Do you know that there could be creatures lurking in your pantry, hiding inside your food packages? It may sound creepy, but it is true. A type of pest can come into your home with your grocery items and live inside the food you eat. They're called pantry pests or stored-product pests. These beetles, weevils, moths, and mites lay their eggs in stored food. This can happen at any point from farm to table. If you have an infested food item, these pests could become part of your dinner plans. Here are a few ways you can prevent this from happening.
Identification
The Benefits Of Containing Your Food
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A container will help you keep an infested item contained. Many pantry pests can chew through packaging and move from one product to another.
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A container keeps pests out. If you put an uncontained item into your pantry, your contained items will be safe from those pantry pests. Your containers will also keep other pests out of your food, such as ants, cockroaches, etc.
A container keeps smells contained. This makes your stored food less of an attractant to ants, cockroaches, and other pests that can get into your home from the outside.
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If you open a container and find that an item has an infestation, you can easily dispose of it, clean the container, and arrest the infestation. Without containers, opening an infested package of food can begin a long ordeal of eliminating pests from your pantry or kitchen.
The Benefit Of Glass Containers
Product Inspection
Before you bring grocery items home from the store, be sure to inspect them. If a product has any gaps, rips, or holes, don't purchase it. Check the due dates to make sure the products you're buying aren't past due. When items start to decay, they have a stronger scent and become more attractive to pests.
What To Do About An Infestation
If you use containers, you may not have to do anything about an infestation. You can dispose of the item outside of your home and clean the container. But, when an infestation takes root in your pantry, and you do not have your food contained, it is best to contact a licensed pest management professional. Pantry pests don't just lay their eggs in food items. They can lay them in cracks and gaps within your cabinets, shelves, and storage areas. These eggs must be addressed to arrest the infestation.
If you live in Long Island, remember that the licensed and experienced pest professionals here at Parkway Pest Services are always available to help you solve pest problems. We use the most advanced methods and products to resolve pantry pest infestations. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.