Pantry Pests

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Arkansas System FSA7024 Pantry Pests John D. Hopkins Infestations of insects in pantries search for the source of the pests is Associate Professor and cupboards can cause problems for necessary. All opened containers of dry and Extension the individual in the kitchen. While packaged foods such as nutmeats, Entomologist - Urban these infestations are not everyday dried fruits, flour, meal, macaroni, occurrences, pantry pests are most breakfast cereals or spices (especially annoying. They may destroy or spoil red pepper, paprika and chili powder) considerable quantities of food prod must be examined carefully. Adults or ucts with the result that they are small wormlike larvae may be found. more than just a nuisance. Unopened containers must also be To most people, the identity of checked to see that there is no way for these pests is uncertain, and frequently insects to gain entrance. Infested their origin is mysterious. Commonly foods should be thrown away and the they are called “weevils,” and before shelves cleaned thoroughly to elimi modern manufacturing methods and nate food material or insect eggs or strict inspection of food processing, larvae which could be left in cracks or “weevily” cereals and condiments were corners. Keeping food in tight con not at all uncommon. tainers, such as metal canisters or plastic containers with tight-fitting Most pantry pests are either lids, prevents a buildup of pests. beetles or moths. They may be brought into the house in packages Pests Infesting Whole or contaminated with eggs which escaped detection in milling or pack Intact Kernels aging. The resulting infestations may Angoumois Grain Moth spread from package to package in the cupboards. Angoumois grain moths are The first indication that a pest similar in size and color to clothes exists is often the discovery of large moths. The moth is light tan with a numbers of wormlike, immature few dark specks on the forewings and insects crawling about in a box or sack a fringe of hairs at the rear of the of cereal or spices. When this happens, hindwings. They will fly around the infested product should be dis carded. A quick investigation of other nearby containers should be made, and if no additional insects are seen, Arkansas Is it may be assumed that there was a Our Campus limited infestation. However, if the first indication is the observation of insects crawling or Adult Visit our web site at: flying about, then a more thorough Larva http://www.uaex.edu University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating homes during the daytime, while clothes moths shun Larder beetles and larvae prefer light. Angoumois grain moth larvae feed and develop products of animal origin and may only in whole kernels of corn or wheat. In homes infest dried meats and cheese. They may they generally infest popcorn, Indian corn decora be found near incinerators or compost tions, seed in dried flower arrangements and bulk- piles. They are rarely found on food stored grains. Moths emerge from kernels through a materials of plant origin. tiny, circular hole, although a flap of seed coat may Carpet beetles also prefer Larder Beetle conceal this hole. products of animal origin but may be Grain Weevils found throughout the home feeding on carpets, clothing, upholstery or lint accumulation from either Grain weevils are dark brown beetles which can wool or silk fabrics. They are occasionally found on be recognized by their long snouts. The larvae or stored food products. Adult carpet beetles feed on the grubs feed inside intact kernels of wheat, rye, rice, flower pollen of landscape plants. corn or other grains. The adult beetles feed on the kernels or on grain dust created by the infestation. Cabinet beetles are the only group of dermestids which prefer cereals, grain products, Bean and Pea Weevils spices and other pantry items. The larval stages of Bean and pea weevils are lighter brown than these common pantry pests do most of the damage. grain weevils and flecked with patches of black, gray Cast skins shed by the larvae as they grow have a and white. They have short, stout bodies and very characteristic pattern of dark brown banding. The short snouts. The larvae or grubs develop only within adult beetles feed mostly on pollen outdoors but may the dried seeds of legumes, such as dried beans, peas feed on stored products in the pantry. or cowpeas. Flour Moths Pests Infesting Processed Dried These small moths are about ¹⁄³ inch long when at Food Products rest. The Indian meal moth has bicolored forewings, which are brick red on the outer two-thirds and light Grain and Flour Beetles, Cigarette and grayish brown on the basal one-third near the head. Drugstore Beetles These small, reddish-brown to cinnamon-colored beetles are often called “bran bugs” or, mistakenly, “weevils.” The immature stages or larvae are small, cream-colored Cigarette worms with dark brown heads Beetle which are often found in the Larva infested materials. Flour, dried pet foods, meal, maca roni, cereals, crackers, prepared cake mixes, spices Adult and dried fruits can be infested. Adult beetles often Indian Meal Moth are found crawling around the infested vicinity or, in the case of foreign grain beetles and cigarette or The Mediterranean flour moth has pale gray drugstore beetles, flying and collecting around light forewings with very faint, black, wavy transverse fixtures. The adults feed on the same materials lines. The larvae will leave their food site and crawl infested by the larvae. around searching for a protected place to pupate. The moths are strong fliers and often are found flying in Dermestid Beetles the house near the infestation site. The members of this family are scavengers on plant and animal products. Leather, furs, skins, dried Miscellaneous Pests meat products, woolen and silk materials, cheese and Several species of spider beetles may infest cereal grain products are attacked. stored food products. These are small beetles (¼ inch Dermestids can be divided into three long) which have a spiderlike appearance because of categories based upon the type of food their long, spindly legs and globose body shape. Both preferred. the adults and larvae are active feeders. Three other pests may be found in the pantry ■ After shelves and cabinets have dried, spray them when stored food products become moist or moldy. lightly, forcing spray into cracks and crevices. If a Grain mites and booklice (or Psocids) are very tiny, sprayer is not available, apply insecticides with a active pests. Mealworms are large (up to 1½ inches paint brush. Do not allow any spray to come in long), sluggish, hard-shelled larvae of dark-colored, contact with foods or cooking utensils. Use one of medium-sized beetles. When these pests are dis the insecticide products listed for pantry pests in covered, proper control procedures include not only the Household Pests section of MP144, Insecticide destruction of the infested materials but also Recommendations for Arkansas. correction of the moisture problem. ■ After spray has dried, cover shelves with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing food or Prevention of Pantry Pests cooking utensils. The following procedures help prevent pantry ■ Avoid food spillage and keep storage places clean. pest infestation. Purchase foods in small quantities so they will be ■ Purchase dried food in packages that can be used used within a short period of time. Small amounts up in a short time. of highly susceptible foods, such as spices, can be kept in the refrigerator. ■ Examine packages in the store to be certain they are not broken and appear to be fresh. Packages ■ As a further precaution, store foods in glass, plastic with clear plastic or wax paper coverings should be or metal containers which can be sealed tightly. checked for the presence of insects. Many times ■ foods are infested when brought into the home. Control moths or beetles flying around indoors by using a “flying insect” household aerosol insecti ■ Store unused portions of dried foods in screw-top cide. Total release aerosols containing synergized glass containers. This will prevent entry or escape pyrethrins are also available for this use. of insects. Ordinary metal kitchen canisters are ■ not tight enough to exclude insects. Some plastic If insects should continue to be observed, check containers with very tight-fitting lids may be other rooms in the home for possible sources. Tree acceptable. Cardboard, paper or plastic wrapping seeds blown into ventilators or around windows will not prevent insect infestations. may harbor these pests. Dermestids (carpet beetles) develop in many products such as ■ Storing dried foods in a home freezer will prevent feathers, silk, wool, fur, stuffed animal skins, dead pantry pests from developing and will kill those insects, wasp nests and lint or other materials that might be present at the time of storing. that may be behind baseboards. Procedures That Control Pantry Pests ■ If decorations made from plant products or seeds are found infested, the insects can be killed by ■ Determine infestation sources by carefully placing them in a heavy plastic bag with a small examining all susceptible foods. Be thorough, as amount of paradichlorobenzene (PDB) product infestations generally develop in seldom used (mothballs or moth crystals). Leave decorations in foods and the least disturbed storage areas. the bag for a week or so. If this is not convenient, Throw away any infested items. insects can be killed by heating the decoration in ■ If the infested item has further value or if the an oven as described previously. infestation is questionable, heat shallow pans in the oven at 155ºF for at least ½ hour or place in a Controlling lnsects in Popcorn, deep freeze at 0º for 7 days.

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