Stored Product Pests
Stored product pests are pests that are found in dried foods. They are often brought into homes by accident.
What are Stored Product Pests?
Stored product pests are very common in residential kitchens and are found in dried foods such as: dried fruits, dried flowers, spices, flour, peas, bran, dried vegetables, cereal products, oatmeal, grain, tobacco, dog food, beans, candy, nuts, macaroni, and other similar products. There are many stored product pests and the most common are: Saw-toothed Grain Beetles, Cigarette and Drugstore Beetles, Flour Beetles, Granary and Rice Weevils, and Spider Beetles.
Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle
Cigarette Beetle
Drugstore Beetle
Confused Flour Beetle
Granary Weevil
Spider Beetle
Treatment for Stored Product Pests
The kitchen cupboards must be emptied and the drawers should be removed. All dried food such as above must be inspected for evidence of infestation. If food is found to be infested, it must be disposed of immediately and any vulnerable food must be placed in tight fitting sealed containers. Everyone including pets and small children must leave the house for 3 to 4 hours after treatment. Fish tanks need to be covered with plastic and filter turned off.
Prevention of Stored Product Pests
All dried food should be stored in plastic or glass containers with tight fitting lids. Regularly clean your pantry and cupboards and inspect older items for insect infestation. Regularly vacuum cracks and crevices especially in shelves and cupboards. Be advised to check groceries for insects before you bring them into your home. Avoid purchasing in bulk; keep foods in storage less than 3 months. Also, insects like to hide in cracks and crevices so seal all cracks and crevices in pantry.