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Chicago residents will likely encounter pantry pests at some point, but you can take steps to keep these pests out of your home. These pests are often referred to as stored product pests because they like consuming the dried food products in your home. They’ll consume a wide variety of products, including bread, spices, crackers, dry pasta, dried nuts, birdseed, powdered milk, and more. In our area, it is possible to encounter several pantry pests with the most common being saw-toothed grain beetles, cigarette beetles, and Indian meal moths. They are frequently found in kitchens around Chicago.
Pantry pest infestation will worsen swiftly because these pests live in their favorite food sources. Since they can eat around the clock, they can breed profusely. It is common for pantry pests to produce several new generations annually. Remember that pantry pests say nothing about your housekeeping performance.
Appearances Of Common Pantry Pests
Indian Meal Moths
You’re going to encounter Indian meal moths because they’re common in our area. They have reddish-brown wings on one side and white or gray on the other. Although the moths are annoying, they’re not as destructive as the larvae. The larvae will damage the food products in your home. They will consume a wide assortment of products. Unfortunately, Indian meal moths are difficult to eradicate because they’re fast. They’ll build cocoons in kitchens, living rooms, and elsewhere.
Saw-Toothed Grain Beetles
These flat, slender beetles are brown and roughly a tenth of an inch in length. If you look on both sides of their thorax, you will find six tooth projections that closely resemble saws. Adult saw-toothed grain beetles and their larvae are going to consume the dried food products found in your home. These pests are scavengers that will consume flour, candy, cereal, and dried fruit. Furthermore, they sometimes eat birdseed and pet food. They can eat rodent bait without harm.
Cigarette Beetles
Cigarette beetles are an eighth of an inch with a unique humped back. They are light brown with smooth covers on their wings. Since they have body hairs, they take on a fuzzy look. As you’ve likely guessed, cigarette beetles like eating tobacco products. They’ll consume cigarettes and cigars. They’ll also attack some of your food products, including nuts, candies, and cereals.
Why Do you Have Pantry Pests?
You’re likely curious to find out why pantry pests have invaded your home. Ultimately, it wasn’t something you did or didn’t do. Even if you clean your home religiously, there is a risk that you’re going to experience an infestation of pantry pests. It tends to happen when you buy food products that are infested. When this happens, you’ll bring them home and they’ll quickly spread. Pantry pest infestations can start with a few pests before quickly worsening.
Again, they breed constantly since they live in their food source. In many cases, they’ll create several new generations each year.
Identifying A Pantry Pest Infestation
Be sure to find out how to identify a pantry pest infestation. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to tackle and fix the problem. Unfortunately, these pests are small and sometimes blend in with their food sources. As a result, it may be difficult to spot them. Most people identify the problem when they find small moths in their homes. You may also find a few beetles inside of your food packages. If you notice these things, it is pertinent to get assistance. The infestation is only going to worsen so contact us and we’ll deal with it.
Primary Health Dangers & Pantry Pests
Pantry pests can create numerous problems. Therefore, you cannot delay fixing the problem. Do so and you’ll regret it. It is pertinent to take steps to eliminate the pantry pests in your dwelling. Nevertheless, you can sleep soundly knowing these pests aren’t going to make you ill. They do not transmit illnesses, bite, or inject venom. Chicago’s most common pantry pests do not pose a health hazard to people or pets. Even if you consume their eggs, you won’t get sick. These pests do not carry or transmit harmful pathogens.
The biggest worry you should have is replacing the contaminated food in your home. When pantry pests contaminate your food, you’ll have to replace the food. Therefore, a pantry pest infestation can be expensive.
Preventing Invasions Of Pantry Pests
You should take steps to keep pantry pests out of your home. Pantry pests are difficult to eliminate so keep them out. Do that and you won’t need to pay for extermination services. Use the tips below to keep these pests out of your house.
- Store all your food products in durable containers. Do not use cardboard or paper because pantry pest larvae will chew through these materials. Make sure the lids are secure.
- Think twice before combining new food products with old food products. Doing so could lead to your new food products getting contaminated too.
- Try cleaning your pantry shelves several times each week. Be sure to clean up your pantries and get rid of any leftover foods.
- Always clean old food containers before using them again.
Remember that you can test your food products to determine if something is infested. Place the food in a plastic bag and let it sit for a month or longer. If you find pests in the bag, you have pantry pests. When this happens, you should pick up the phone and call our office. We’ll take care of the problem right away.
Eliminating Invasions Of Pantry Pests
It can be difficult to remove pantry pests from a dwelling. They’re not quick but they are difficult to identify. Since they blend in with their food sources, it’ll be hard to detect the pests until it is too late. You can try using DIY methods, but you likely won’t achieve your goals. Working with us is the best way to fix the problem. Use the tips below to reduce the number of pantry pests in your home.
- Throw away any items that contain pantry pests.
- Begin cleaning your pantry. Remove all items from the pantry before cleaning the shelves and vacuuming them.
- Wipe down the pantry walls and shelves.
Many over-the-counter pesticides are ineffective and some of them are dangerous. If you misuse or incorrectly mix these products, the risks could be immense. Working with us is the best and most effective way to fix the problem.
We’re Here To Help
When you’re ready, call our office. We’ll get back to you within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Our Treatments Are Safe
Work with us because our treatments are safe. We put our clients’ safety first. For instance, we use products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency because these products are safe. Plus, they’re effective.
Preventing Pantry Pests
It isn’t going to be easy to keep pantry pests out of your home. Try checking all the food products you buy before bringing them inside. Do this and you might be able to keep them out.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
