Pantry Pests Could Take Advantage of Stored Food During Pandemic
go.ncsu.edu/readext?730752
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reasonable to try and make fewer trips to the supermarket in order to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Additionally, a reduction in the availability of many everyday items might prompt the desire to stockpile food in the event of future shortages. Both of these scenarios require a reliance on packaged, processed goods which, unfortunately, are vulnerable to invasion by stored product pests.
Stored product pests are often referred to as ‘pantry pests’ with beetles being the most widespread pantry invader and moths a close second. Initial signs of pantry pest invasion may include beetles crawling in and around food or food storage areas, moths flying throughout the dwelling, or caterpillars crawling on counters and walls. Adult beetles and moths or larvae moving about in packaged foods is also a clear sign of a pantry pest infestation. Luckily, the solutions for eradication are straightforward and easy to execute.
Eliminating a pantry pest infestation requires disposal of all infested items. A thorough inspection of all food storage areas (pantries, cabinets, countertops, etc.) is crucial, because most stored product pests can infest a wide array of foods. Immediately inspect all opened bags and boxes of partially used foods for contamination. Check for rips, tears, and faulty seams/seals on newer food products which may have allowed pests to enter.
Stored processed foods held in paper bags or cardboard are susceptible to pantry pest infestation.
Then, dispose of any infested foods identified. After all of the infested food is removed, vacuum cracks and crevices in all of the cabinets and pantries where insect activity was observed. Remove all debris, insect parts, and live insects from the area. Finally, transfer all products packaged in paper, cardboard, plastic bags, and other materials prone to tearing into sealed plastic or glass containers. Do not forget to check and properly store dog food, bird seed, and other less intuitive sources of grain as well. Proper food storage (especially for grains) is crucial in preventing future pest infestations.
Storing processed foods in sealed glass or plastic discourages insect pest invasion.
Storing processed food during uncertain times is wise. However, it is important to ensure that proper precautions are taken to prevent stored product pests from turning a well-stocked pantry into a private dining room.
Thanks to Cathy Hohenstein, Buncombe County CES, for supplying the images.