Many of us take our time working through our pantry goods. Unfortunately, as we do, we sometimes come across pantry pests like weevils, Indian meal moths, and, more commonly, grain beetles.
How To Spot Signs Of Grain Beetles In Your South Portland Cupboards
The two main types of grain beetles are merchant grain beetles and sawtoothed grain beetles, and the only major difference is that the sawtoothed grain beetle does not have wings. Grain beetles measure less than 1/10 of an inch in length and appear reddish-brown or dark brown. They have three segments to their body, with saw-like protrusions on their thorax, and six legs. The grain beetle larvae look like small white grubs with brown heads.
As their name denotes, grain beetles love grains like flour, oats, rice, and cereals. Their love of grains makes them very common and very unwelcome pantry pests. While they prefer grains, grain beetles will eat almost anything, from furniture to clothing and wallpaper. These beetles are capable of chewing through unopened paper, cardboard, cellophane, plastic, and foil-wrapped packages.
Grain beetles are not generally considered dangerous to humans. They do not bite or sting and they are not vectors of disease. Even so, grain beetles contaminate food, causing stress and financial woes. In addition, they are unsightly and nauseating to think about burrowing throughout your food. Since a single female grain beetle can lay 200-300 eggs, a full-blown infestation does not take long.
Grain Beetle & Weevil Prevention Tips For South Portland Homes
Preventing pantry pests is the best way to go when it comes to ensuring your food is contaminate-free. Some ways to avoid grain beetles and weevils are as follows:
- Reducing clutter. Getting rid of old food and vacuuming out crumbs and dust will help keep your cabinets fresh.
- Checking newly bought items. Checking food as soon as you bring it into your home will stop pests at the door.
- Storing food in hard, airtight jars. Storing your food in hard plastic or glass containers can reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Grain Beetles In South Portland
If pantry pests like weevils or grain beetles are already an issue in your kitchen, there are a few ways to get rid of these nasty pests. Start by throwing out all of your pantry or cabinet food items. If a grain beetle is found in one item, it is likely in many more. Furthermore, if there are unhatched eggs, they are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, so disposing of the items is necessary. Next, you must clean out the cupboards, as vacuuming and wiping down the shelves should collect any stragglers. You will want to make sure to get at every nook and cranny because even the tiniest spot can hold eggs. If you notice you have any cracks in your pantry, fill them in with caulking or wood glue. Only then, should you purchase replacement items and keep them stored in airtight glass containers.
Of course, the very best way to gain peace of mind is to get in contact with a professional. The experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions can confirm if you have a pantry pest problem, will complete a thorough inspection, and build a custom treatment plan for your South Portland home. With over 80 years of experience, we are open 24/7, 365 days a year to provide excellent custom care for you and your property. Give us a call today for expert pest control for your South Portland home!