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Professional Pantry Pest Management in Cincinnati Ohio
Pantry pest is a classification utilized in reference to insect species that infiltrate homes to invade pantries. The diet consists of non-perishable food, such as flour, cornmeal, pasta, nuts, powdered milk, crackers, cookies, candy, spices, bread, and dried fruit.
Another classification utilized for pantry pests is known as “stored product pests.” Both pantry pests and stored product pests represent a class of insects that infiltrate homes in search of non-refrigerated food products stored in pantries, kitchen cabinets, and other cubbyholes.
The most commonly reported pantry pest sightings in Cincinnati include the following insect species:
It is crucial to know everything about these pantry pest species. Whether you live in Cincinnati or on the outskirts, it is crucial to know your risk of a pantry pest. Regardless, the risk of full-blown infestation is extremely high in Ohio.
Pantry pests do not discriminate between homeowners and tenants. In fact, these insects target all Cincinnati homes and businesses, regardless of cleanliness or messiness.
Why Is My Cincinnati Property Under A Pantry Pest Attack?
Pantry pests have one thing in mind when they infiltrate homes. This something is a food source. Pantry pests feed on non-refrigerated food products stored in pantries. By transitioning from traditional manufacturing packaging, such as paperboard and plastic bags to glass, BPA-free plastic, and stainless steel storage containers will ensure your non-perishables are safe during a pantry pest infiltration.
Pantry Pest Physical Characteristics For Identification Purposes
If you are under the impression that only licensed exterminators and other pest control experts are only responsible for identifying pantry pests, you are totally wrong. In fact, Cincinnati exterminators believe all US residents should know how to identify each pantry pest species. Since you reside in a high-risk area, you need to know the physical characteristics that make each of these insects unique.
Pantry Pest Indian Meal Moth
The Indian meal moth “Plodia interpunctella” is easily identified by its layers of coloration. The body looks as if it is layered with reddish/black and tan coloration. The top layer, which includes the insect’s head is reddish/black, followed by the second layer – tan, and last, but not least, the bottom layer is similar to the top layer, but a little larger.
The adult Indian meal moth does not ingest pantry food. The damage caused by this insect species is contributed to the larvae’s endless appetite.
The insect hides its eggs inside of a homespun cocoon found in dark, warm, and discrete areas of an impacted home.
Pantry Pest Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle
The pantry pest, saw-toothed grain beetle, continues pushing into homes. The Indian meal moth “Oryzaephilus surrinamensis” grows up to 1/10 of an inch in length. The insect’s most unique physical characteristic is its abdominal pincers that replicate the blade of a hand saw. The insect’s abdominal pincers are utilized as a form of protection, in combat, and during copulation.
The adult and larvae feed on non-perishable pantry foods. The diet consists of potato chips, bird seeds, dry pet food, spices, and sometimes rodent pellets.
Pantry Pest Cigarette “Tobacco” Beetle
The pantry pest known as a cigarette beetle gets its name from its favorite food – tobacco (smoking and non-smoking). The cigarette beetle will ingest tobacco utilized to make cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and cigars. And, other food in the typical pantry pest diet.
The cigarette beetle “Lassioderma serricorne” grows up to one-eighth of an inch in length. Its most distinguishable physical characteristic is a humpback. The insect’s wings are hairless while its body is covered with coarse hair that has a “fuzzy” appearance.
Why Is My Cincinnati Home Under A Pantry Pest Threat?
Pantry pests target all homes when food becomes scarce in their natural habitat. The insects attempt home infiltration in hopes of scoring a new food supply. Those that are successful will immediately start searching for the victim’s food supply stored outside the refrigerator. If the food is stored in vulnerable packaging, the insects will not face any issues accessing it.
Pantry pests gnaw through manufacturing food packaging, putting the family at risk of a foodborne illness. While not all pantry pest species contaminate food, most of them do. Small openings around window frames, door thresholds, air conditioning vents, and damaged foundations.
Many of the insect species are prolific breeders, allowing them to create infestations in a few short weeks.
Most Common Signs Of A Pantry Pest Infestation In Homes?
It is crucial for every Cincinnati resident to know the signs of a pantry pest infestation. The most commonly reported pantry pest infestation signs include the following:
- Live insects foraging for food in pantries, kitchen cabinets, on dining table surfaces, and garbage bins
- Some pantry pest species are difficult to detect because they blend in with furniture, décor, and appliances
- Damaged food packaging
- Non-perishable food contaminated with fecal materials
Do Pantry Pests Carry Diseases?
No, pantry pest species do not transmit disease to humans or animals. However, some of these species have been linked to illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. It is not unusual for pantry pests to deposit their eggs in victims’ food supply. Since the eggs are translucent in color, accidental ingestion is a possibility. Fortunately, the eggs are not life-threatening if accidentally ingested by humans.
What Is The Best Pantry Pest Management Strategy?
There is no single pest control strategy effective enough to prevent all pantry pest infestations. We believe combining routine inspections with repairs to the home’s vulnerable pest barrier is a great place to start. Utilizing a waterproof sealant to fill in gaps and openings utilized by these insects to infiltrate homes is a necessity.
It is also recommended to transition from manufacturing food packaging to solid glass storage containers with lids. The glass storage container will act as a barrier for your non-perishable food supply and pantry pests.
Pantry pests have not been connected to structural damage. But, victims claim they leave devastating messes in kitchens and other rooms where food is prepared and stored. Developing a household waste routine will also help. Removing all potential food sources from your home will definitely lower your risk of a pantry pest infestation.
How Can I Get Rid Of Pantry Pests Out Of My Home?
If your home is infested with pantry pests, you can contribute the issue to a vulnerable pest barrier. The first step is to repair the vulnerable pest barrier to prevent more pantry pests from infiltrating your homes. Once you do this, it will be time to contact our Cincinnati pest control experts to request a free consultation.
We will sit down with you to develop a pantry pest control strategy that is specific needs and preferences.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
