The interesting thing about pantry pests is that the outdoor environment or weather has no bearing on pastry pests. Most pantry pests (like beetles and moths) are brought in with the product, so inspection of incoming items is key for prevention.

Common Pantry Pests

Flour beetles, Drugstore beetles, Cigarette beetles, Grain beetles and Indian meal moths are common pantry pests. However, putting pantry pests in their place is what we do at Orkin Canada. 

Pantry Pest Tips

We know how to get rid of pantry pests, so here are a few tips to ensure your pantry is pest proofed for the winter (and the rest of the year).

Store Food in Closed Containers with Tight Fitting Lids 

When it comes to your pantry, it is important to always store any food in pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids and well sealed. Many pantry pests can actively crawl in food packaging or containers left open or poorly closed/sealed. They can easily chew their way in through paper/cardboard or imperfections in packaging to access the food. Using lidded containers made from glass, metal or plastic provides easy protection for your food and ensures that your pantry is less attractive to pests and it keeps it fresh.

Aeration and Spacing

Maintain space between stored items in your pantry. This will allow for proper housekeeping, light and air circulation to dry out the pantry, therefore preventing grain and mold mites or psocids that can be common in pantries. It will also allow for space to do a proper cleaning and provide quick monitoring for pest activity in all items. Ensure there are no cracks and crevices in the pantry that  can trap food spill and breed insects. Seal or caulk any cracks and crevices in the pantry.

Inspect all incoming food items before storing them away in containers/pantry.

Remove Any Evidence of Old Food

A clean environment ensures that pests have a harder time finding the right conditions to thrive. By cleaning your pantry shelves regularly and removing the small bits of food spills in your pantry, you are eliminating a food source, and potentially pests as well. Pay attention to the back of the shelf where food particles can infiltrate and build up.

Never Combine Old And New Food Products

When stocking up, store new products at the back and old ones at front so that they are accessed and used first. Old stocks are more vulnerable to pest infestations. You can go an extra mile and label the containers with purchase date or expiry date; this way, you can track your product shelf life easily.

When dealing with old food products, it is best to avoid combining old and new dry food products; they have different expiry dates and pest vulnerability, and you could be providing pests with a newer food source to thrive on. For the sake of pest prevention, keep these products stored in separate containers.

When in Doubt, Test It

If you are questioning whether pests may have infested something in your pantry, there is an easy way to test it. Simply place the product in a clear plastic bag. If it is infested, you will see the pest accumulate in the bag immediately. 

Alternatively, you can also test the product in question by putting it in an oven pan and heating it in the oven at a low temperature setting for a minute or so. The heat will drive the insects out of the product to the surface as they try to escape the heat. When doing this test, care must be taken to avoid damaging the product.

Clean Previously Used Containers Prior to Refilling

Sanitation is key when it comes to preventing pests, which is why it is important to clean previously used containers before filling them with fresh food items. This prevents any existing pests from previous items contaminating the new products and posing a potential health risk. For walk-in or large pantry spaces, it is a good idea to place out insect monitors such as pheromone traps or glue boards, as these traps are effective in detecting pest activities in pantries.

These are just a few simple ways to pest proof and defend your pantry against pests. If you believe that you may have a pest issue, Orkin Canada is here to help. Our team of expert technicians provides you with quality pest control services in your area. Contact us today.