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• Stored Food Pests

There are many species of stored food pests found at various times in food pantries. Most of these pests are introduced into our homes in infested food. Some invade homes through normal methods of entry.

There is hardly a food item in the kitchen or food pantry which can escape being infested by some pest if it remains unused and exposed in some dark corner or drawer long enough. All items are susceptible, including spices, hot pepper, ice cream cones, and even cereals, grits, and cake mixes. Dried flower arrangements and stuffed furniture and toys, often harbor infestations.

Stored food pests are economically important and are responsible for millions of dollars of loss every year in stored foods and other products.

Large populations of these food pests may develop in unused or undisturbed foods which were infested when purchased. A food package which is not tightly sealed after use can also lead to infestation. From the infested food packages, the pests may spread to other exposed food. Often the only way that one knows of their presence is by discovery of an infested and infrequently used food item or the encounter of flying or crawling adults coming from the pantry shelves. Moths and beetles are often attracted to lights or windows and may indicate an infestation. The presence of stored food pests is not an indication of being unclean, since infestation may be brought home in purchased food.