Weevils, Beetles & Other Pantry Pests
What kinds of weevils and pantry pests are found in Ohio?
Some of the most prevalent pantry pests in Ohio include:
Granary weevils are small, reddish-brown beetles with elongated snouts. They infest stored grains such as wheat, rice, barley, and oats, as well as flour, cereal, and other dry food products.
Rice weevils are similar in appearance to granary weevils but are slightly smaller. They also infest grains and dry food products, particularly rice, but can also be found in wheat, corn, and other cereals.
Indianmeal moths are common pantry pests found throughout the United States, including Ohio. They are small moths with distinctive reddish-brown wings and whitish larvae. Indianmeal moths infest a wide range of stored food products, including grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
Flour beetles, including the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle, infest flour, cereal, grains, and other dry food products. These small, reddish-brown beetles can cause contamination and spoilage of stored food items.
Sawtoothed grain beetles are small, brown beetles with saw-like projections on their thorax. They infest stored grains, cereals, flour, dried fruits, and nuts, causing contamination and spoilage similar to other pantry pests.
What kinds of damage can weevils and pantry pests cause?
Weevils and other pantry pests can cause various types of damage and pose risks to both food products and the health of individuals. Here are some common issues associated with pantry pests:
Contamination: Weevils and pantry pests can contaminate stored food products by laying eggs inside grains, cereals, flour, nuts, and other dry goods. The larvae feed on the food items, leaving behind feces, cast skins, and silk webbing, which can render the food unfit for consumption.
Spoilage: Infestations of weevils and pantry pests can lead to the spoilage of stored food items. The presence of pests can cause changes in flavor, texture, and odor of the food, making it unappetizing or unpleasant to consume.
Health Risks: While most pantry pests do not pose direct health risks to humans, their presence can contribute to unsanitary conditions and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or respiratory issues due to exposure to pest-related allergens.
Structural Damage: In addition to damaging food products, certain pantry pests, such as granary weevils and sawtoothed grain beetles, can also infest wooden structures, including cabinets, shelving, and furniture. They may bore into wooden surfaces or packaging materials, causing structural damage over time.
Proper sanitation, storage practices, and pest control measures are essential for preventing and managing infestations of these pests.
Please contact Dean’s Pest Control and ask about our Home Shield Program or our Property Shield Program, designed for commercial properties to implement preventive measures to help deter weevils and pantry pests from infesting your property and create a less hospitable environment for these pests.
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