Storing food is second nature to us. It allows us to buy in bulk, prepare food at our leisure, and feel secure knowing we’ve got what we need. While filling our pantries makes us feel more at home, stored food can also make certain pests feel cozy.
These pesky invaders take away from that sense of security, compromising the integrity of what we’ve built. No wonder you don’t want pests nesting in your home in Dallas. That’s why All-Safe Pest & Termite is proud to offer reliable pest control in Dallas to get your pantry back to a safe and untouched state. We’ll get rid of those unwelcome guests, preserving your food storage and restoring your peace of mind.
What Kind Of Pests Can Invade Your Pantry?
There are a variety of pantry pests in Dallas that frequently make pantries their mark. Some of the most notorious pantry pests include:
- Pantry beetles
- Weevils
- Mice
- Indian meal moths
These critters are attracted to your stored food and can get inside containers, which results in you having to throw that food away. Rather than surrendering this storage to pests, call on All-Safe Pest & Termite to get rid of the problem for you.
Signs You Could Be Dealing With Pantry Pests
Let’s look at these pantry invaders and some ways to help identify them. Pantry beetles are known for damaging food by contaminating it. Their bodies and byproducts make stored food inedible. They can give off a foul odor and taste to food products, sometimes leaving hairs or microbes that can lead to irritation or produce mycotoxins. You’ll know if you have pantry beetles if you find an adult, their eggs, or their larvae in your pantry. You most likely have pantry beetles if you see a black or brown beetle around your stored food.
So what are weevils, and what do they do? Well, weevils can damage and contaminate stored grain. They look like beetles with snouts, bearing a reddish-brown to black colored body. Some adults can even fly. They can bring dampness to your stored grains and cause sprouting in some cases. You probably have an infestation if you see an adult weevil, grubs, or eggs in your stored grains. Our experts can help to get rid of pantry weevils in Dallas.
Mice are one of the most famous pests for a reason - they can get where you don’t want them to be and cause problems. Mice can spread disease, trigger asthma and allergies, or cause property damage. Needless to say, no one wants mice in their pantry. You could have mice if you find mouse droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, or oily rub marks in your pantry. If you see your containers have been chewed through or notice an odor coming from your pantry, those could be signs that mice have invited themselves in as well. If you see a mouse scurry away when you turn on your pantry light, that’s a surefire notification that you need rodent pest control.
Last but not least, Indian meal moths are famous for infesting and contaminating stored food. They can spin silk, so if you see spun silk with fecal pellets, these pests could be the culprit. They leave eggshells and cast skins as well. They have a reddish-brown or gray body, with heads and wings that can give off a copper-toned sheen. If you find an adult or larvae in your stored food, you can be sure you’ve got a problem with this type of critter and may need residential pest control.
Tips & Tricks To Combat A Pantry Pest Problem
There are a few ways to fend off these pests and help to protect your valuable pantry goods. Let’s look at these pests and how you can help prevent them from invading.
When it comes to pantry beetles, you’ll want to inspect your food packages and throw away any infested food. That can hinder their efforts and make them look for new lodging.
As for weevils, you’ll want to store all of your grains in sealed containers. That way, they won’t be able to sneak their way in and have a feast. Make sure to throw out any food they’ve infested right away.
Mice are a bit trickier. Sealing cracks and keeping your pantry clean and dry are great moves when it comes to stopping house rodents. You’ll want to move your food into sealed, rodent-proof containers to cut off their food source. It’s imperative to clean everything in your pantry well. Make sure to get rid of clutter, too, because that’s where these critters thrive.
You can fight off Indian meal moths by storing food in sealed containers as well. Inspect your dried food products, discard infested food, and clean the area thoroughly after you find an infestation.
Consult The Professionals To Handle Pantry Pests In Dallas
At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we make sure your pantry is yours again. Instead of dealing with a variety of pests that can lead to you throwing away hard-earned food stores, call on us to get rid of the issue for good. Our home pest control services in Dallas will make you feel secure about your food storage again.
Beetles, weevils, mice, and moths aren’t welcome guests you’ve invited into your pantry. We’re here to set the record straight and let them know they’re getting evicted, stat. Rely on our experienced professionals to handle your pest problem effectively, and stop worrying about your pantry having pests! Reach out today, to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Dallas.