Finding bugs in your food is one of the most unsettling pest problems, and it’s more common than you might think. Pantry pests aren’t just a result of a messy kitchen, as many infestations actually begin at the store or inside factory-sealed packaging.
To make matters worse, in states with desert climates like Arizona, dry conditions don’t deter pantry pests like Indian meal moths, flour beetles, and grain weevils. Once they’re inside your home, they can spread quickly through cabinets, shelves, and anything stored in paper or cardboard.
If you’re ready to send pantry pests packing or prevent them from even invading, read on to learn how to deal with these unwelcome visitors.
Common Pantry Pests in Arizona Homes
Several species thrive in pantries and dry storage, including:
- Indian meal moths
- Flour beetles
- Grain weevils
Indian Meal Moths
These are one of the most common pantry pests. When you spot these small brown pantry moths in your house, don’t ignore them. It’s more than likely they’re laying eggs around your stored foods. Their larvae feed on cereal, flour, rice, nuts, and even chocolate, leaving behind webbing and waste.
Flour Beetles
Flour beetles are tiny, reddish-brown beetles that burrow into flour and grains, often showing up in baking mixes or cereal. If you suspect you have flour beetles in your kitchen, keep an eye out for odd clumps in your dry goods or a faint musty smell.
Grain Weevils
These beetles lay eggs inside whole grains like rice or corn. The larvae hatch and feed from the inside out, so a key sign to watch for is holes in kernels or fine dust at the bottom of a container.
Signs of a Pantry Pest Infestation
Many pantry pests are small and easy to overlook. Look out for:
- Small insects crawling inside containers or along pantry shelves
- Webbing inside food packaging, especially in corners
- Larvae or fine powder at the bottom of the bags
- Clumps or discoloration in flour and grain products
- Moths fluttering near stored food
If you spot any of these, it’s best to toss the affected food immediately and inspect nearby items, and contact local pest control professionals.
How To Store Food To Prevent Pantry Pests
The right storage habits can make all the difference, so your first step to prevent pantry pests is to transfer dry goods like flour, rice, pasta, and cereal into airtight glass or plastic containers. We also recommend freezing newly purchased grains or flour for 48 hours before storing. This targets any hidden eggs. Other tactics for keeping pantry pests at bay include:
- Wipe down pantry shelves regularly to remove crumbs and food particles
- Avoid buying dry goods with torn or damaged packaging
- Practice a “first in, first out” system to avoid long-term storage that attracts pests
Choose Professional Pantry Pest Control in Arizona From Burns Pest Elimination
If pests have spread beyond a single package or are reappearing after you clean up the kitchen, it’s time to bring in help. Pantry pests can hide in cracks, baseboards, or even behind walls, but fortunately, Burns Pest Elimination is here to help. We offer effective pest control solutions in Arizona and Nevada to target pantry pests and other small invaders at their source so you can rest easy.
Request your free quote today and discover how we can shield your kitchen and food storage today!
