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Professional Pantry Pest Control In Chicago – What You Should Know!
Pantry pest is a classification utilized to describe insect species that invade homes to gain access to processed food products stored in pantries. The diet consists of dry dog food, nuts, fruit, bread, crackers, spices, cornstarch, flour, cornmeal, and powdered milk.
The three most common pantry pest sightings reported in Chicago involve the Indian meal moth and cigarette (tobacco) and saw-toothed grain beetles. We understand most Chicago residents are not familiar with the pantry pest, which is why we have joined forces with local health departments and Chicago officials to bring awareness to pantry pest infestations
As long as a food source is accessible, many pantry pest species will continuously reproduce. According to statistics, some pantry pest insects can produce multiple generations each year. This is why pantry pests are so concerning to exterminators in Chicago
Contrary to belief, pantry pests do not target homes specifically because they are dirty or clean. In fact, these insects do not discriminate between homeowners or tenants, as they will target any house, flat, apartment, condo, or studio.
Physical Characteristics Utilized For Identifying Purposes
Every pantry pest species has unique characteristics, making them very easy to identify.
- Pantry Pest Indian Meal Moth – “Plodia interpunctella” are tiny insects with brownish/red and tan colors that are layered down the wings. A copper tone is sprinkled into the colors, providing a bit of shine in the direct sunlight and bright lighting. The adult Indian meal moth does not ingest food. But, the larvae feed on foods stored in pantries. To avoid detection and capture, the insect utilizes high points like the ceiling and top of walls. The young are housed in homespun cocoons where they are safe from predators.
- Pantry Pest Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle – “Oryzaephilus surinamensis” are small insects with flat, dark brown bodies that grow up to one-tenth of an inch in length. The insect gets its name from projections that replicate the blade of a handsaw. The saw-toothed projections are utilized in copulation, combat, and food-foraging. The diet consists of food found in kitchen cabinets, pantries, and other storage areas.
- Pantry Pest Cigarette Beetles – Cigarette beetles are one of the most common pantry pests in our service area. Plus, they’re roughly an eighth of an inch and have a hump-backed appearance. They have smooth wings and a fuzzy body. They’re light brown and prefer consuming cured tobacco. However, you’ll find that they can consume other household products too. For instance, you will likely find cigarette beetles in your cereal, nuts, candy, and dry pet foods. They may infest spices too.
Why Are Pantry Pests In My Home?
What causes pantry pests to enter a residential dwelling? The good news is that it was likely nothing you did. Instead, you’ve experienced an infestation because you purchased contaminated food. The items you purchased were infested with pantry pests, and you brought them into your home. As a result, you have to be careful when purchasing food products from a local store.
Another thing to note is that you need to understand that an infestation may start with one or two insects. They can reproduce rapidly. Finally, you’ll find that pantry pests breed constantly because they live in their food source.
Notable Signs Of Pantry Pests
You may suspect that you have pantry pests in your home. If so, you’ll want to look for the signs of a pantry pest infestation. Many people will ignore the issue because pantry pests are difficult to see. Pantry pests are small and blend in with their food. If you believe that you have pantry pests, you’ll need to look for moths around your pantry.
The moths will be small and they’ll stay close to their food sources. They’re also attracted to light so they might stick close to the lights in your pantry.
The Primary Dangers Of Pantry Pests
Are you worried about the dangers associated with pantry pests? Well, you’ll find that these pests aren’t as bad as you might believe. Still, you don’t want to live with them because they can create various problems. The pantry pests are not dangerous. They’re not going to bite you. In addition to that, you can consume pantry pests and pantry pest eggs without getting sick. These bugs are not known to transmit dangerous illnesses.
The biggest concern homeowners have is the fact that they’re going to destroy the food in your home. They’ll spoil your food so you’ll need to replace it. After a period, the costs will quickly accumulate.
Preventing Pantry Pests From Ruining Your Life
Dealing with pantry pests won’t be easier, so it is best to keep them out of your home. Below, you’ll find tips for doing that.
- Make sure that your favorite food items are stored in airtight containers. Also, make sure that you’re using the right materials because pantry pests can chew through cardboard and paper.
- Clean the shelves in your pantry at least twice a week. During the process, make sure that you remove all food crumbs.
- Before reusing food containers, dispose of the old food and clean the container thoroughly. Taking these steps decreases the likelihood that the new food will be contaminated too.
- You can test to see if something is infested by placing it in a plastic bag. If pests show up in the bag after a few weeks, you have a pantry pest infestation.
Eliminating Pantry Pest Infestations
You cannot ignore a pantry pest infestation because these pests are going to invade your favorite food items. Although they’re not dangerous, the thought of eating dangerous pests is repulsive. We recommend working with a qualified exterminator to fix the issue. Pantry pests blend in with their food source making it difficult to spot them. Below, you’ll find advice to remove pantry pests from your home.
- Identify items that have been infested with pantry pests. Once you’ve done that, you should dispose of the items promptly. Put them in plastic bags to ensure they don’t escape.
- Take all of the items out of your pantry shelves.
- Vacuum the pantry shelves to remove food crumbs and debris.
- Place the vacuum’s content in a plastic bag before throwing it away.
- Clean the pantry shelves and walls with a cleaning solution.
You may consider using over-the-counter pesticides to take care of the problem, but we do not recommend it. Using these products could be dangerous if they’re not used properly. If they’re misused, you could make someone sick. If you’re looking for a safer solution, we’re here for you.
When Can You Arrive?
Contact us so you can schedule an appointment today. We’ll reach your home in a few days.
Will Your Pantry Pest Treatment Be Safe?
Our company believes it is vital to provide our clients with safe treatments. When you work with us, our exterminators will work diligently to protect you and your loved ones every step of the way. We use products that have been tested extensively. Since these products are registered with the EPA, we know that they’re safe around people and pets. If you’re a pet parent and you want to protect your loved ones, calling us should be your next move.
Preventing Pantry Pests From Entering Your Home
Pantry pests can be a serious problem across the United States, so you cannot ignore this potential problem. Instead, you need to work diligently to find a way to prevent such problems before they occur. When purchasing flour, cereal, or dry pasta, make sure that the item in question is free of pantry pests. Otherwise, you’re going to be opening your door and inviting pests into your home. Be sure to store your favorite food items in airtight containers. By taking these steps, you can decrease the risk that you’re going to experience a future pantry pest infestation.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
