L-2046 2-02

Pantry and Fabric Pests in the Home Michael Merchant and Grady J. Glenn*

often found on crape myrtles and other orna- ood and fabric pests can be found in nearly mental shrubs and flowers. Should they come every home. They are usually no more than indoors, carpet or clothes may lay an occasional inconvenience. If an infesta- their on woolen carpets or stored fabric tionF develops in your home, the information in items. this publication should help you control it. Some feed primarily on plant materials Pests of seeds, and and are usually found in stored foods in kitchens and pantries. Other insects feed primarily on spices products containing proteins, such as The Indian meal is a common and dis- woolen fabrics, leather and hides, hair, feathers, tinctive pantry . It is the most common pest powdered milk and some pet foods. Animal of dried fruit, nuts, and oilseeds. It also product pests are more likely to be found in infests powdered milk, chocolate and other can- closets and areas other than kitchens. Either kind dies, seed and dog food. The adult Indian of pest can be found almost anywhere in a home, meal moth has wings that are whitish-gray at the however. If you find the same kind of base and deep pink or copper colored on the repeatedly in a kitchen or closet it is good evi- outer two-thirds. The wingspan is about 3/4-inch. dence of a pest problem. The , or immature stage of the Indian meal moth, are often noticed crawling up walls How did they get in my and spinning cocoons on textured walls or ceil- ings. Inside the cocoons they pupate and become house? adults. Food pests are usually brought home from the grocery or pet store. Food can become infested while in the farm or garden, or during storage or transport. While food manufacturers and grocery stores control most food pests with strict sanita- tion and the judicious use of , it is pos- sible for a few insects to make their way into your home. Insects that feed on animal products also may come into your home from the grocery store, but are more likely to enter from outdoors. Clothes moths and carpet beetles occur outdoors in , bird and rodent nests. Carpet adults are 10mm Actual size *Extension Urban Entomologist; and Research Associate, Center for Urban and Structural Entomology; The Texas Figure 1. The Indian meal moth is the most common indoor moth pest. A&M University System. Adults are easily identified by their bi-colored wings. (Photo courtesy USDA) Another pantry moth is the Angoumois Flour beetles are also com- moth (AHN goom wah), which commonly mon and destructive pests. Adult infests popcorn, Indian corn decorations, and flour beetles are elongated, red- seeds in dried flower arrangements. dish brown, and 1/8 to 3/16 inch Cigarette beetles long. They feed on cereals, and drugstore beetles grains, beans, nuts, dried fruits, are the most common spices, milk chocolate, dried pests of home pantries milk and, occasionally, hides. in Texas. The larvae of They tend not to feed on whole these beetles feed on grains or intact seeds, but favor flour and other milled grain all kinds of plant mate- 4mm rial including tobacco, 3mm products. Food products infested Actual size seeds, grain, nuts, Actual size with flour beetles have a foul Figure 5. The red odor and taste. flour beetle feeds on beans, spices, cotton- Figure 2. Drugstore and cigarette pro-cessed grains, seed meal, dried fruits beetles (a and b, respectively) are nuts, fruits and and vegetables, flour, similar in appearance. Their small meat-based prod- size, rounded profile and concealed Pest of woolens, potpourri and dried ucts. Its flat shape head are characteristic. (R. White, enables it to hide in flower arrangements. USDA) hides and feathers narrow cracks and They are strong fliers Beetles in the genus Dermestes enter narrow open- and may be attracted to lights and windows. ings in food packag- are collectively known as car- Adults do not feed, but lay their eggs on food ing. (A.D. Cushman, pet, hide and larder beetles. sources. USDA). Most feed on animal proteins, Merchant beetles and saw- though some will also feed on toothed grain beetles infest high-protein plant materials. In and flour products, maca- the pantry, they may be found roni and dried fruits. Adults are in powdered milk, dried meats, about 1/8 inch long, brown, or pet foods that contain fish elongated and flattened in meal or other animal byprod- shape. With a magnifying glass, ucts. they can be distinguished from Hide beetles are a serious 3mm other grain beetles by their six problem in museums. They Actual size saw-like teeth on the margins of attack leather goods, trophy Figure 6. Carpet bee- the segment behind the head. heads, hides, skins, and dried tles feed on woolen Adults of these beetles do not 2.5mm sweaters, rugs, feath- fish. In the home they also feed , but their flattened bodies Actual size ers and furs. Adult on pet food, bacon, cheese and make it easy for them to enter Figure 3. The saw- carpet beetles are toothed grain beetle feathers. common outdoors food packages. and can enter homes is a common pest in Household infestations often weevils and granary grain-based processed through doors, win- can be traced to bird or rodent dows or attics. weevils are pests of whole foods. It can be iden- tified, with the aid of carcasses in attics, old bee nests, grain or processed grain foods a magnifying lens, by or accumulations of dead insects such as macaroni. These wee- the saw-like teeth on in windows or light fixtures. When fully grown, vils are cylindrical, about 1/6 the edge of the shield these larvae sometimes bore into wood or other inch long, and have prominent behind the head. (A. D. Cushman, USDA) hard substances to pupate, leaving 1/8-inch-wide snouts. Larvae are pale, c- holes. shaped and legless. Adults of both species are reddish- Adult hide beetles are relatively large, 1/4 to brown to black, but the rice 3/8 inch long. They are dark brown to black, weevil may have four pale with various markings. The larvae are cigar- red or yellow markings on shaped and covered with fine hairs that give the wing covers. These bee- them a fuzzy appearance. Hide and larder bee- tles rarely penetrate tles in the genus Dermestes can be recognized by a pair of large, curved “horns” on the last body 4mm unopened food packages. Actual size Rice weevil adults can fly segment. Figure 4. Weevils have and are attracted to lights. Beetles of the genus Anthrenus and the genus prominent snouts and are Granary weevils do not fly, Attagenus are smaller than Dermestes beetles and usually found in whole but enter homes in infested grains. (Photo courtesy are colorfully marked. Anthrenus and Attagenus USDA) food. beetles are 1/8 to 3/16 inch long and round or oval. Larvae are light tan to Distinguishing between clothes moths brownish and about the size and pantry-infesting moths and shape of small rice ker- nels. Larvae are ringed with Clothes moths and pantry moths can be dis- circular tufts of hairs, giving tinguished by their appearance and behavior. them a banded appearance. Clothes moths are smaller than pantry Like hide beetles, infesta- moths, have narrower wings, and are more tions of carpet beetles may secretive. start in bird nests or accu- Clothes moths avoid light and are weak mulations of dead insects in fliers, preferring to run when disturbed. light fixtures. Once estab- Cloths moths have unmarked wings with lished inside a home these 3 beetles can cause consider- a span of about /8 inch (10 to 14 mm), and able damage to woolen arti- shiny gold scales on their bodies. With a cles, furs, feathers, hair magnifying glass you can see that the head brushes and other valuable has a fluffy pompadour of reddish-gold possessions. hairs. Warehouse beetles, of the Clothes moths are not commonly seen genus Trogoderma, look because they are active mostly at night. 5mm The larvae rarely leave their food source. Actual size much like black carpet bee- Figure 7. Immature carpet tles but have light brownish Pantry moths, such as the Indian meal beetles are cigar-shaped bands on the wing covers. moth, are larger, with wingspans of 1/2 with a banded appearance. They may be found feeding They feed on both animal inch or more. They may be seen actively on dead insects in lights, and plant products. Both flying during the day. They are usually on window ledges, or in Trogoderma and Anthrenus found near stored food and are more closets (C. Feller, USDA). beetle larvae have barbed likely to be seen crawling up walls and hairs on their bodies that on ceilings. can irritate the digestive tract if the beetles are accidentally ingested. Clothes moths feed on , wool, fur, feath- ers and hair. Rugs and that contain these substances can be seriously damaged. They also Controlling pantry pests feed on powdered milk and products containing Non-chemical control. The first step in con- meat or fish meal, such as pet food. Synthetic or trolling pantry pests is to locate and eliminate cotton fabrics are attacked only if they are soiled, infested foods. Removing an infested package of or interwoven with natural animal fiber materi- flour, macaroni or cake mix is often all that is als. Clothes moths occur naturally outdoors. In needed to solve the problem. But finding the homes, they may be found in accumulations of source of an infestation is not always easy. pet hair or feeding on dead insects. Infested packages are usually the oldest, most Clothes moths are secretive. The larvae prefer difficult to reach foods in the pantry. Even to feed in protected places such as under cloth- unopened containers may be infested; waxed ing collars or in folded sweaters. Adults also paper, and cardboard containers can be shun light and are rarely penetrated easily by some pests. In the store, seen flying during the day check that bags or containers are well sealed. (see box). One of the best Infestations frequently start in spilled grains, ways to control these pet foods or other foods. So, good sanitation is pests is the old-fashioned important. Keep food spills cleaned up. Vacuum practice of “spring clean- and clean pantry areas periodically to remove ing,” or periodically shak- spilled foods. Remove and clean under shelf 6mm ing and airing rugs and paper, too. Discard old packages of grain and Actual size woolens outdoors in the pasta. Most pantry pest problems can be prevent- Figure 8. Clothes moths attack sun. Clothes moth larvae ed by using all dried food within 2 to 4 months stored clothing. They shun are very sensitive to light of purchase. Spices and other products that are light and rarely fly. (Photo courtesy USDA) and low humidity. kept for longer periods should be sealed in air- tight containers. of infestation. Check these potential problem areas: Pet food can be a special problem. Birdseed In drawers: folded , woolen blankets, and dog and cat foods are the most commonly felt fabrics, and leathers; natural hair art infested pantry items. Store pet foods in well- brushes, and other susceptible materials. sealed plastic buckets or storage containers and In closets: woolen sweaters, shirts and use them promptly. jackets (especially under the collars); furs; Occasionally, mice can be the cause of a per- feather dusters or other feather items; felt sistent beetle infestation. Hoarded seed and grain hats; stuffed trophies, etc. in abandoned rodent nests can support a small On the floor: woolen rugs; carpet pads population of pests. Old rodent bait that contains made from animal hair; pet hair accumula- grain also can harbor insects. Place rodent bait tions along baseboards and under furniture. where it can be retrieved and discarded after use Furniture: old chairs or sofas stuffed with to prevent insect problems. horse hair; accumulations of pet fur. Heat or cold treatments can get rid of pests in On walls: susceptible art objects; wool, some food items such as pet food, bulk grains mohair or silk draperies; trophy mounts; and beans, or home-grown dried beans or peas. dried flower arrangements. Put the product in the oven at 130 degrees F for an hour, or in the freezer for 7 to 14 days. Store In walls, ceilings and attics: old bird, foods that may attract pantry pests in the refrig- rodent, bee or nests; bird or animal erator or freezer to prevent infestation. carcasses; old rodent baits; stored items; accumulations of dead insects in light fix- Chemical control. On rare occasions, insecti- tures or on window sills. Previous infesta- cides are needed to control difficult infestations. tions of lady beetles or box elder bugs may can be used to treat inaccessible leave accumulations of dead insects that are areas that cannot be easily cleaned, or to help food for dermestid beetles. reduce heavy pest infestations. sprays may be applied to crevices and void areas Other sites: spilled pet food in utility around cupboards, drawers and pantries. All rooms; old mouse nests under cabinets; dec- food products, utensils and containers should be orations containing grains or noodles; pot- removed from the treatment area before spray- pourri, etc. ing. Allow spray to dry before placing clean shelf Non-chemical control. Discard infested items, paper on the shelves and returning food items. or treat them and protect them from further Insecticide products that are labeled for use in attack. Clothing can be disinfested by washing or food storage areas contain ingredients that are dry-cleaning. Annual or semi-annual “spring- short-lived and relatively safe to use in the home. cleaning” is especially effective in controlling These ingredients include pyrethrins, resmethrin, clothes moths. Rugs and blankets should be beat- allethrin and tetramethrin. For areas where long- en or shaken vigorously and exposed to bright term, residual control is desired, look for prod- sunlight for a few hours. Thoroughly vacuuming ucts containing synthetic pyrethroids, such as storage areas and susceptible rugs is helpful. The permethrin, esfenvalerate, cyfluthrin or bifen- best protection for valuable stored items is to thrin. Aerosol fog products can temporarily sup- open and inspect them frequently. press infestations of flying insects, but aerosols Valuable articles of clothing and other items alone will not solve a pantry pest problem. can be treated by freezing them for 7 to 14 days Always make sure that the label of the product (which is less destructive than heating if done you use states that the product can be used properly). In general, textiles, furs, feathers, indoors and in kitchens. leather, paper and wood can be safely frozen. Put articles into air-tight polyethylene bags, with as much of the air removed as possible, before Controlling clothes moths placing them in the freezer. This reduces the chance of ice forming directly on the article and and dermestid beetles causing damage. If you have concerns about pos- Eliminating clothes moths and dermestid bee- sible damage to a valuable item, contact a local tles can be a challenge. As with pantry pests, the museum with experts in the conservation of his- first step is to locate and eliminate all feeding torical artifacts. sites. Unfortunately, there may be many points Clothing that is susceptible to insect damage tle, drugstore beetle, Indian meal moth, should be stored in airtight boxes or garment Angoumois grain moth, warehouse beetle and bags. Cold-storage is effective in protecting furs webbing clothes moth. Pheromone traps do not and other valuable items from attack. control pests, but they can help you detect infes- Chemical control. Cedar closets, cedar chests tations and pinpoint problem areas. Pheromone and pieces of cedar wood placed in storage areas traps are generally most effective for flying may repel insects for a short while, but do not insects. guarantee protection. Vapors from cedar wood Other traps, such as the FLITe-TRAK® and are effective only when the wood is freshly cut Pantry Patrol™ traps, use food or other attractants or chipped and the container is well sealed. Few in addition to pheromones to lure pests. These cedar chests more than 2 or 3 years old produce traps are useful in kitchens and pantries and are enough vapor to kill pests. Naphthalene and available from the manufacturers or from pest paradichlorobenzene (PBD) products are more control professionals. effective than cedar, but must be sealed tightly Sticky traps are useful for monitoring the suc- with the clothes. Use 1 to 2 pounds of repellent cess of your control program. They are available per 100 cubic feet of air to kill moth larvae. The through pest control companies, do-it-yourself fumes from PDB crystals will soften or melt cer- pest control shops, and some grocery stores. tain plastic products, so be careful using them Sometimes sold as roach “hotels,” sticky traps with . contain a glue that captures crawling insects. Insecticide sprays can supplement good sanita- When placed on the closet floor or on closet tion and other measures. Spray around windows shelves, they trap dermestid beetles. and light fixtures to help keep pests out of the home. Closets with carpet beetle or moth infesta- tions may also be treated. Remove clothing first and let the spray dry before putting items back in the closet. Sprays also can be applied along the edges of carpets where pet hair and insects accumulate, or on the undersides of carpets or carpet pads. Because most clothing pests are not out in the open, aerosol insecticides (“bombs”) are not very effective. Aerosols cannot penetrate into the pests’ hiding places. Getting help from a pest control professional is often the best choice for controlling carpet beetles and clothes moths. Monitoring Some pests can be detected with pheromone traps and other devices. Pheromones are special Figure 9. Insect sticky traps catch crawling insects and can help pin- hormones that insects produce to communicate point the source of an infestation. Place traps next to a wall or beside a with one another. There are pheromone lures for cabinet for best success. several storage pests, including the cigarette bee- Produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System Extension publications can be found on the Web at: http://texaserc.tamu.edu

Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Chester P.Fehlis, Deputy Director, Texas Cooperative Extension, The Texas A&M University System. 10M, Revised