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Pantry Pests

Source: NDSU Extension Service Entomologist

Insects can infest many different kinds of food products, especially grain products such as flour, rice, spaghetti, and macaroni, and also dried fruits, nuts, bird seed, dried pet foods and dried spice. Insects can get into the food anywhere along the line of processing--in the processing plant, in the warehouse, in transit, at the store, or in your home.

Food left undisturbed in its original package is particularly susceptible to infestation, whether the food is old or new. If the food is infested, you can have it hauled away with your garbage. However, it is not necessary to throw away lightly infested food. You can freeze it for at least four days at zero degrees Fahrenheit or spread the food out on a cookie sheet and heat it at 150 degrees for half an hour. This will kill all stages of the insects. Then, sift through it and remove any insect fragments, even though they are harmless.

Storage of foods in tightly closed glass, metal, or plastic containers such as tupperware is the next and most important step. Periodically clean your food shelves, drawers and counter tops with a vacuum cleaner to remove all crumbs. You can use insecticides, but their use is only supplemental to good housekeeping AND proper food storage; since insecticides won't affect insects in food packages. If you still see insects for 4 weeks, don't worry. Without an available food source, they will soon die. If you continue to see pantry insects after 4 weeks you probably have not located and eliminated ALL of the infected food. You will need to continue your search.

Cleanliness and using insect-proof containers are the two most important factors in preventing and controlling infestations. Here are some other steps you can take. Avoid storing foods for long periods. Make sure the food you buy is insect-free. Use older packages before new ones. Don't forget to check dry dog and cat food or bird seed. Vacuum crumbs out of food storage areas periodically.

If you have further questions, contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information on pantry pests.

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For More Information Contact your North Dakota County Extension Office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information or see our main NDSU Web Page for publications and articles on Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth and Family, Business and Community and Food and Nutrition at  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/