According to the National Pest Management Association, “pantry pests” are insects that cluster around (and in) food stored in pantries and cupboards, such as flour, cereals, wheat, and crackers. Yes, it’s disgusting, but it’s not entirely your fault because some of these pests frequently catch a ride back from the store in your food—and don’t give a damn if the home kitchen is clean or not. Here’s what you need to know about the most common pantry pests and how to get rid of pantry bugs.

Most Common Pantry Bugs

• Flour Beetles
• Ants
• Fruit Flies
• Grain Weevils
• Indian Meal Moths
• Cockroaches
• Merchant grain beetles

How to get rid of these Bugs?

Food-safe insecticides like neem oil and diatomaceous earth can be used to get rid of pantry pests. Some essential oils have insecticide properties, whereas others have insect repellant properties. Vinegar can also be utilized. Crawling and flying pantry pests can be caught using adhesives and pheromones in pantry pest traps.

Certain pantry pests can be killed with vinegar. It can be used just as a repellant in some cases. Vinegar can be enhanced by adding a little dish soap to make it more effective at killing pantry pests. It’s recommended to use vinegar in conjunction with other pantry pest cures.

Take everything out of your pantry and toss away any outdated food storage that could attract pests, even if you don’t have an infestation. Wipe down the shelves with a 50-50 water and vinegar solution after washing them with warm water and soap.

Methods You Should Keep it mind to keep bugs away

• Eliminate infested foods
• Don’t forget to check your spices
• Make sure everything is stored properly
• Vacuum and Clean Your Pantry

Eliminate infested foods

It is advised to clear out cabinets, inspect flour and rice, which are common breeding grounds for pantry pests, and discard any old, suspect food.

Don’t forget to check your spices

Even after cleaning the cabinet don’t forget to check the grains before you cook. Some of the pests may be present in the grain. It will cause health risks.

Make sure everything is stored properly

One option is to store your grains in airtight bags and containers, or you may freeze them! This will surely keep the pantry bugs away from grains.  

Vacuum and Clean Your Pantry

Get your vacuum out and utilize the suction to get rid of any dust, larvae, or bugs you can discover. Clean the pantry walls and shelves with damp paper towels or cloths. After they’ve dried, you can replace all of the food items.

Normally, you would do this after inspecting all of the food items. You don’t want to put anything back in there that could bring the pest infestation back!

After vacuuming, place the bag in a sealed plastic bag and carry it outdoors right away. You don’t want to leave the bag lying around the house, where the bugs can survive, and infest your pantry once more!

If you’re having trouble with pantry bugs on a regular basis, hire a professional pest control company to assist you to handle and prevent the problem.