Pest Identification: Pantry Pests

Why Are Stored Product Pests Concerning?

Stored product pests are, quite simply, pests that infest stored food products. They’re attracted to a variety of foods, including grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even candy. Most of the time, they’re an issue for processing plants and manufacturers, but they’re prevalent in grocery stores, restaurants, and homes in California and Northern Nevada as well. Keeping them away may prove difficult, but it’s key to avoiding health and financial problems.

Stored product pests are also called “pantry pests” because they feast on food that’s typically found in pantries. As they inhabit containers of food, they go down the supply chain until they’re noticed. That means they may travel from plant machinery to the grocery store shelf to your shelf at home. In addition to product damage, the presence of insects, eggs, and webs on shelves, equipment, or windowsills is a sign they’re around.

Spotting these pests is concerning for businesses, and the biggest reason why is because any food they infest is automatically contaminated. This health hazard has major implications for businesses. For one, costs may be massive from the loss of inventory. In addition, they may damage machinery from “caking” the product, grow mold from the heat they produce, and ultimately hurt your company’s reputation.

The Most Problematic Types of Stored Product Pests

The stored product pests you’re most likely to encounter include a range of small moths, beetles, and weevils.

Several of the species common in California and Northern Nevada homes and businesses:

• Indian meal moths
• Grain moths
• Drugstore beetles
• Confused flour beetles/Red flour beetles
• Sawtooth grain beetles
• Rice weevils
• Granary weevils

Found throughout the United States, Indian meal moths are widespread because their diverse diet leads them to infest grains, nuts, chocolate, dog food, and more. Flour and grain beetles are known for their six teeth-like appendages, which help them get into packaging and feed on a variety of grain products. Weevils, a type of beetle with an elongated snout, also consume grains.

How to Defend Against Stored Product Pests

The best way to avoid stored product pest infestations is constant rotation of your stored items. When food sits for too long, that’s when moths, beetles, and weevils show up and start feeding. Partially opened containers sitting in the back of shelves are at risk. Keeping containers tightly sealed is another effective solution. If food has already been infested, disposing of it is likely to remove the pests, along with their eggs.

Stored Product Pest Control Solutions from Advanced Integrated Pest Management

Stored product pests are a burden to your food, but we have what it takes to keep your home or business clean and hygienic at Advanced Integrated Pest Management. We’ll provide strategic treatments to eliminate food-contaminating insects, minimizing cost and disruption. We also offer long-term coverage for prevention and management of ongoing issues.

Contact us today online or call 800-655-3993  to get the best in defense against stored product pests in California and Northern Nevada.