Get ready for the fundamentals of pantry pest control in Marietta. It’s pretty easy to overlook pantry pests altogether, at least until you’re unlucky enough to experience an infestation for yourself.
While pantry pests won’t damage the vital structure of your home or spread dangerous diseases, they are capable of causing some frustrating issues, and it’s important to take action quickly if these pests are already in your cupboards.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This post will tell you everything you need to know about pantry pests, including practical prevention strategies and professional pest control options in Marietta. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Common Types Of Pantry-Invading Pests In Marietta
To start, let’s go over some of the common pantry pests in Marietta. The Indian meal moth, the grain weevil, and the cigarette beetle are all common in the area, and they all have a similar effect on your food stores.
The Indian meal moth is easy to identify. It simply looks like a moth with basic brown coloring, and it prefers to hide inside cupboards or in other dark spaces. Unlike other varieties of moths, Indian meal moths prefer your food rather than your clothing.
Cigarette beetles and grain weevils are relatively similar in their appearance and activity. These are incredibly small insects, even smaller than a single grain of rice in some cases. They like to stay hidden, and they go after grains and other dry goods.
How Pantry Pests Get Into Marietta Homes And What Attracts Them
Understanding what attracts kitchen pantry pests in the first place and how they access your home is an integral part of keeping them out in the future.
Unlike ants or cockroaches, pantry pests, especially the grain weevils and cigarette beetles we mentioned earlier, don’t live outdoors and sneak inside through small gaps. Instead, pantry pests typically originate in large food processing facilities or warehouses.
Outbreaks of pantry pests can be unknowingly transported from these locations to grocery stores and markets. They’re capable of hiding inside large packages of food and staying hidden for weeks or even months.
While it’s not practical to inspect every inch of every food product you buy and bring home, it’s definitely a good idea to take a closer look at especially large packages of dry goods, such as flour, rice, and bulk cereal.
Once pantry pests are in your cupboards, you should assume that they’ve also invaded other foods kept there. But just how serious are these pests anyway?
Are Pantry Pests Dangerous To Have?
Generally, pantry pests are most dangerous to your food stores. Of course, if they go unnoticed, they can contaminate your food without your knowledge, which is its own problem. For example, pantry pest larvae can potentially blend in with some of your foods, especially rice. Without getting into detail, you wouldn’t want to mix them into your meal accidentally.
If you notice pantry pests in your home, you should dispose of any foods that aren’t in airtight containers; this is a costly consequence, but it’s also an important step for getting rid of these pests for good.
Otherwise, pantry pests won’t attack you, and, again, they don’t spread diseases. They’re more of a frustration than anything, and having them removed is key to keeping a clean kitchen.
Five Tips To Reduce Your Risk For Pantry Pests
Lastly, how do you get rid of pantry pests and reduce the risk of future problems? Here are five tips to help you prevent pantry pest problems and resolve a current infestation:
- Inspect food packaging for signs of damage.
- Remove any expired foods from your pantry.
- Avoid buying in bulk whenever possible.
- Regularly clean and disinfect your cupboards.
- Contact a pest control company in your area for total pantry pest control.
For help with pantry pests and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Marietta, reach out to us here at ProCare Pest Services.