11 Tricks for Preventing Pests in Your Kitchen Pantry

Kitchen pantry pests are what they sound like - insects who munch on packaged foods such as flour, cake mixes, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and cornmeal. As AgriLife  points out, pantry pests are more bothersome than dangerous. They don’t bite, carry diseases, or damage your home. They just enjoy nibbling on your food. 

To avoid a potential infestation, take preventative measures to keep food-loving bugs & critters away from your pantry. Ready to stop potential invaders? Read on to learn more!

You may encounter the occasional pests in your pantry, including cockroaches, ants, flour beetles, and fruit flies. The important thing is not to panic!

The two most common visitors are the Indian meal moth & the merchant grain beetle. Here’s what you need to know about these nuisance pests:

• Indian meal moths, identified by their copper-brown wings, prefer dried fruit, nuts, and pet food, according to the Famers Almanac.
• Merchant grain beetles live up to their name and prefer to feed on grain products such as cereal, pasta, and flour. These brown insects have six saw-like teeth on both sides and usually enter your home in food packages. 

One of the easiest ways for pests to gain access into your home is by hitching a ride at the grocery store. Inspect items before adding them to your shopping cart and do not buy any open, damaged, or expired packages. Look for holes in the cellophane wrapping and box seams. 

Buy dry goods from a store that regularly turns over the food on its shelves. Major grocery or consumer stores are your best bet. 

Pests quickly chew through paper, cardboard, and plastic packaging. If possible, transfer items from packages to airtight plastic containers. At the same time, look at buying food that is already in sealed jars or cans.

The Kitchn explains that grain beetles don’t just stick to their namesake. While you may overlook spices as a pest magnet, grain beetles enjoy feasting on oregano, cumin, and paprika among others. If spices have been open for a long time or are expired, throw them away.

Before using food items, check the expiration dates and discard any ingredients past the recommended deadline. Make sure to use the older products before the newer items.

The longer food sits in your pantry, the more susceptible it is to pests. Bugs find spoiled or spoiling food very appealing. Only purchase the amount you expect to use within a short period. While buying in bulk may seem convenient and less costly, pests are more likely to get to the food before you have a chance to consume it. 

Remove dry goods such as cereal, pasta, and flour from their original packaging. Put the food into clear plastic or glass storage containers with an airtight seal to keep the contents fresh and bug-free. Never mix old and new food in containers. Instead, thoroughly wash and dry the containers before adding new goods.

A cluttered and disorganized pantry makes it easy to lose track of expired and spoiled items. The mess also provides hiding spots for pests. Take steps to keep your pantry tidy and organized. Throw out any products past their expiration dates or donate any unopened, consumable items to charity. 

Keep your kitchen and pantry clean. Be vigilant about wiping up spills or crumbs in cupboards, and on counters, walls, and floors. Pay particular attention to corners. Pests are quick to swoop into any type of hidden space.

Every couple of months, deep clean your pantry. Take everything out, vacuum the entire area and wipe down with soap and water. Allow your pantry to dry before you put items back. Make sure to inspect the packages for damage and expiration dates. 

Pests can find their way into unopened packages. The Spruce reports that some people freeze newly bought cereal and grain products before placing them in the pantry, as an extra precaution.

The last things you want are pests and other critters making themselves at home in your pantry and contaminating your food. By following the ideas and suggestions in this article, no bug will stand a chance at attacking your food supply!