Pantry pests are a category of pests not talked about much, but it’s worth knowing about them so you can prepare to handle them if they do show up in your home. These pests are just what they sound like – several different ones commonly found in pantries. While this includes some more common pests, such as beetles, earwigs, and ants, this article will focus on two pests that fall into this category.
We’ll talk about how to identify these pests, the possible risks that come with them, and how to spot the early signs of a pantry pest problem. If you need help removing pantry pests in Fort Worth, you can always contact our team at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
What Are Pantry Pests?
Let’s start by learning how to identify two of the most common pantry pests in the Fort Worth area – the Indian meal moth and the merchant grain beetle. These pantry pests, also known as stored product pests, primarily infest baking ingredients, cake mixes, pasta, dried fruits and vegetables, candy, and other similar packaged products often found in pantries.
The Indian meal moth is average 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch long. It has six legs and a pair of antennae and is easily identified by the coppery red coloring on the outer part of its wings. The merchant grain beetle, contrary to what its name might suggest, is more often found infesting cereals, cake mixes, chocolate, and cookies, rather than grains. Their bodies are flat and can reach about a 1/8 of an inch long. They are dark brown and have six legs, two antennae, and six small teeth on either side of their narrow bodies. Now that you’ve learned a bit about pantry pest identification let’s discuss some of the dangers these insects pose.
Problems And Hazards Pantry Pest Activity Poses
Pantry pests are a little-known category of pests partly because they don’t usually pose any direct threat to the health and safety of humans. They don’t tend to carry diseases or can bite, sting, or inject venom. The main danger of pantry pests is that of food contamination. Since they get into baking supplies and packaged goods, they can infest and ruin large amounts of food before you discover them. Next, we’ll review another important aspect of pantry pest control – spotting the signs of pest activity.
Telltale Signs Of Pantry Pest Infestation In Fort Worth
While it can often be hard to detect pantry pests because of the lack of obvious signs of their presence and their small size, there are still a few indicators that you might be dealing with these pests. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Cracks or gaps in walls or floorboards near your pantries and cabinets
- Damaged or partially opened packages
- Loose crumbs and food items removed from their packages
- Sightings of small insects or insect droppings in or near your pantry
These signs may be minor or difficult to spot, but you must stay alert. If you’re experiencing an infestation and wondering how to get rid of pantry pests, call All-Safe Pest & Termite.
Why To Call Fort Worth’s Experts For Pantry Pests
Since 1984, All-Safe Pest & Termite has served the Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth areas of Texas. Our family-owned company provides reliable, efficient, low-toxicity pest control solutions that are safe for you and your family. We work with each customer as an individual, and we guarantee the effectiveness of our services. When you need the best home pest control in Fort Worth, contact All-Safe Pest & Termite.