Have you ever noticed a change in the position of your cereal box?
Perhaps, you found some crumbs or tiny bits of cereal on/around your kitchen cabinets or floor and you ponder who had eaten your cereal behind your back?
Well, we’ve all been in your shoes. As much as your kids (or any other body) could do this, most times, your illegal occupants are usually the cause of it.
By illegal occupants, we mean “pantry pest.” You may need to call a pest control company if these pests are already everywhere in the house!
As the name implies, pantry pests are pests that love to raid your pantry. They love to dig into boxes of cereal, cookies, baking chocolate; bags of flour, etc., the lists are endless.
Besides, not only will they share or eat your food without your consent, they are capable of contaminating them—even an entire bag of goods.
Although these pests are usually found in the basement or baseboards, however, they linger in places more than that.
Any dark, unkempt, or unused corner of your kitchen pantry could easily become their hiding place.
To the big question, WHO ARE THESE PANTRY PESTS?
You probably have an idea or guessed who these pests are already. Nevertheless, here is a list of pests that could be eaten, inhabit, or visit your kitchen pantry for a snack:
- Rodents
- Ants
- Indian meal moths
- Beetles (either Grain, Dermestid, Flour, and Drugstore)
- Spiders
- Cockroaches (such as German cockroaches)
- Flies
- Weevils (either Rice, Maize, or Bean), and many more
These creepy little creatures could make you feel like you are being overthrown in your home.
And unless you get rid of them, they can be a great threat to your health because they can spread germs and disease by mulching on your food.
Another painful thing is that many of these pests can sting, bite, or gnaw at kitchen wires. Moreover, certain insects are known to trigger asthma and allergies in some cases.
The good news is that you can prevent these pests from gaining entry into your pantry (or home).
With these simple clues, which includes storing your food properly, keeping your home clean, and sealing up openings, you can keep pest away from your home.
In addition, you could also check items from the grocery store for any sign of damage before purchasing them. You can find out more info here if you would like to know more.
However, once you spot one or two pests near your pantry and its environment, or in the pantry itself, you may suspect an infestation.
Your suspicion might be true after checking the nooks and crannies of your pantry. If you find an infestation, then you should take these drastic steps below to eliminate the pests.
- Remove and carefully inspect all the foods in the pastry. Any opened foods that bugs have possibly infested should be tossed away.
- Clean and thoroughly vacuum every inch of your pantry. You can also use soapy water or water-vinegar solution to eradicate all their eggs.
- Seal or caulk all openings, which serves as an entry for these pests or insects.