common pantry

• 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• Oval shaped with

hard front wings

– Weevils• The worm-like

babies of each of these insects are often incorrectly called weevils

Indian Meal Moth

Rice Weevil Cigarette Beetle

Saw Tooth Grain Beetle

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

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

• Spices - Dill, parsley, pepper flakes, oregano, cumin

– 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!