Pantry Pests

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Professional Pantry Pest Control New York City NY

An insect species that infiltrate residential and commercial establishments to access non-perishables stored in pantries is a pantry pest. The pantry pest feeds on dry cat food & cereal, nuts, flour, birdseed, dehydrated fruit, crackers, cookies, and spices.

The most commonly reported pantry pest “stored product pest” species in New York City include:

Commercial establishments, such as restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, retail stores, and coffee shops are always under a pantry pest alert. The insect species that fall within the pantry pest classification utilize their mandibles or other mouthparts to rip into manufacturing food packaging. If the food products had been stored in glass, stainless steel, or hard plastic storage containers, they would have been safe from the pantry pests.

Pantry pests are not known to reproduce following home infiltration. Most of the inspect species infiltrate the impacted properties while foraging for shelter or food. When the pantry pests are not feeding on pantry foods, they are hiding in small crevices and gaps in discrete locations.

Contrary to belief, cleanliness or messiness does not impact the pantry pest’s

Get To Know The Pantry Pest Species Better

Pantry Pest Indian Meal Moth 

The “Plodia interpunctella,” better known as the Indian meal moth, grows up to 7 millimeters in length. The wings are layered in various colors. The top and bottom layers are reddish/black and the middle layer is tan, with a pearly or coppery upper layer.

The adult Indian meal moth does not feed on non-perishable food stored in pantries. The insect’s larvae do feed on pantry food. When manufacturing food packaging damage is noted, the Indian meal moth larvae are responsible.

The Indian meal moth is extremely difficult to capture because they crawl on high walls and ceilings. Anywhere out of reach from the property owner is where the Indian meal moth will go.

Pantry Pest Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle 

The “Oryzaephilus surinamensis,” better known as the saw-toothed grain beetle has a slender, flat body. The adult measures up to 1/10 of an inch in length. The pantry pest’s most unique physical characteristic is the saw-toothed projects that protrude from the right and left sides of the thorax.

The Saw-toothed grain beetle adult and larvae feed on stored food products – homemade candy, almonds, sunflower seeds, baking soda, and dry dog food. The insect utilizes its saw-toothed projections to gnaw through vulnerable food packagings.

Pantry Pest Cigarette Beetle “Tobacco Beetle” 

The “Lasioderma serricorne,” better known as cigarette beetle, grows up to 1/8 of an inch in length. The insect species’ most unique feature is a humpback, which is visible from afar. The body is covered with a thin layer of fur that looks “fuzzy.”

The diet consists of tobacco products, such as cigars, cigarettes, and snuff. The insect infiltrates the home through small entry points in the damaged door and window frames, weak heating & and air conditioning duct connections, and exposed crawlspaces.

Which Homes Do Pantry Pests Target In New York City?

Regardless of the location, pantry pests target all commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. However, the species prefer properties with vulnerabilities because they are easier to infiltrate. When the structural components that make up the pest barrier are in need of repair, the home is vulnerable to pantry pests and other insect species.

Some species of pantry pests are solitary, meaning they cluster in groups. Clustering pantry pests are a high risk for infestation. It only takes a single pantry pest to infest a vulnerable property. As long as the pantry pest is a pregnant female, anything is possible, at the property owner’s expense.

Some pantry pest species, such as the beetle species – overwintering throughout the winter season. Overwintering pests do not reproduce or ingest food following home infiltration. Other pantry pests mate annually.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Pantry Pest Infestation?

The most common sign of a pantry pest infestation is damaged manufacturing food packaging. The damaged food packagings will have small- to medium-sized holes, exposing the contents inside.

Another sign of a pantry pest infestation is fecal droppings, which can be found in traveled paths to the food supply back to the nest. It is also possible to detect tiny moths hovering low over contaminated food preparation services and food.

Some species of pantry pests are drawn to bright lighting. The insects will fly toward the light at night or in low light conditions.

Do Pantry Pests Carry Diseases And Parasites?

There is not enough evidence available to connect pantry pests to diseases or parasites. However, there is a risk of contaminated and exposed food products, resulting in spoilage. The saw-toothed grain beetle, cigarette beetle, and Indian meal moth have not been scientifically been linked to life-threatening diseases or parasitic infestations.

It is crucial to protect your pantry pest food products by removing them from their manufacturing packagings. This should be done immediately after bringing the food home from the grocery store. We highly recommend transitioning from manufacturing paperboard and thin plastic bags to glass and ceramic storage containers. Be sure to only invest in durable storage containers with resealable lids.

Is It Possible To Maintain A Pantry Pest-Free Property In New York City?

Yes, with the right tools, knowledge, time, and dedication. The first step to the process is creating a pantry pest-free home. This will not be an easy task to accomplish. However, if you are dedicated, we are here to help. Our pest control experts are on standby to help you make the transition. In the meantime, you can help our exterminators by heeding the tips provided below:

  • Transitioning from manufacturing paperboard to ceramic and stainless steel resealable storage containers
  • Develop a household waste disposal routine
  • Routinely vacuum and wipe down pantry and kitchen cabinets with mild soap and water
  • Make it a habit to dispose of leftover pantry foods before each refill
  • Wash and air dry storage containers before refills
  • Encourage other household members to keep storage container lids perfectly sealed

What Is The Most Effective Pantry Pest Control Strategy?

Professional pest control, which relies on high-quality, industrial-strength pesticides and adhesive traps are more effective than DIY. In fact, our professional pantry pest management can achieve full extermination in at least two treatments.

Seal all exterior-to-interior entry points utilized by pantry pests to infiltrate your home. Utilizing a waterproof sealant, completely fill each opening and allow it to air dry. It may take up to 24 hours for the sealant to fully dry.

Learn how to identify the saw-toothed grain beetle, cigarette beetle, and Indian meal moth. It can also help to teach other household members to identify the insect species as well.

Routine vacuuming will help remove adults, eggs, and larvae. Carefully dispose of all infiltrated pantry pest food. Do not leave the contaminated food indoors. Instead, transport to an outdoor trash bin to keep it out of reach to pantry pests.

Routinely inspect your entire home, focusing on the kitchen, dining, room, and pantry. Know the signs of an infestation before initiating your first inspection.

When Will The Exterminator Arrive At My New York City Property On The Appointment Day?

The extermination will notify you several hours prior to his/her arrival. The exterminator will keep in touch, just in case an unexpected incident delays the scheduled arrival. If you have any questions about the appointment day, do not hesitate to reach out to our New York City customer support team. Our customer support is available Monday through Friday and some weekends.

Our service request processing takes between 24 and 48 hours to complete. If you believe your case deserves immediate attention, take advantage of our same-day or emergency pest control service.

Are Pantry Pest Pesticides Harmful To The Environment?

Chemical pesticides do pose some environmental risks, but only when they are administered haphazardly. We protect the environment when administering chemical pesticides by utilizing state-of-the-art sprayers and angled nozzles. This equipment allows our exterminators to make direct contact with the chemical pesticide and pantry pests.

Our pest control product line consists of only EPA-approved brands. The US Environmental Protection Agency “EPA” is a government agency that oversees the sale and manufacturing of pest control products. Before manufacturers can enter their pesticides in the US market, they must seek EPA approval. This is a lengthy process that can take years to achieve success.

EPA-approved pest control products are safe when administered per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.

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