Who Else Might Be Eating Your Cereal?

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Who Else Might Be Eating Your Cereal?

Whether its cereals in your pantry for breakfast or rice in your cabinets for dinner, stored product pest can affect any meal you are planning to prepare.

People often wonder WHAT ARE STORED PRODUCT PEST. There are a variety of stored product pests including BEETLES, ANTS & MOTHS. Though none of them pose any health risk, MANY can infest your food and take over your home. Pantry pests commonly infest baking goods such as flours, grains, nuts and dried fruit. They are also known to get into other items such as potpourri.

What are some things you can do to help this from occurring?

INSPECT THE GROCERIES – Most pantry pest infestations are brought in from the grocery store in items that are already infested. Any time you bring groceries home from the store, take a look at items such as cereals and flours to make sure there are no signs of pest inside. If you find anything dispose of it right away.
PURCHASE PROPER STORAGE CONTAINERS – Using plastic locking lid containers or zip-lock bags will help prevent pest from finding their way in.
USE A BAY LEAF– add a bay leaf to dry good items such as flour, rice and other grains. The pungent smell will help deter insects from infesting that food.
CHECK THE DATE– dispose of any products that are out of date. Periodically inspect for old food containers and dispose of them.
PRACTICE GOOD SANITATION – Sanitation is very important for preventing an infestation. DO NOT allow food debris to sit for a long time. Wiping off counter tops, cleaning out the sink and periodically cleaning out the cupboards with a wet rag and soap will help prevent food sources for insects.
SEAL CRACKS AND CREVICES– Insects can find their way into our homes through minute cracks and crevices. Pay special attention to gaps around windows, plumbing penetrations and cracks in the grout around your sink. If you find spaces that have openings seal the cracks with caulk to help deter insects from getting inside.
Storing Seasonal Decor – Items such as dried foliage, Indian corn and potpourri should be stored in air tight containers when the season is over. Make sure you unpack these items outside when the next season arrives and inspect before bringing them into your home.

Stored product pest can be a frustrating and difficult task to overcome if your home becomes infested. If you notice an infestation remember these important steps to help remedy the pest problem.

If you need help with an infestation or a free pest inspection please give us a call.

For any and all your pest control needs call iPest 254-855-6647.

John Fell

iPest

President/Entomologist
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