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• Stored Food Pests

Stored food pests are usually introduced into homes by purchase of already infested food products and most are active year round. Populations can increase quickly in food products stored unused for long periods of time in kitchens and pantries. Stored food pests can infest nearly any food item; some more common food items include grain products, flour, nuts, raisins, bird seed, spices, hot pepper, ice cream cones, cereals, cake mixes, and dry pet foods. Dried flower arrangements, stuffed furniture and toys can also harbor these pests. Most thrive in areas that are warm and dry.

These bugs come in many shapes, sizes, colors. Three of the more common found in the Pacific Northwest include the Confused flour beetle, the Saw-toothed grain beetle, and the Cigarette beetle.

Confused flour beetle:

This species of stored food pest is commonly found worldwide, generally in cooler climates. Adults are about 1/8 inch long and a reddish brown color. Antennae are club-like with 4 segments. The side of the thorax is almost straight in appearance as opposed to curved. Adults have wings but do not fly. Mature larvae are about 1/8 to ¼ inch long with hard, cylindrical bodies and a white-yellowish color.

Saw-toothed grain beetle:

This beetle gets its name from the six teeth located on each side of the proctored, and is found worldwide. Adults are about 1/8 inch long with a brown, flat, relatively smooth body. Antenna have 3 segments, the second being the longest and the third being very small. Adults have wings but do not fly. Mature larvae are less than 1/8 inch long and are a white-yellowish color.

Cigarette beetle:

This beetle gets its name due to it's preference to attack tobacco products that are stored and are found worldwide. Adults are about 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch long with a light brown, oval shaped body. Antennae appear to be serrated or saw like. The head is usually difficult to see as it is pointed downward from the body, giving it a "humped" appearance. Mature larvae are 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch with a "C" shaped white body that has many long hairs and closely resemble Drugstore beetle larvae.

Should you find you have a stored food pest infestation there are several steps you can take to help in eradicating them.

1. Most importantly, find the source. Check seldom used packages (especially items listed above). Wrap any infested packages or items in a heavy plastic bag and dispose of them immediately.
2. Rotate inventory of food items (first in, first out) in order to prevent long term storage without use.
3. Keep storage areas below 60 degrees Fahrenheit when possible.
4. Keep food items that are likely to become infested in separate, tightly sealed containers (such as plastic ware with tight fitting lids or jars with screw on lids).
5. Remove all items from the infested area and thoroughly clean all surfaces of the cabinet, shelf, etc. with warm soapy water. Stored food pests will often hide in cracks and crevices or in corners of the cabinets or drawers. Also, caulk cracks around the storage area in order to limit harborage for the insects.
6. Inspect food items when purchased, especially if purchased from the same store you may have previously purchased infested products from.

While these measures most often take care of the infestation, if you have difficulty with control a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the sightings and provide an environment free of unwanted pests year round.