Do you know what a saw toothed grain beetle is? We wouldn't be surprised if your answer is no. According to the University of Berkeley, there are over 350,000 described beetle species in the world, and likely to be more that have not yet been discovered. We don't expect you to know each of them—or any of them. But it is worth your time to get to know this beetle. Why? Because it can get into your pantry foods as if by magic. Here's what you need to know.
Are you familiar with the terms pantry pest or stored-product pest? These are names given to a group of pests that commonly infest products you put in your pantry. The key thing to understand about pantry pests is that they can lay their eggs in your food before you bring the food home from the grocery store. While that is pretty gross to think about, it is important to consider, if you don't want to accidentally eat bugs. If you hope to prevent a pantry pest infestation, you have to consider more than just exterior pest control.
Pantry Pest Control
Pantry pest control applies to all pantry pests, whether they be grain beetles, other beetles, weevils, or Indian meal moths. Here's what the experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions suggest.
Inspection — Before you purchase packages from the store, it is important that you closely check them for tiny rips or holes. If you notice these possible entry points, select another product to purchase.
Storage — When you bring products home, it is important that you store them properly. The best way to store pantry food is inside sealed glass or plastic containers. This allows you to see into the containers and notice adult insects, larvae, eggs, or webbing. It is best to detect them before you eat them. But those containers have another important benefit; they keep saw toothed grain beetles and other pantry pests from moving between packages and spreading. It is also important to make sure your pantry is dry. Pantry pests favor humid conditions.
Exclusion — Grain beetles, and some other pantry pests, can be found in your yard and may get into your home. It is important that you seal any gaps, crack, and holes in your exterior, and that you seal cracks and crevices in your pantry. This can make it more difficult for pests to gain entry.
Treatment — If you find saw toothed grain beetles, or some other pantry pests inside your food, there are a few things you can do about those invaders. Putting products in zero degree temperatures for four days or heating them to 125 degrees for one hour is enough to kill pantry pests in all stages of development. Use a freezer for the former and an oven for the latter. You'll also want to vacuum up any insects, eggs, and food particles from your pantry. Be sure to get cracks and crevices where eggs may have been deposited. Consider putting all food items that are in cardboard, paper, or thin plastic, into sealed ziplock bags, so that you can examine them and detect pest activity.
Pantry Pest Treatment
Remember that the team at Big Blue Bug Solutions is available to help you get control of pest infestations in Southern Maine. If you can't seem to get rid of these pests, or you don't want to even try to get rid of them because you're concerned that you'll miss some, we can take care of this task for you.
Do you want more protection?
Big Blue Bug Solutions offers ongoing, year-round pest control that helps to keep tiny insects, like grain beetles, from entering your home. This service includes protection from powderpost beetles that can damage the wood of your home and carpet beetles that can damage your belongings. Keeping saw toothed grain beetles out is just a side benefit, but definitely a benefit if you don't prefer to eat food that has been infested with insects or wiggly, worm-like larvae. If you have questions—or you'd like to request service, reach out to us. Our industry-leading pest control service team is standing by to assist you with all of your pest control needs.
