Holiday baking fills the home with the delightful scent of gingerbread, pumpkin spice, and everything nice. It’s one sign the holidays have arrived, a memory-making tradition for families across the country. Pantry pests sneak in like the Grinch, ready to take away all the holiday cheer. These pests gather around food stored in the pantry and inside cabinets and wreak havoc on holiday traditions.
Many pests fall into the category “pantry pests,” including ants, earwigs, moths, grain beetles, and weevils. None of the pantry pests pose risks to property or to a person’s health, however, they become a major nuisance when they infest and ruin food. The pests seem to come out of nowhere, adding another factor to the problem.
Pantry pests infest baking ingredients such as dried fruits, flour, chocolate, nuts, and other food. Certain pests, such as grain beetles, prefer foods like cookies, macaroni, and cake mix while moths head for candy, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, dog food, and even dried red pepper flakes.
How To Prevent Pantry Pests
Inspect all pantry items before use to ensure they’re pest-free. Additional tips to protect against pantry pests to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday baking season:
- Proper Storage Containers: Tupperware-type containers with secure lids protect foods stored in the pantry and keep the area looking nice. The lids seal out even the smallest pests and rodents searching for meals.
- Inspect Groceries From the Market: Many pests enter the home through already-infested foods purchased from the supermarket and by hitching rides on grocery bags, cardboard, and other plastic. Inspect all bags, packaging, and food items before tossing them into your cart. If the product or package shows any signs of damage, do not purchase it!
- Date Check: Toss out expired foods or items that have been in the pantry for extended periods. This reduces potential pest problems and infestations.
- Store Seasonal Decor: Seasonal decor such as Indian corn and potpourri should be sealed in airtight containers during off-seasons.
- Bay Leaves: Store bay leaves in dry packages like rice, flour, and grains to repel pantry pests.
- Proper Sanitation: Keep the pantry as clean and neat as possible. Clean spills as soon as they occur. Wipe up crumbs from tables, floors, countertops, and shelves at least once per week. Keep a sealed trash container in the pantry for waste. Dispose of the bag and contents regularly.
- Inspect the Pantry: Look for cracks, holes, and other small crevices where pests can come through to get inside the home. Seal the cracks and holes. Additionally, eliminate all moisture sites and sources of moisture, including clogged drains. A dehumidifier works great for this need.
If you find pantry pests in the kitchen, discard any rotted items from fruit baskets, empty trash bins, clean shelves, and sweep and mop the floors. If the problem persists, call Southern Pride Pest Control for an inspection and prompt solution.
Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride Pest Control is a reliable source for quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust.
