Getting Rid of Those Bugs!

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Many kinds of insects get into food products stored in kitchens and pantries. These pests can be brought inside the home any time year-round. Most of them are small beetles and moths. The young are wormlike.

Locate the food they are feeding on and remove it. If you are not sure whether a product has the insects in it or not, it can be heated in the oven at 130 degrees F or placed in the freezer at 0 degrees for 4 days. The product should be spread thin into trays or pans to help the product heat more evenly and quickly.

Clean the area using soap and water. Allow shelves to dry completely. You may use a household pesticide for crawling insects. Spray shelves lightly. Keep pesticide off your food, water, and utensils. After shelves are dry, cover them with clean paper or foil. Replace food and dishes.

To prevent pests in the future, keep shelves clean and wipe up spills. Inspect newly purchased product for bugs before placing in the cabinet. Store all foods in cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids. Avoid plastic bags. Buy smaller quantities. Store pet food away from your food.

Since grain-based products like flour, cereals, packaged mixes, desserts, and pasta attract these pests, make it a habit to freeze new product for four days in a freezer. Rice, dried fruits, and spices are also attractive to insects.

Karen Elliot, ElliottK@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, Nutrition and Health Education
Jackson County, Missouri
University of Missouri Extension