Whats that bug in my flour?

The Christmas rush is here, only five day until the day we prepare so much for is over in hours. Christmas would not be complete without holiday cookies. As the cookies bake, the smell fills the house and nothing can compared to a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Don’t let baking treats for family and friends be ruined when unwanted pests are found in your flour, sugar, cake mixes, spices or chocolate.

The insects that are usually found in your pantries and cabinets are described as pantry pests. Common pantry pests include Indian meal moths and Beetles. The majority of infestations begins in the food processing plant, warehouse, delivery vehicle or retail store, and then are brought into the home.

What to look for:

• Moths.
• Small holes in the packaging.
• Webbing in the tighter areas of the package.

What to do:

• If the pests are present in groceries you’ve just purchased, place the food in a bag in the freezer, for four days. After four days the insects will be dead.
• Take your receipt and food back to the store and alert the manager.
• If the food is not recently purchased, place the contaminated food in a sealed bag and discard outside the home.
• If there still is a problem, contact a licensed pest professional.

How to avoid Pantry Pests (bugs in my flour):

• Immediately wipe up any crumbs or spills from countertops, tables, floors and shelves.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Before purchasing items look for signs of damage.
• Add a bay leaf to canisters and packages of dry goods like flour, rice and other grains- their pungent scent repels many pantry pests.
• Check expiration dates on baking ingredients before use. If expired, do not use.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.

Thomas Pest Services is your Albany pest professional serving Saratoga, Lake George, Latham, Troy and sourrounding areas. Contact us for a free estimate by phone at 1-877-518-2847,email, twitter or facebook.