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Toronto Professional Pantry Pest Management
Pantry pests are a group of insect species that invade homes to feed on vulnerable non-refrigerated food products stored in pantries. Pantry pests are also referred to as “stored product pests” for the same reason, they feed on processed and dry food like flour, cornmeal, dog and cat food, powdered milk, birdseed, nuts, fruit, cookies, crackers, cornstarch, and spices.
The most commonly reported pantry pest sightings in Toronto include the Indian meal moth and cigarette (tobacco) and saw-toothed grain beetles. All three of these pantry pest species can be found in kitchen cabinets, cubbyholes, pantries, and other areas where processed food is stored.
Pantry pests are known as “prolific breeders,” meaning they continuously reproduce. Within a year, the female pantry pest can produce multiple generations. These insects do not discriminate among homes, they target them all, regardless of housekeeping.
Pantry Pest – Indian Meal Moth
“Plodia interpunctella,” better known as the Indian meal moth is a small insect with layers of reddish/brown and tan coloration, sprinkled with a copper tone. The adult Indian meal moth does not ingest food, unlike the larvae that are responsible for damaging vulnerable manufacturing food packagings like paperboard and thin plastic bags.
The Indian meal moth makes homespun cocoons to store their young. They can be found in pantries, kitchen cabinets, and appliances where leftovers crumbs are left behind after cleaning.
Pantry Pest – Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle
“Oryzaephilus surinamensis,” better known in Toronto as the saw-toothed grain beetle is notorious for the damage left behind after a pantry raid. The adult grows up to one-tenth of an inch in length, with unique projections that mimic a conventional handsaw blade. The insect utilizes its saw-tooth projects in combat, copulation, and foraging for food.
The adult and larvae feed on processed food stored in vulnerable packaging. The diet consists of candy, dried pet food, flour, cornstarch, cereal, cake, cookie, and fruit. They are also known to ingest birdseed and rodent bait.
Pantry Pest – Cigarette “Tobacco” Beetle
“Lasioderma serricorne,” better known as cigarette beetle in Toronto, grows up to one-eighth of an inch in length. The insect is easily identified by its humpback and tiny body that is covered with fine hair that appears to be fuzz.
The diet consists of processed and dry food products, as well as smokeless and smoking tobacco. The insect will feed on partially used cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars
Why Is My Toronto Home Under A Pantry Pest Attack?
Pantry pests target homes that are easy to access. They utilize small holes in siding, foundations, window frames, door thresholds, and vents to access houses, government entities, public facilities, and commercial buildings. They are commonly found in houses where their favorite food is accessible.
It only takes one adult female pantry pest that is pregnant to create a full-blown infestation. These prolific breeders continue reproducing even after a home infiltration. They do not stir far from the main food source
Notable Pantry Pest Infestation Signs
When looking for pantry pests, you need to know what to look for. Unfortunately, this won’t be easy because pantry pests are difficult to spot. They live inside the food that looks like them. If you need to identify a problem, check for small moths swarming around the food in question. You may also find beetles in and around the food packages.
They’re attracted to lights, so you may want to turn the lights on.
The Dangers Of A Pantry Pest Infestation
How dangerous are pantry pests? Can they make you sick? The good news is that they’re not dangerous on their own. They’re not going to bite or transmit disease. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about being attacked in the middle of the night. Another thing to note is that you can consume pantry pests without getting ill. If you eat the pantry pests or their eggs, you won’t get sick. They do not carry harmful pathogens or parasites, so they’re not going to make you sick.
The biggest problem is that they’re going to destroy your food supplies. You’ll need to replace your food and that can be expensive.
Preventing Pantry Pests Problems
Use the following tips to keep pantry pests out of your home.
- Make sure that your food is stored properly. Use containers that seal tightly. Never use materials that larvae can chew through, such as cardboard or paper. Double-check the containers to make sure that they’re sealed correctly.
- Clean your pantry often. Use a vacuum to get rid of food crumbs before washing the walls with soap and water.
- Always add new food to a new container. If you’re going to use an old container, dispose of the old food and wash it thoroughly first.
- You can check to see if something has been infested. Put it in a plastic bag and let it sit for a month or so. If you find pantry pests in the bag, you have a problem.
- Clean your containers thoroughly before reusing them.
Eliminating Pantry Pests
Once you’ve discovered pantry pests in your home, removing them should be your top priority. The only problem is that this won’t be easy. Although you can try solving the problem alone, you’ll likely run into serious issues. Instead, you’ll want to work with us so you can solve the problem swiftly and safely. We always do everything we can to avoid letting our clients down. If you wish to try on your own, use the advice below.
- Dispose of any items that have been contaminated with pantry pests. Deposit them into a plastic bag before throwing them away.
- Clean the shelves thoroughly. Start with a vacuum cleaner and go from there.
- Wipe down all pantry pests walls and shelves.
- Be sure to dispose of the vacuum’s contents in a plastic bag.
You cannot trust over-the-counter chemicals. Although they may work, they could put your loved ones at risk. You cannot let that happen. Instead, you’ll want to work with our skilled exterminators to fix the problem promptly. We can inspect your home to determine whether it has pantry pests. Then, we’ll take steps to get rid of them.
When Can You Begin?
Contact our local office to set up an appointment. We’ll reach back out to you in 24 to 48 hours.
We Keep You Safe
We understand that you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential risks. You’ll want to do with us because we’ll do everything we can to keep you safe. We always use EPA-registered products to provide our clients with outstanding results. Our products are safe around people, plants, and people. Plus, our exterminators will be cautious to keep everyone safe.
Preventing Pantry Pests From Invading
Pantry pests will create a wealth of problems in your area. If you bring them home, you’re going to have a big issue to take care of, and you need to do so as quickly as possible. Pantry pests can sneak into your home using dry pet food, powdered milk, crackers, and cornstarch. Be sure to carefully check the food products you buy before bringing them home.
When you find yourself overwhelmed with nowhere to turn, do not hesitate to reach out to our Toronto-based extermination company.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
