Transcript BLT-Pantry Pests

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– Moths
• Triangular shaped with
scales on wings
– B
eetles
Indian Meal Moth
Saw Tooth
Grain Beetle
Rice Weevil
Cigarette Beetle
• Oval shaped with hard
front wings
– Weevils
• The worm-like babies
of each of these
insects are often
incorrectly called
weevils
Can spread easily to other food items
Can cause loss of food
Throw food away = Throw money away
• Grain food items
– Flour, cornmeal, rice, pasta,
cereal, oatmeal, crackers
• Spices
- Dill, parsley, pepper flakes,
oregano, cumin
• Pet food items
– Dog food, cat food, pet
treats, birdseed
– Clean shelves & bins
– Use a rag to gather
crumbs and throw
away the crumbs
– Clean containers
before refilling with
new food
– Insect eggs might still
be in the container if
you don’
t w ash it
– Vacuum food particles
from cracks
– Then wash shelves with
hot soapy water and
cleaning solution
– Use caulk to seal
cracks around shelves
where debris collects
– This makes cleaning up
crumbs easier
– Inspect food items
before purchase
– Do not buy items that
are damaged or open
– B
uy small quantities of
food that will be used in
2-4 months
– Storing food in air-tight
containers will protect it
from invasion
– Throw out all infested
food
– To Save Infested Food:
– Heat food in 200°F
oven for at least 90
minutes
– Or place the food in
the freezer for 3-5
days
– Remove any dead
insects
– Use a broom or
brush to remove
any eggs or dead
insects from
cabinets or shelves
– Use pesticides as a
last resort
– Do not apply
pesticides to food!!!
– Once pesticides dry you
can put food back into your
pantry as it was before
– Inspect your pantry weekly
until no more pests are
found
– Then keep following the
same steps that you used
before so that you keep
the pantry pests out
Check with your landlord if you rent
Check with a pest management
professional
Step on it Arnold! Step on it!
Edited by: Vincent Mannino, County Extension Director – Fort Bend