Pantry Pests – 14 slides

• Identify

– Properly identify the pest

• Sanitize

– Clean on a regular basis to reduce what attracts pests

• Exclude

– Seal any entry points into the home

• Control

– Use non-chemical methods first – Use pesticides only when necessary

– Moths • Triangular shaped with scales on wings

– Beetles Indian Meal Moth

Saw Tooth Grain Beetle

Rice Weevil

Cigarette Beetle

• Oval shaped with hard front wings

– Weevils • The worm-like babies of each of these insects are often incorrectly called weevils

Can spread easily to other food items Can cause loss of food Throw food away = Throw money away

• Grain food items – Flour, cornmeal, rice, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, crackers

• Spices

- Dill, parsley, pepper flakes, oregano, cumin

• Pet food items – Dog food, cat food, pet treats, birdseed

– Clean shelves & bins – Use a rag to gather crumbs and throw away the crumbs – Clean containers before refilling with new food

– Insect eggs might still be in the container if you don’t wash it

– Vacuum food particles from cracks – Then wash shelves with hot soapy water and cleaning solution – Use caulk to seal cracks around shelves where debris collects – This makes cleaning up crumbs easier

– Inspect food items before purchase – Do not buy items that are damaged or open

– Buy small quantities of food that will be used in 2-4 months – Storing food in air-tight containers will protect it from invasion

– Throw out all infested food – To Save Infested Food: – Heat food in 200°F oven for at least 90 minutes – Or place the food in the freezer for 3-5 days – Remove any dead insects

– Use a broom or brush to remove any eggs or dead insects from cabinets or shelves – Use pesticides as a last resort – Do not apply pesticides to food!!!

– Once pesticides dry you can put food back into your pantry as it was before

– Inspect your pantry weekly until no more pests are found – Then keep following the same steps that you used before so that you keep the pantry pests out

Check with your landlord if you rent

Check with a pest management professional

Step on it Arnold! Step on it!