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Professional Pantry Pest Control Tampa FL
Pantry pest is a term utilized in reference to a group of insect and rodent species that invade homes. These pests include:
Pantry pest sightings in Tampa are the Indian meal moth and cigarette and saw-toothed grain beetle species. Learn more about these pantry pest species by reading the below content provided by our Tampa pest control experts.
The Pantry Pest Diet
After a home invasion, the pantry pest will immediately initiate a search for a vulnerable non-perishable food source. Where do humans normally store these food products? In pantries and kitchen cabinets, which is where the pantry pests will make their destinations.
The pantry pest diet consists of cookies, candies, spices, potato chips, flour, cornmeal, baking soda, nuts, and dry cereal. The species will also devour birdseed and pet food when the opportunity arises.
Indian Meal Moth Pantry Pest
The adult “Plodia interpunctella” grows up to 3/4” in length. The insect species’ most unique physical characteristics – reddish/black and tan layers, large wings, and off-white thorax – make it highly identifiable. The same features are also utilized to differentiate the insect from other pantry pests.
The Indian meal moth species create cocoons to protect themselves reach adulthood with minimal risks. During the pupae live cycle, the insect can be found hiding inside cocoons, hanging from the basement and crawlspace ceilings.
Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle Pantry Pest
The adult “Oryzaephilus surinamensis” grows up to 1/10 of an inch long. The insect’s most unique features are the projections that protrude from the thorax. These features replicate the conventional handsaw blade. Of course, these tooth-like projections do not pose as many risks as the traditional handsaw.
The insect utilizes its strong mandibles to gnaw through vulnerable manufacturing food packages. The only prevention option, in this case, is to transition from the manufacturing packaging to ceramic, stainless steel, and glass storage containers. If you opt to go this route, we highly recommend resealable lids and thorough cleanings between each use.
Cigarette Beetle “Tobacco Beetle” Pantry Pest
The adult “Lasioderma serricorne” grows up to 1/8” in length. The insect’s most unique physical characteristic is a humpback. Like an ogre, the cigarette beetle has a rounded humpback that is noticeable from afar. Another unique feature is the insect’s glossy brown or reddish/brown wings and head, both of which are protected by a thin shell-like material.
Why Is My Tampa Home Infested With Pantry Pests?
The main reason residential establishments become infested with pantry pests is vulnerabilities in the structural components that make up the pest barrier. Some pantry pests breed after home infiltration, while others do not. These are the species you must be overly concerned about because it only takes one or two to cause an infestation.
If the insects have an ample supply of pantry foods, they will continue breeding and damaging your property. Remember, the beetle has mandibles that can gnaw through wood, fabric, and other materials.
What Is The Most Effective Pantry Pest Extermination Solution?
Our professional pest control is highly recommended for pantry pest infestation. When pantry pests infiltrated your home, they never planned to leave. It is your responsibility to force the insects out of your home. With our professional pantry pest management, we can do just that and so much more.
How To Prevent Future Pantry Pest Infestation?
Preventing a repeat pantry pest infestation will not be an easy feat. Before a prevention strategy be devised by our pest control experts, your home must be declared “pantry-pest free”. Again, this is a complex process that begins with a thorough home inspection. Our exterminators target high-risk pantry pest areas, such as the kitchen, pantry, and dining room. Where there are accessible nonperishables, pantry pests will know.
- Start by transitioning from store-bought packaging to resealable glass containers
- Develop a household waste removal system
- Routinely inspect all high-risk areas for signs of a pantry pest infestation
- Never utilize contaminated food, instead, dispose of it properly by sealing in a plastic bag and transporting it to an outdoor waste bin
Be sure to take advantage of our free pantry pest consultation. During this initial visit, the pest control technician will explain our protocol and suggest a home inspection.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
