If you’re the competitive type, nothing feels better than making the most talked about dish at the potluck as long as all the chatter is positive. But if you’re not careful when it comes to pests in your pantry, your “secret ingredient” could be an insect! Rose Pest Solutions is here to help with tips and tricks to keep pantry pests out of the house.
What Is a Pantry Pest?
Before we get into the ways to prevent pantry pests from ruining your party, we need to talk about what pantry pests are. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA)—a non-profit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from pests–notes that Indian meal moths are the most common pantry pest, although beetles and weevils also problematic. Indian meal moths do not directly cause disease or damage to the home, but can be a major nuisance due to their quick breeding capabilities. You’re probably already terrified, but, unfortunately, there’s more.
“Pantry pests are insects known for infesting many of the same ingredients we use to whip up pumpkin pie or sugar cookies this time of year,” said Janelle Iaccino from Rose Pest Solutions. “As people dig out the flour, spices, nuts and other dried goods from the pantry that haven’t been used in quite some time, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the items for signs of a pantry pest infestation, and discard any that appear damaged or infested.”
How to Ensure Your Pantry Is Pest Free
Rose Pest Solutions suggests that homeowners heed these five tips to keep pantries pest free and prevent bugs in the house:
- First and foremost, inspect groceries at the store for any holes, torn packaging or broken seals before placing them in the cart, as most pantry pests are brought into homes from items that are already infested.
- When seeking out items from the pantry, remember to check expiration dates before use.
- Once finished with the ingredients, store them in sealed plastic or glass containers with secure lids that will keep the pantry organized while more importantly keeping pests out.
- Practice good sanitation by wiping up crumbs and spills as soon as possible, and periodically cleaning cupboards with soap and water to remove any food residue that may accumulate over time.
- Regularly dispose of garbage in a sealed receptacle.
If you’ve done everything you can but you’re still having problems with pests in the pantry, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Rose Pest Solutions. Call 800-GOT-PESTS we can help!
