Pantry Pests

Professional Pantry Pest San Antonio TX

Pantry pest is a term utilized to describe a group of insect and rodent species that feed on food stored in pantries. The pantry pest is a term frequently utilized by San Antonio exterminators. The insect species that make up the pantry pest classification come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, pantry pests do not set their limits on the home. These insects have reportedly infiltrated commercial, industrial, public, and governmental establishments. Any facility with a decent supply of accessible pantry food products is at risk.

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle – The “Oryzaephilus surinamensis” is easily identifiable, thanks to the teeth that replicate the conventional handsaw blade. These features are utilized to feed on pantry food, such as dried cereal, nuts, flour, and cornmeal.

Cigarette Beetle – At maturity, the “Lasioderma serricorne” measures about one-eighth of an inch in length. The insect is easily identifiable, thanks to its humpback. The body is a glossy brown, offset with fine fuzz. In addition to pantry food, the cigarette beetle feeds on tobacco products (smoking and non-smoking).

Indian Meal Moth – The mature “Plodia interpunctella” is approximately 3/4” long, with exceptionally long wings. The insect’s wings appear to be too much to tote around, spanning down the body, touching the ground in many cases. The wings are layered in unique colors – reddish/black, tan, and reddish/black, with a coppery luster.

What Do Pantry Pests Feed On?

There really is not much, the pantry pest will not eat. Evidence shows pantry pests feed on cookies, coffee creamer, spices (nutmeg, ground pepper, and paprika), candies, potato chips, peanut butter, crackers, cookies, and dried fruit. While the insects are more notable for feeding on pantry food, they will consume corn on the cob, homemade candy, dog food, rodent bait, and birdseed.

Signs Of A Pantry Pest Infestation Everyone Should Know

• Damaged store-bought food packages and fast-food containers
• Live pantry pests feeding on nonperishables
• Tiny moths hoovering over food-contaminated surfaces, waste bins, and exposed food
• Tiny fecal droppings in feeding areas

Why Are Pantry Pests Infesting My San Antonio Property?

As previously mentioned, pantry pests target all properties, regardless of size, location, and design. It is important to note, pantry pests do not target homes because of uncleanliness. While this may be the case for the cockroach, all properties are on the pantry pest’s radar.

Pantry pests utilize small- to medium-sized openings to access the inside of buildings. These vulnerabilities in your home’s structure are responsible for allowing pests to enter your home so freely.

Do Pantry Pests Spread Disease?

The most common pantry pest species in San Antonio are the saw-toothed grain beetle, Indian meal moth, and cigarette beetle, also known as tobacco beetles. For the most part, these pantry pests are harmless, with the exception of a small risk of foodborne illness. While the aforementioned species of pantry pests do not transmit disease, they can pick up contaminants during their travels. When these contaminants are deposited into the home’s non-refrigerated food supply, the risk of a foodborne illness comes into play.

Some family members may ingest the contaminated food and not get sick. However, this is rarely the case because foodborne illnesses are commonly linked to pest contamination.

What Is The Most Effective Pantry Pest Management Strategy?

We do not believe a pantry pest infestation can be fully eradicated with over-the-counter pesticides. An industrial-grade pesticide, combined with adhesive traps is more effective. However, these combinational pest control strategies are only effective when the client and other members of the home are involved. We highly encourage all our clients to get and remain involved in the pest control process right from the get-go.

You can help our pest control experts by altering your housekeeping plan, household waste disposal routine, and food storage system. These will not be easy tasks for a single individual, couple, or even a family to achieve. If you are dedicated to the pantry pest management process, your effort will pay off in the long run.

What Prevention Approach Should Be Taken When Dealing With Pantry Pests?

Those who believe they are dedicated to preventing a secondary or repeat pest infestation, probably do not know the pantry pest’s strong will to survive. This insect is determined to do whatever is necessary to survive another day. When food is scarce in the natural habitat, the pantry pest will find an opportunity to invade your home or business.

Preventing a repeat pantry pest infiltration will not be easy, but it is still possible. With the help of our pest control experts, we can create a barrier around your home, strong enough to keep pantry pests out.

How Can The Client Help Our Pest Control Experts?

• Transition from store-bought packaging to glass or stainless-steel storage containers, with resealable lids
• Routinely remove household waste to a secure outdoor trash bin
• Regularly inspect your pantry, kitchen cabinets, and other areas, where nonperishables are stored for signs of pantry pests
• Learn how to identify San Antonio’s pantry pest species
• Upgrade your housekeeping strategy to include more frequent cleanings in food storage and meal preparation areas

When Will The San Antonio Exterminator Be Available For A Pantry Pest Inspection?

We can generally dispatch one of our trained pest control technicians to your home within 24 and 48 hours of your request. Being prepared for the technician’s arrival can speed up the pest inspection process. Remove all clutter and household waste from high-risk areas.

Be sure to take advantage of our free pantry pest consultation and written quote services.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.