Pantry pests, or “stored product pests,” include Indian meal moths, grain beetles, flour beetles, rice weevils, and others that often infest dried or processed foods, such as cereal, pasta, flour, dried fruits, and more. In some cases, these packaged foods are already infested when purchased; however, these pests may also have invaded the home in search of food. Stored product pests generally reproduce rapidly, making the infestation progressively worse. Fortunately, most pantry pests are unlikely to pose a direct risk to human health. Any food products that appear to be infested should be placed in a durable bag and immediately disposed of in the outdoor trash, and the area should be vacuumed and washed thoroughly.
Egg Creation And Feeding Of Larvae
Many of the common pantry pests, including beetles and moths, have a life cycle of development that begins with an egg, and transitions through stages as larvae and pupae before becoming adults. Meanwhile, adult females will create many new eggs that become larvae, and begin feeding on the food source. For example, the Indian meal moth larvae can chew through unopened food packaging. As the larvae eat, it grows significantly before departing the food source, and leaving behind a “silk-like” webbing, feces, and other contaminants.
Tips To Prevent These Pest-Related Problems
- Food products and pet foods should either be placed in the refrigerator or freezer, or transferred into durable tightly sealed containers.
- When shopping, always inspect food packaging for holes, tears, or other signs of pest intrusion before purchasing them.
- Promptly clean up spills and crumbs; remember to use a vacuum when needed to access cracks or crevices.
- Check the expiration dates on stored food items, and then dispose of the older products.
Do I Need Assistance From A Pest Extermination Professional?
In today’s fast-paced environment, some property owners that encounter the presence of bugs will simply wipe down the area where the pests were found and resume their normal responsibilities. What many of these individuals fail to realize is how many pests can retreat to their hiding spots temporarily, where they are reproducing and becoming more deeply entrenched behind baseboards, within interior walls, and behind clutter in storage areas. In these cases, the pests have expanded their infestation, and will be considerably more difficult to expel.
Another mistake involves homeowners who choose to take matters into their own hands by purchasing mass-marketed do-it-yourself pest treatment options that are promoted as being fast, effective, and safe solutions. In reality, many of these claims are overhyped and sensationalized, which leads to poor results and further aggravation. The best way of handling these situations is to consult with a licensed provider of pest control services who has the knowledge, products, and tools to get the job done correctly.
Experienced Pest Control Company In Savannah
Prestige Pest Control has been providing safe and effective pest control services to customers for more than 30 years now. We maintain many of the best practices and guidelines of the Certified Pest Controllers of Georgia, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other industry-leading organizations. Our team will eradicate intrusions from rodents, termites, bed bugs, and a host of other troublesome pests that can pose health risks and may create property damage.
Our team of local Savannah experts understand the importance of conducting a detailed inspection of the property’s interior and exterior to gauge the severity of the invasion, and determine the best treatment plan. Customers of Prestige Pest Control appreciate how we always stand behind the quality of our work with a satisfaction guarantee. We look forward to speaking with you to schedule a property assessment, and provide you with a no-obligation estimate of our pantry pest control services.