Uncontrolled Pantry Pests Leave a Bad Taste in Guests’ Mouths

The National Pest Management Association shares tips for pest-free
baking this holiday season

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#holiday–The holidays are a time for celebration and gatherings with family and
friends, often around the table with a hearty meal and tasty confections
at the center of it all. With families rolling up their sleeves in the
kitchen and preparing to host loved ones this holiday season, the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) is dishing about pantry pests.

Pantry pests, including Indianmeal moths and certain beetles often enter
homes through infested grocery items stored in cardboard boxes or paper
bags. When these products are put into a cabinet or pantry, the pests
can easily move from the infested products to others stored nearby. Any
food-based item – from flour and grains to nuts and chocolate – can be a
source of an infestation, so it’s good practice to examine items before
putting them in a cart. Only purchase sealed packages that have no signs
of damage. If ordering groceries online, it’s also important to inspect
deliveries and packages before bringing them indoors.

Monitoring for an infestation is equally important. Frequently
inspecting cabinets and pantries to ensure they are clean and free of
crumbs helps reduce food sources for bugs, not to mention mice.
Additionally, NPMA experts recommend storing all food products in
insect-resistant packaging, such as plastic or glass containers with
secure lids, and tossing expired food items on regular basis.

If pantry pests are found, discard the infested items in outdoor trash
containers and vacuum the shelves. Complete control is not possible
unless all infested material is discovered and removed. Working with a
pest control professional can also help keep an infestation from
spreading.

For more information on pantry pests and other advice, visit PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visit PestWorld.org
or Like
PestWorld on Facebook.

Contacts

Vault Communications
Lauren Nick
lnick@vaultcommunications.com