MF-2270 Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. A number of insects, commonly referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, infest dry or stored food products in the home. Infestations may be noted when these insects are found in some product, but more commonly when the adults are seen crawling or flying about the kitchen or pantry. Stored food insects, if given enough time, can penetrate any packaging except glass and metal.
Infestations can start in the home, store, warehouse, mill, processing plant or in transit.
The pests feed on or breed in flour, cereals, cornmeal, cookies, crackers, macaroni, rice, grains, dried fruit, cured meat, candy, nuts and other stored foods such as dry dog and cat food, and bird and vegetable seeds. Locate the source of infestation. Check seldom used packages of cereal, oatmeal, pancake flour, cornmeal and raisins. Dry dog food stored in the basement or pantry also may be a source and bird seed often is infested with Indian-meal moths. Use or dispose of any infested products.