What Are Pantry Pests?

Weevils, moths, and beetles that live and breed in and around stored food items are pantry pests. Pantry pests are a common problem inside Dallas homes, grocery stores, restaurants, food storage facilities, and anywhere else that people handle or store food. These pests tend to breed rapidly, allowing for a few to quickly turn into a large infestation that is difficult to control.

There are many species of pantry pests living in the United States; common pantry pests in the Dallas area include the following:

• Indian meal moths
• Drugstore beetles
• Granary weevils
• Red flour beetles
• Confused flour beetles
• Merchant grain beetle
• Tobacco moths or tobacco hornworm moths

Pantry Pest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are pantry pests dangerous?

Mainly described as nuisance pests, pantry pests are not dangerous. However, they should never live in your home or business as they quickly contaminate food sources. Pantry pests pose no risk to people or the structures of buildings. Adults are the least destructive stage; typically the larvae of pantry pests that feed on and damage stored food. The female lays her eggs on a stored food product. Once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding on the food, contaminating it with their saliva and excrement.

Why do I have a pantry pest problem?

Adult weevils, moths, and beetles find their way into homes and businesses on their own, usually after being attracted by outdoor lights. They move inside through open windows and doors, spaces around windows and doors, and holes in exterior walls. Products purchased from the store that have pantry pest eggs or larvae in the boxes are another common way they get into homes.

Where will I find pantry pests?

You can find pantry pests wherever food is stored. Inside homes, this is usually in the kitchen and pantry. They feed on a variety of dry goods, including whole grains, pasta, cereal, flour, cornmeal, dried fruits, spices, cake mixes, chocolate, tobacco, and dry pet food. In addition to living in homes, pantry pests are problematic in grocery stores, pharmacies, food processing facilities, restaurants, and food storage areas.

How do I get rid of pantry pests?

Locally owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of pantry pests from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate pantry pests from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent pantry pests in the future?

Prevent problems with pantry pests by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Do not purchase food products with rips in the packaging.
• Avoid buying dry goods in bulk.
• Remove food from its original packaging and place them in airtight containers.
• Store any dry pet food in metal containers with a locking lid.
• Regularly inspect your pantry and remove expired items.
• Install weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Replace torn window or door screens.
• Use a caulking gun to repair cracks in your exterior walls.
• Turn off outdoor lights when not in use.
• Replace white outdoor lights with yellow or LED lights, which are less attractive to insects.