What is a pantry pest?
Pantry pests are species of insects, usually moths or beetles, that infest stored food items like: cereals, chocolates, spices, flour, dried flowers, and dry pet food. Pantry pest’s eggs and larvae are very small. Because of this, a pantry pest infestation isn’t usually discovered until it becomes quite large, and adult insects are seen flying or crawling around a home.
Why do I have them?
Stored food products are generally infested with pantry pests at the food processing facility that they have originated from. The infested products are then placed on grocery or other store shelves. Once those items are purchased, the pantry pests are introduced into your home. While not as common, adult pantry pests may also make their way into your home accidentally through small cracks and crevices found around windows and doors.
Are they dangerous?
Pantry pests are not a danger to people; they do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit any diseases. They will, however, contaminate food sources that are being stored in your kitchen and pantry areas with their eggs and larvae. Any food that is infested with pantry pest larvae or eggs should be discarded.
Can I do it myself?
Do-it-yourself pantry pest control is not recommended. Pantry pests infest food sources, and it can be difficult to find all the areas of your home and all of the products that they are living in. DIY products can be dangerous to you, your family, your pets, and your plants if not placed or mixed properly; and they should never be used in close proximity to food sources. Also, DIY pest control does not do anything to treat the root of your pantry pest infestation or help to prevent future infestations.
How soon can you get here?
At Schendel Pest Services, we are dedicated to making sure that we get help to you as quickly as possible. We understand how stressful pest problems can be for you and your family. In most instances, Schendel will respond the same or very next day.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes, our treatment methods are safe for use around people, pets, and plants. We use the least amount of material possible to solve your pest problem whether that is using natural products, baits, mechanical means, or conventional products.
We follow very strict guidelines, and all of our conventional products are EPA registered. Our trained and experienced service technicians will inform you of any specific safety measures that may need to be taken before treatment begins.
How much does it cost?
We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average sized homes under 3500 square feet and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Along with professional pest control services, there are a few precautions that you can take to prevent problems with pantry pests in your home:
- Seal any cracks or crevices found around exterior windows and doors; install door sweeps.
- Check dry goods for signs of rips or tears in their packaging before purchasing them from the grocery store.
- Transfer dry goods from their original packaging intoglass
or plastic containers that have airtight lids.
- Regularly rotate dry goods in your pantry, throwing out old or expired items.
