Scrub with soap and hot water. After shelves are thoroughly dry, cover with clean, fresh paper or foil before replacing with food or cooking utensils. The ability of these insects to find a small amount of food is amazing. The use of insecticides is discouraged around food materials. Household insecticides have no effect on insects within food packages.
Insecticides are supplementary to sanitation and proper storage.
For extra protection, some treat seeds or grains before storage with dusts or sprays of synergized pyrethrins, labelled for this use. If the problem becomes severe and widespread, contact a reputable, licensed pest control operator who has the training, experience, equipment, and insecticides to control the pest safely. All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.