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While any household pests can be a nuisance, pantry pests are especially hard to get rid of. Pantry pests include a variety of different insects that feed on dry goods often stored in your pantry or kitchen. Common food sources for pantry pests include flour, rice, crackers, dry pasta, or cereal. Here are some examples of pantry pests and how you can keep them out of your home.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common household pest and are especially attracted to pantries because of easy food sources. While cockroaches aren’t deadly, they multiply quickly and can cause allergic reactions in some people. If left untreated, cockroaches infestations can damage electronics and contaminate food.
Spiders
Spiders can easily enter your home through small cracks and crevices. They are attracted to crumbs and dry foods and can build webs almost anywhere. The easiest way to prevent spiders from invading your home is to keep dry goods sealed and destroy spider webs when you see them.
Ants
Ants can be one of the hardest pests to get rid of due to their small size and large colonies. They are also attracted to exposed food and sugar. While ants aren’t harmful to humans, they can enter your home through any small hole and can wreak havoc on your pantry food items. To avoid an infestation, clean your pantry regularly and keep sugary foods sealed.
Beetles
Several types of beetles are considered pantry pests. The most common types are the cigarette beetle, saw-toothed grain beetle and rice weevil. While cigarette beetles are known to love cured tobacco products, they also feed on loose dry goods like cereal, candy or dry pet food. They’re also known to love spices like paprika and chili powder. Saw-toothed grain beetles and their larvae are also attracted to dry goods and can multiply quickly. Rice weevils go after plants and grains like rice, corn, fruits and vegetables. They can easily destroy entire bags of grains or rice.
Treating Pantry Pests
The easiest way to prevent an infestation is to keep your pantry and kitchen clean and free of trash. Most pests are looking for easy food sources so keeping pantry items sealed and cleaning your kitchen regularly will reduce your chances of pest infestation. If you find yourself with an infestation and need help, it’s always best to contact a professional.
At World Wide Pest Control, we provide the highest quality customer service and will help keep your home pest-free. Contact us today for a service request or browse our website for more information about our services.