There's nothing quite as disheartening as having your tastebuds set on a particular snack and discovering that pantry pests have gotten to it first. They're not dangerous pests by any means, but they do have a knack for ruining food, and having to replace pantry items constantly can put a strain on your budget. Without the right kind of pantry pest control and prevention, your Fort Worth home can easily fall prey to these nuisances, so it's essential to know how to get rid of pantry pests and prevent potential future infestations.
Commonly Found Pantry Pests In Fort Worth Homes
Many different species of pantry pests plague homeowners all over North America, and in Fort Worth, those species can be narrowed down to:
- Indian meal moth
- Granary weevil
- Confused flour beetle
- Drugstore beetle
- Tobacco moth
- Red flour beetle
- Sawtooth grain beetle
- Merchant grain beetle
These pests don't spread diseases, and they don't cause any significant damage to your home and property, so overall they're regarded as nuisance pests. They contaminate dried foods with their saliva and excrement, though, and their preferred foods are grains and grain-based foods, beans, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sweets. You may be surprised to learn that it's not usually the adult pests that deal the most damage, either – for pests like Indian meal moths and confused flour beetles, it's their larvae that voraciously devour our food, but granary weevils are all-around menaces, both larvae, and adults.
How Pantry Pests Infest Fort Worth Homes
Pantry pests can invade homes in two different ways – they're either brought in with store-bought foods or infested on their own volition. Since you can't go without bringing food into your Fort Worth home, this can make prevention extremely difficult. Still, with effective pest control and some simple preventive measures, your pantry should be properly protected against these menaces:
- Turn off porch lights after dark, and switch to soft yellow or LED lightbulbs
- Keep tight-fitting lids on all indoor and outdoor trash cans
- Wipe down counters, food prep areas, and dining tables daily
- Clean up any food and drink spills immediately after they occur
- Store all pantry foods and pet foods in airtight containers
- Never buy foods with torn packaging
- Remove dried goods from their original packaging when storing them in your pantry
- Seal up any potential entry points around the exterior of your home – damaged siding, cracked foundation, gaps around pipes and wires, loose shingles
- Add weather stripping to windows and doors, and add door sweeps to doors
- Check all window and door screens for tears
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly
- Avoid buying dried goods in bulk
- Inspect your pantry regularly and remove any expired foods
The Best Way To Protect Your Fort Worth Home Against Pantry Pests
Dealing with pantry pests in your Fort Worth home can be frustrating, and exterminating them is no easy feat if you're trying to do it on your own. The best way to get rid of pantry pests is with professional assistance from All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our highly effective pest control plans are customizable and affordable for any budget, and we use low-toxicity pesticides in our treatments that make them safer for the whole household. We're also dedicated to making sure you receive the best services possible, so we guarantee every treatment we provide. If you're ready to have a safe and secure pantry then get in contact with us today.