Pantry Pest Identification & Prevention Guide

What are pantry pests?

Pantry pests are various species of moths, weevils, and beetles that attack dry goods. These insects are common in homes, grocery stores, and food processing facilities. The larval stage of a pantry pest is the stage that causes the most damage to stored foods. Adult pantry pests find their way into foods or food packaging through any small opening they find to lay their eggs. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae begin feeding on the food, contaminating it in the process.

Are pantry pests dangerous?

Food contamination is the biggest threat that pantry pests pose to your home or business. Pantry pest larvae and eggs are difficult to spot because they are usually the same color as the food they are living and feeding on. Their ability to camouflage themselves can allow an infestation to grow very large before they are discovered.

Why do I have a pantry pest problem?

Most pantry pests make their way into our homes and commercial properties from dry goods and other stored food products purchased from stores. Some adult pantry pests will find their way into your property through spaces around windows and doors, attracted by exterior lights.

Where will I find pantry pests?

Pantry pests can live anywhere food is prepared and/or stored. Homes, convenience stores, grocery stores, food processing facilities, restaurants, and pet stores can all become home to pantry pests. These insects breed and feed on a variety of stored food products such as cereals, flour, pasta, spices, whole grains, chocolates, and dry pet food.

How do I get rid of pantry pests?

For home and business owners who want to eliminate pantry pests from their property, partnering with a professional is the best way to be successful. At Jury Pest Services, we provide exceptional pest solving strategies that will eliminate pantry pests and prevent their return. Our green pest control solutions protect the environment, while still being effective against our area’s toughest pests. Serving Richmond County in Georgia and Aiken County in South Carolina, Jury Pest Services is committed to our customers and to providing trustworthy pest control services. We also provide our professional services to homes and businesses in Columbia County, GA, Edgefield County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, and beyond. To learn more about our pest control services, contact Jury Pest Services today!

How can I prevent pantry pests in the future?

In addition to the professional solutions you can find at Jury Pest Services, use the following tips to help prevent problems with pantry pests:

• Always inspect dry goods for holes or tears in their packaging before purchasing them from the grocery store.

• Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.

• Turn off outdoor lights when they are not necessary.

• Place weatherstripping around all windows and doors and make sure screens void of holes and tears.

• Dry goods should always be removed from their original containers and stored inside of glass or plastic containers with airtight lids.