There is only one thing worse than finding bugs inside your food, and that is finding bugs inside your food after you have taken several bites. This sometimes happens with pantry moths. If you are the type of person who does not like consuming creepy-crawlies, you are in the right place. Here is everything Davenport property owners should know about pantry moths including how to keep these pests out of your home.
Is This A Pantry Moth?
There are several different types of pantry moths that live around the globe. Here in Davenport, the most common type of pantry moth is the Indian meal moth. This long insect is best identified by the copper-reddish coloration on the outer part of its wings. You will not, however, find adult moths inside your stored foods. These pests only invade boxes of food in order to lay their eggs. When these eggs hatch, larvae feed on the surrounding food until they develop into adults. Adults then infest living areas and return to food boxes when they are ready to lay more eggs. If you are curious, an Indian meal moth’s larva, also called a grub, has a white body and a brown head.
How Do Pantry Moths Find Their Way Into Homes?
Pantry moths get into homes in a variety of ways. It is not uncommon for these flying insects to just fly in through open windows and doors. During the colder months of the year, pantry moths, along with other area pests, look to homes as places to stay warm. Another common way pantry moths invade homes is by sneaking into food boxes. How do pantry pests get into food boxes? They mainly do this at food-production facilities and supermarkets. Although most facilities have detailed pantry pest control methods in place, infestations still occur, so be careful.
Five Effective Pantry Moth-Prevention Tips
Because pantry moths invade in a few different ways, it is important that you attack the problem from all angles. To help you with this, here are five detailed prevention tips to help you keep pantry moths out of your pantry.
Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior foundation for cracks, gaps, and holes. Seal off these potential entry points using a caulking gun or some liquid cement.
Check your home’s window/door screens to make sure they are installed properly and in good repair. Keep unscreened windows and doors closed when they are not in use.
Keep your pantry and other food-storage areas as clean as possible. It also helps to store dry foods inside large, sealable containers.
Turn off lights around your home at night. If you want the lights on, invest in bulbs that are insect resistant.
When shopping, check packages of food for damage before buying them. If you see any holes, tears, or other problems, leave them on the shelf, or better, bring them to customer service to be dealt with.
The Trick To Total Pantry Pest Control
We cannot stop you from bringing home pantry pests, or their eggs, inside boxes of stored food. What we can do is establish an invisible defensive barrier around your home’s exterior to keep invasive creatures like pantry moths outside where they belong. At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we work hard to help members of our community find lasting freedom from a wide range of invasive species, including pantry moths. Whether you are dealing with an active infestation, looking to have your home inspected, or wanting a year-round pest control option, we have what you need.
Call today to learn more about Davenport pest control and discover how good life can be when you have a good pest protection plan in place for your home.