There are many things that make your home special. It’s a space designed with your interests in mind and decorated with your favorite things. You keep all your favorite foods and you want your home to be a truly safe space. In order to keep it that way, you may need help from pest control professionals. There are many pests that can interrupt the peacefulness of your home, including pests that can camp out in your pantry! Luckily, the story doesn’t have to end there.
Identifying Indian Meal Moths
What are pantry pests? There are several species of pantry pests, but one of the more common ones in Rock Island is the Indian Meal Moth. Sometimes called a pantry moth, this moth can wreak havoc to a pantry.
Pantry moths lay eggs inside food sources so that when the eggs hatch, the larvae have immediate access to plenty of food. How do you know if there are Indian meal moths in your food? Indian meal moths are small, only about a half-inch long, and have multicolored wings that are tan and brown or reddish. However, you’re more likely to see the larvae which they leave behind in grains. These are white or tan in color.
Indian Meal Moths In Your Pantry
How do pantry moths get into your pantry in the first place? Most likely, you carried them in from the grocery store. You might have bought food with unhatched eggs. Once the eggs hatch, you’ll begin to see bugs in your food. They might be found in cereals, granola, oats, other grains, dried fruit, and more. We have some tips for preventing a run-in with these pests and some information on what to do if you think you have pantry pests.
Preventing Indian Meal Moth Infestations
Here are some steps you can take to minimize your chances of bringing Indian meal moths into your pantry:
Buy food from a reputable source and make sure the packaging is intact.
Check food for moths, larvae, or eggs before you buy.
Look for holes in the plastic or cardboard packaging.
Once you bring food home, store it in airtight containers made of hard plastic or glass.
Clean spills in the pantry to avoid attracting pantry pests.
Getting Rid Of Indian Meal Moths
If you find Indian meal moths in your pantry, you’ll want professional help to get rid of them completely. Although in the age of the internet you may find several promised DIY solutions, it’s a bad idea to try these out. Most are only partially effective and will result in more contaminated food. Others are a waste of time and money as you try short-term solutions. Instead of dealing with the frustration and time required for a do-it-yourself approach, let Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators lend a hand. We have plenty of experience dealing with Indian meal moths and other pantry pests.
We’ll come by for an inspection and help you determine the scope of your problem. Then we’ll work with you to create a lasting solution that will keep your food, and your home, safe. Don’t let pantry pests ruin the sanctity of your home!