Keep Pantry Pests Away this Thanksgiving

Keep Pantry Pests Away this Thanksgiving

It’s the season for cold weather, good food, and quality time spent with family. Don’t let pests ruin this special time, especially on Thanksgiving! Pantry pests are known to infiltrate dry goods that are key ingredients for this food-crazed holiday. Here are some tips to make sure pantry pests, or other insects, don’t sneak in to ruin your holidays.

  1. Check Expiration Dates. Utilize the first-in, first-out method to ensure none of your dry goods don’t expire. The older the package of food the more likely it is to be discovered and consumed by grain and flour beetles. Be sure to check any open packages before using.
  2. Inspect Items at Grocery Stores. Sometimes food packages can accidentally be cut open or damaged, without knowledge and this can create a good opportunity for pantry pests to find their way inside. Be sure to do a visual inspection of dry goods for any openings – just to be sure.
  3. Keep Dry Items Sealed. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing to have airtight plastic containers in your pantry, but they also provide a protective barrier against pantry pests for opened packages of food. Cardboard, plastic bags, even rice bags, can easily be chewed through by pests, so be sure to put anything opened into a sealed container.
  4. Clean Up Any Spills. Crumbs are likely to happen while baking or cooking; just be sure to clean up after yourself to deter any type of pest. Wipe down countertops and sweep up any fallen food crumbs to have a pest-free Thanksgiving.

If you see an increase in pest activity this time of year, call your local pest control company so you can have peace of mind during the holidays.

How to Keep Pantry Pests Away

How to Keep Pantry Pests Away

With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time to clean out old food in your pantry and prepare for the end of the year. Now is the perfect time to refresh the baking supplies and replace any snack bags that have been open for a while.

Pantry pests don’t cause structural damage to your home and don’t pose much of a threat to people or pets, but they can penetrate through plastic and cardboard, leaving food in your pantry vulnerable. Once a food source is affected, these pests can multiply quickly and can spread to other food items.

Do I have Pantry Pests?

A good way to determine if you have pantry pests is if you notice beetle-like pests near food sources or moths flying around the kitchen. If you suspect you have pantry pests, inspect your dry food immediately, throw out anything infested, and do a thorough cleaning throughout the area.

How to Prevent Pantry Pests

  • Buy dried foods in quantities that can be used up in 2 to 4 months.
  • Use up your older products before your newer ones.
  • Properly store food items, including pet food, in tightly sealed containers, preferably with plastic or glass.
  • Wipe down shelves and floors regularly.
  • Thoroughly clean cracks and corners of cupboards and doors with a vacuum cleaner.
  • Inspect all packages before buying them or bringing them home.

If you suspect your kitchen has been invaded by pantry pests and need assistance with the problem, reach out to your local pest control company. A pest professional can assist with locating, eliminating, and providing suggestions for future pest prevention.

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