Nothing can ruin your winter comfort faster than finding unwanted pests rummaging through your pantry. While you might think pests are more of a summer issue, a wide range of insects seek out food and warmth in your home when the weather gets cold. Today, your friends at Dewey Pest and Termite Control will share everything you need to know to keep them away and protect your food supply.
Why Do Pantry Bugs Emerge in the Winter?
During the winter months, insects are just like any other creature in search of warmth and a stable food source. As outdoor temperatures drop, their natural food supplies dwindle, and they are driven to find shelter and sustenance. Your home offers both in abundance, with the pantry being a prime target for pests. Dark, dry, and stocked with food, it’s the ideal spot for pantry bugs looking to settle in for the season.
Ants and Common Pantry Pests
Among the most common pests to find in your pantry are ants. These tiny invaders operate collectively, sending scouts to find food sources. Once a scout locates food, it leaves behind a trail of pheromones for the worker ants to follow, leading to the well-known lines of ants moving in and out of your pantry. Ants are drawn to sweet and sugary foods and any easily accessible carbohydrates, which makes your pantry’s contents an all-you-can-eat buffet if not adequately protected.
Another frequent pantry pest is weevils. Weevils are small beetles with elongated snouts and a preference for dry goods like flour, rice, and grains. These pests have been an issue for food storage for centuries. Sailors on long voyages, for example, struggled to keep their ship’s biscuits free of weevil infestations. Even today, weevils can be found in bags of grains that haven’t been properly sealed, and once they’re inside, they can lay eggs and contaminate large quantities of food quickly.
How To Protect Food From Pests
The best way to protect your food from pests is to make sure everything is properly sealed. Even a few stray crumbs or an unzipped bag of sugar can send pests a signal that food is readily available. While ziplock bags are useful, they don’t always provide an airtight seal, and it’s easy to accidentally leave a bag unzipped. We recommend using plastic storage containers like Tupperware, which create a more complete seal. Not only do these containers help keep pests out, but they also keep your food fresh longer by reducing exposure to air and moisture.
The next step is cleaning. Small crumbs or food particles can fall behind appliances like the fridge or stove, creating an unseen food source for pests. At least once a year, especially as winter approaches, pull out your appliances and do a thorough deep clean. By removing any hidden food sources, you’ll reduce the chances of pests making their way into your pantry in the first place.
Avoid Baited Traps in Your Pantry
We’d like to emphasize that while baited traps for ants and other pests can be effective in some applications, you should not use them in your pantry. The reason for this is twofold. First, baited traps work by attracting pests, which means you are essentially luring them directly to your food storage area. This increases the risk of contamination as pests may wander into your food before reaching the trap. Second, many baited traps contain chemicals that, while effective for killing pests, can pose a risk to your health if they come into contact with food.
More Winter Pest Control Tips
- Use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around the edges of your pantry. This reduces entry points for pests looking to sneak inside.
- Spraying vinegar in the corners of your pantry can help deter pests without the need for harsh chemicals or poison.
- Make sure your pet’s food is also properly sealed. Many pests are just as attracted to pet food as they are to human food, so be sure to store it in airtight containers.
When winter pests come, Dewey Pest and Termite Control is here to help keep your home protected. For more winter pest control tips and the most effective pantry pest prevention services, reach out to Dewey Pest and Termite Control for your free quote and consultation today!
