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Professional Pantry Pest Management Boston Massachusetts
Pantry pest is utilized in reference to insects that invade homes and their pantries in search of non-perishable, dry food products. Flour, dry dog food, cereal, crackers, cookies, spices, bird seeds, nuts, raw pasta, and dried fruit make up the pantry pest diet. The most commonly reported pantry pest sightings in Boston involve the Indian meal moth, cigarette (tobacco), and saw-toothed grain beetles.
Most pantry pest species are prolific breeders when food is readily available. Pantry pests do not discriminate between homes, as they do not care about housekeeping.
Pantry Pest Species Physical Characteristics
Pantry Pest Indian Meal Moth
The “Plodia interpunctella” is a tiny moth with layers of coloration – reddish/brown, tan, and reddish/brown with black speckles and a shiny gold tone. The adult does not feed, only the larvae that are notorious for ripping into vulnerable food packaging. The diet consists of non-perishables and other non-refrigerated food.
The insect builds cocoons for its eggs to keep them safe from predators. The Indian meal moth has been associated with foodborne illnesses due to contaminated food. Nothing is off-limits to the Indian meal moth as far as food goes, it will eat contaminated food without a second thought.
Pantry Pest Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle
The “Oryzaephilus surinamensis” is another pantry pest and prolific breeder. The insect feeds on the common pantry pest food stored in vulnerable paperboard boxes and plastic bags. Both the adult and its larvae feed, increasing the damage caused by these insects during feedings.
The adult grows up to one-tenth of an inch, with a slender, flat body. The insect’s most unique feature is the projects that protrude from the body near the abdomen and head. The insect utilizes its saw-toothed pincers to rip through store-bought manufacturing packagings.
Pantry Pest Cigarette “Tobacco” Beetle
The “Lasioderma serricorne” grows up to one-eighth of an inch long. Its most notable physical characteristic is a humpback. The body is covered with a thin layer of fuzz.
Cigarette beetles can be found hiding under bathroom and kitchen sinks, behind appliances, in basements, and along the wall in crawlspaces. The diet consists of smokeless and smoking tobacco like cigarettes and cigarettes.
Why Is My Boston Home Infested With Pantry Pest?
Pantry pests have one thing in mind when infiltrating homes, which is no other than food. If your home’s pest barrier is vulnerable and has a food supply, it will become a pantry pest target. The insects access homes through exterior-to-interior access points and grocery bags. This is why we highly recommend inspecting all supermarket bags that enter the home before storing the food away.
It only requires one pregnant female to turn a pantry pest problem into a full-blown infestation in as little as a few weeks.
Pantry pests do not stir very far from their food source, indoors and outdoors.
Do Pantry Pests Transmit Diseases Or Parasites?
No, pantry pests are more of a nuisance than a health risk. However, some pantry pest species do cause foodborne illnesses. These insects contaminate food and water sources in homes. When the household members consume the contaminated food, they will begin to exhibit symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
What Can I Do To Protect My Boston Home From A Repeat Pantry Pest Infestation?
- Seal all openings that can be accessed by pantry pests and other insect species
- Update your non-perishable food storage system, transitioning from store-bought packaging to glass and BPA-free containers with lids
- Never mix older and new food products
- Dispose of unused non-refrigerated food before the expiration date
- Develop a household waste disposal system that requires trash to removed from the home after each meal
- Clean storage containers before and after each refill and emptying
What Is The Best Pest Control Strategy That Fully Eradicate Pantry Pest Infestation?
Our professional pest control is highly recommended for pantry pest infestations. Our professional pest management consists of routine visual inspections, pesticides, and traps. We let our clients decide which pest control method would work best for their pantry pest cases. We encourage our clients to get and remain involved in the process to ensure the best pest control experience possible.
- Dispose of household waste (food sources for pantry pests) at least twice daily
- Vacuum pantries and kitchen cabinets at least bi-monthly to remove any potential pantry pests, eggs, and larvae
- Wipe down cabinets and cubbyholes with mild soap and tap water bi-monthly
- Thoroughly clean storage containers with mild soap, water, and allow to air dry
When Will The Exterminator Arrive To Perform The Pantry Pest Inspection?
We need 48 hours to process a pest control request in Boston. Our exterminators will reach out to you regarding an appointment date after your request has been processed. You can choose a date that fits your schedule to ensure no inconvenience gets in the way of our pest control services.
Does Pantry Pest Control Cause Cancer?
Only in long-term pesticide chemical exposure cases. We do not expose our clients or their family and pets to chemical pesticides. The impacted home must be fully vacated prior to each treatment initiation.
Our pest control products are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All EPA-approved pest control products and methods are safe when handled, stored, and transported per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What Steps Do I Need To Take To Prevent A Repeat Pantry Pest Infestation?
We suggest contacting our Boston extermination company. We are on standby to take your call. Our exterminators are always fully prepared to take on mild, moderate, and severe pantry pest infestation. Do not hesitate to inquire about our organic and natural pest control services.
It is crucial to remove all food sources from your home and seal access points utilized by pantry pests to infiltrate your home. We believe our pricing is fair and competitive with Boston’s top extermination services. We refuse to stop until every home and business is in pest-free status.
We will gladly provide your family with an educational course to ensure they know exactly what type of pest infestation they are dealing with.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
