Eliminating Meal beetles, larvae, and cockroaches
If you’ve been having problems with pantry pests, you’re not alone. These little critters can be a real nuisance and can cause a lot of damage to your food supplies. In this article, we will discuss some ways to clean up after pantry pests and get your pantry back to normal.
One of the first things you need to do is identify the type of pantry pest you have. This will help you determine the best course of action for getting rid of them. The most common pantry pests are moths, beetles, and weevils. You may also have ants, cockroaches, or mice. Each type of pest requires a different approach to getting rid of them.
The common pantry pests are:
Moths: Moths are probably the most common type of pantry pest. They are attracted to food that is high in sugars and carbohydrates and can lay their eggs in these food items. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to eat away at the food, causing it to become contaminated.
Beetles: There are several different types of beetles that can infest your pantry, including flour beetles, weevils, and sawtoothed grain beetles. These pests are attracted to flour, cereal, rice, and other dry goods. They can contaminate your food and make it inedible.
Ants: Ants are another common type of pantry pest. They are attracted to sweet foods and can contaminate your food with their feces.
Inspect the cupboard for insects
Once you’ve identified the pantry pests, the next step is to remove all infested food from your pantry. This includes anything that has been opened and anything that is in sealed containers. Check packages carefully, as sometimes pantry pests can get into food even if the container is sealed.
Check books, any electric clocks, potato sacks, behind pictures, mops, and brooms for cockroaches.
Throw away contaminated food. Promptly carry garbage bags containing tossed food out of the house.
You can kill meal bugs by placing food in the freezer at 0 degrees for a week. This is recommended for any grain products such as flour and meals. Or, you can place the food on a shallow pan and bake at 155 degrees for 30 min.
Keep Foods Bug Free
After you’ve removed all of the infested food, it’s time to start cleaning. Vacuum the crevices in your cupboard and throw away the vacuum bag outside. Be sure to thoroughly clean all shelves, drawers, and pantry surfaces. You may need to use a strong cleaning solution or even bleach to make sure you get rid of all the eggs and larvae.
Also thoroughly wipe down cans and containers.
Store remaining food in screw-top jars, plastic containers with tight-fitting snap-on lids, or food-grade zip-sealed storage bags. Follow the steps to prevent infestations in the “Preventing Kitchen Pests” article.
Treating pantry pests
Your best defense begins outside of the house by using products labeled for this purpose. The product is sprayed on the lower part of the house, on the ground surrounding the house, and at potential entry points described in the article “Preventing Kitchen Pests.” Follow label directions and use only as approved.
Some less toxic sprays include:
Pyrethrin spray: Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that comes from chrysanthemum flowers. It’s safe for humans and pets and effectively kills pantry pests.
Permethrin spray: Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin and is just as effective at killing pantry pests. However, it is slightly more toxic to humans and animals, so it’s important to use it cautiously.
Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It’s effective at killing a variety of pests, including pantry pests. However, it can harm humans if inhaled, so it’s important to use it cautiously.
There is a variety of traps and sprays you can use inside with a great deal of caution. Buy only those products labeled for pantry use, follow instructions.
For more information, read this article Control Household Pests.
Remember spraying alone will not control pantry pests. You must seal any entry points and store your food in a tightly sealed container.
More information on kitchen cleaning
FAQ
Are pantry pests harmful to humans?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. While there are some pests that can carry harmful diseases, most pantry pests are not harmful to humans. However, they can cause a lot of damage to your food and can be difficult to get rid of. So, it is important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Can pantry pests be eliminated using natural methods?
Yes, pantry pests can be eliminated using natural methods. One way to do this is to place bay leaves in the areas where the pests are present. You can also try using diatomaceous earth to kill the pests.
How do you identify a pantry pest?
There are a few telltale signs that you have a pantry pest on your hands. One is finding insect droppings, which will be black and look like pepper. If you see small holes in food packaging or find evidence of webbing, those are also indicators of an infestation.
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