Bugs infesting stored foods are some of the most common household pests. Insects that invade stored dried foods are often referred to as "stored product pests” or “pantry pests." They are usually a type of beetle or moth, and they contaminate more food than they consume.

Stored product pests are often discovered when they leave an infested food to fly or crawl around the house. The appearance of small beetles crawling over counter tops, moths flying across rooms, or caterpillars crawling up walls or across ceilings could mean there is an infestation problem.

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Nearly all dried food products are susceptible to insect infestation, including cereal products, nuts, seeds such as dried beans and popcorn, dried fruits, chocolate, powdered milk, cured meats, and spices. Other items that may be infested include birdseed and dry pet food.

A stored food product may become infested at the processing plant or warehouse, in transit, at the grocery store, or while in your home. Most of the stored food insects also are pests of stored grain or other commodities and may be relatively abundant outdoors. Food products that are left undisturbed on the shelves for long periods are particularly susceptible to infestation. However, foods of any age can become infested.

Stored food insects are capable of penetrating unopened paper, thin cardboard, plastic, foil, and cellophane-wrapped packages. They may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams. Insects within an infested package begin multiplying and can spread to other stored foods.

Do you live in Florida and think one of these stored food pests may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty treatments designed to control and eliminate these pests!