry pests have descended upon your kitchen and invaded your dry goods! Suddenly, that cereal box perched atop your fridge doesn't seem so appetizing anymore. But you’re not alone. Many homeowners have had to deal with these common kitchen critters.
Fortunately, Green Flash Pest Control has all the resources at our disposal to eliminate pantry pests and keep them from invading your food supply. From sneaky moths to stealthy weevils, these repulsive critters can surely make you lose your appetite. Read on to learn more about these uninvited insects and how professionals with pest control in San Diego can make your kitchen area the most enjoyable space in your home once again.
What Kind Of Pests Can Invade Your Pantry?
Most homeowners are not too familiar with the kinds of pests that can infest the stored food items in your kitchen area. Some of the most common pantry pests include:
- Indian meal moths: Mostly found in cereals, grains, and dried fruits.
- Red flour beetles: Mostly found in pasta, cake mix, spices, beans, crackers, and cereals.
- Saw-toothed grain beetles: Mostly found in cornstarch, cornmeal, popcorn, rice, rolled oats, bran, spices, herbs, and dried pet food.
- Carpet beetles: Found in cereals, rye meal, and cacao, but also infest fabrics, hair, and bones.
- Drugstore beetles: Mostly found in spices, flours, sweets, tobacco, dry mixes, and prescription drugs, which its name derives.
Suppose you think you have a pantry pest problem. In that case, it's important to get in contact with a qualified pest management company to identify the specific pest to eliminate the infestation effectively. Give Green Flash Pest Control a call so we can schedule an in-home evaluation.
Signs You Could Be Dealing With Pantry Pests
If you're concerned that you may have pantry pests in your kitchen, there are certain signs to be on the lookout for to determine if you have an infestation on your hands. Some pantry pests, such as Indian meal moths, spin webs or create cocoons around their eggs or larvae. You may also notice tiny holes in your food packages. Grain weevils and flour beetles can easily chew through paper or plastic packaging. Another sign of an infestation is spotting small insects or worm-like larvae inside your food items.
And don't dismiss any unusual odors you may smell. Some pantry pests, such as drugstore beetles, can give off a foul odor that can be detected even while they’re inside your food packaging. Infested food may develop mold or become discolored as a result of the pests feeding on it. If you've observed any of these signs, act quickly to prevent the infestation from growing larger and spreading by contacting experts like Green Flash Pest Control, who specialize in eradicating pantry pests in San Diego.
Tips & Tricks To Combat A Pantry Pest Problem
Dealing with pantry pests can be a frustrating, unsanitary, and sickening experience. These tiny intruders can wreak havoc on your food supply by quickly multiplying, making it difficult to get rid of them. Before you consider running out to purchase any pantry pest control products, inspect all of your food items for signs of insect activity. Look for webbing, larvae, or small beetles in your grains, nuts, cereals, pasta, pet food, dried fruits, and other dry goods. If you discover any infested items, seal them tightly in plastic, and throw them away in an outdoor garbage bin.
Next, thoroughly clean the areas where the infested food was stored using hot, soapy water to wipe down shelves, drawers, and containers. Be sure to vacuum any crumbs or debris from the floor and corners of your pantry as well. Consider storing your food in airtight containers to help prevent future pest invasions and keep your food fresher for longer.
Remember, the best pantry pest repellent is to take a proactive approach and implement preventative measures to keep these insects from returning. Avoid purchasing damaged or expired food items, and try to use up your pantry staples before they go bad. And if you bring in any new food items, inspect them thoroughly before storing them in your home.
Consult The Professionals To Handle Pantry Pests In San Diego
Pantry pests are one of the most frustrating critters to deal with and trying to resolve the problem yourself may not yield the desired results. Thankfully, our knowledgeable team at Green Flash Pest Control is ready to go into battle for you, using the most advanced home pest control methods to rid your residence of these disturbing creatures once and for all.
Get in contact with us today so we can schedule your courtesy inspection. Our team is ready to help you out.