What Are Pantry Pests?

Pests can get into virtually every part of your home. Some places they might get into can be more troublesome than others. Your pantry is one such place. Pantry pests can be especially problematic. But, what are pantry pests? How are they different from any other sort of pest you might encounter in your home?

 Pantry pests are insects that invade your pantry. There, the females lay their eggs in or on food, consume it, and contaminate the dry goods found in pantries with their saliva and waste products. Food contamination is the biggest concern with pantry pests. Eating contaminated food can cause illness though, so it’s important to deal with them sooner rather than later. Moths, beetles, and weevils are some of the most common pantry pests you’ll encounter.

Anywhere where food is stored can be subject to a pantry pest invasion. That includes your kitchen cupboards, pantry areas, and other food storage locations in your home. Pantry pests will consume and contaminate dry goods, such as pasta, grains (both whole grains and flour), baking mixes, cereals, dried fruit, dry pet food, and more. While your biggest concern as a homeowner is likely their presence in your home, residential households aren’t the only places where pantry pests can be found. Restaurants, pet stores, schools, grocery stores, and hospitals are also vulnerable to pantry pest invasions.

Prevention is the best policy for pests of any sort; but, once they’ve entered your home, the focus must shift toward elimination. If you’ve discovered pantry pests in your home, don’t waste time getting rid of them. To get the best results with the least amount of effort and trouble on your part, choose a professional pest control company like Proterra Pest Control. Our family-friendly pest control methods can help you get your pantry pest problem under control quickly and with minimal fuss.

You don’t buy food so that pests can take advantage of it. You buy it for yourself and those in your household. Protect your food and your health by taking steps to discourage pests from making themselves at home in your pantry. Keep food in sealed containers and clean up spills when they happen. The fewer ways pests have access to food in your home, the less attractive your pantry and home will be to them.

Do you have a pantry pest problem? Proterra Pest Control can help! Click here to contact us today!