Pantry pests such as beetles and moths commonly infest dry foods, including flour, cereal, rice, pasta, nuts, spices, dried fruit, chocolate and even pet food.
In some cases, the insects or their eggs are already present in food before it is brought home, particularly in damaged packaging or products sold from open bulk bins. They can also enter homes on their own and find their way into poorly sealed food containers.
Entomologist Matt Bertone, director of the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, told Southern Living that these insects naturally search for suitable food sources for their young and will take advantage of accessible products inside the home.
Here are several steps experts recommend for dealing with pantry pests.
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Pantry pests such as beetles and moths commonly infest dry foods. Illustration photo from Instagram |
Inspect and throw away contaminated food
Check every package, box, bag and container in the pantry rather than focusing only on the product where insects were first discovered.
Pet food, animal treats and birdseed should also be inspected.
Watch for adult insects, larvae, webbing or cocoons. Any contaminated food should be sealed in a bag and removed from the home immediately.
Thoroughly clean shelves and crevices
Empty the pantry completely and clean shelves, containers and canned goods.
Vacuum cracks, corners and other hard-to-reach areas, particularly where shelves meet walls and underneath shelving.
If moths are involved, inspect and clean the areas where walls meet the ceiling, as the insects may lay eggs there.
Crumbs, spilled grains and old or expired food should also be removed. NC State Extension says maintaining a clean food-storage area is a key part of preventing pantry pests.
Look for overlooked sources of infestation
If insects continue to appear after the pantry has been cleaned, check other areas of the home, including garages and basements, for forgotten bags of dry food, pet food or birdseed.
Food stored by rodents, such as nuts and seeds hidden inside wall cavities, may also allow pests to survive.
Sticky traps can help identify where insects are most active, but Clemson University entomologist Eric Benson said that traps alone will not eliminate an infestation.
If the source cannot be located or appears to be inside a wall, professional pest-control assistance may be necessary.
Store dry food in airtight containers
After cleaning, transfer unaffected food and future purchases from cardboard boxes and bags into tightly sealed containers.
Expired products should be discarded, and consumers should avoid storing more dry food than they are likely to use within two to four months, according to NC State Extension.
Keeping food sealed, storage spaces clean and older products from accumulating can greatly reduce the chances of pantry pests returning.