Pesky Pantry Pests

Several pests can invade your kitchen to feast on a variety of food products such as nuts, dried vegetables and fruits, flour, pastas, cereal and pet food.

Grain and flour beetles are brown or reddish-brown, depending on the species. The larvae of these beetles (yellowish-white in color) will be noticeable in food upon careful inspection.

The black carpet beetle, the dermestid grain beetle and related beetles are commonly found in stored products, on windowsills during migration and on the surface of items like cake and sweets. Larvae of carpet beetles are very distinctive. They are covered with long brown hairs, usually with a tuft of hairs at the tail end. The larvae are yellow and brown in colour.

Weevils are small (one-eighth of an inch) hard-bodied beetles equipped with a characteristic snout. Weevils infest whole grain and legumes such as wheat, rice, corn, beans, peas, etc.

Food moths may be seen flying around the kitchen or other storage areas. The adult Indian meal moth is two-toned grey with a wingspan of ¾". The larvae, pinkish-white in color, often web together their food, such as flour or cornmeal.

The Mediterranean flour moth, with a 1-inch wingspan, has similar habits.

Several more exotic species might be encountered including the spider beetle (one-eighth inch), drugstore and cigarette beetles (1/10 inch), mealworms (1 1/4 inches) and flour, grain, or cheese mites (1/50 inch).

If food is badly infested, discard it carefully by enclosing it in a tightly sealed container and placing it in the rubbish. Materials stored for long periods of time should be carefully inspected before using. Inspect unopened cardboard boxes since pests can chew into these boxes and plastic inserts. If the food is badly infested, use it for bird food.

If the infestation is minimal or only suspected, the food may be super-heated to 55°C for 30 minutes.

Stir periodically to avoid scorching. Also, super-cooling to -18°C for 7 days will kill most insects. To kill external insects, dried fruits can be placed in cheesecloth bags and dipped in boiling water for six seconds.

Thoroughly vacuum the cupboards to remove all loose food and insects, making sure to clean any possible areas where the insects might be hiding.

The ability of these insects to find a small amount of food and survive is amazing. Cover dry, clean shelves and drawers with fresh paper before replacing with food or cooking utensils.

Avoid using insecticides around food materials. If the problem becomes severe and widespread, contact a reputable, licensed pest control operator.

To prevent infestation keep packages sealed in tight fitting containers so insects cannot get into them.

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control