Stored product pests are a family of insects, including the beetles most people are familiar with, as well as termites and cockroaches. The classification of these pests depends largely upon what they eat. The four main categories of stored product beetles are:
- Scavengers
- Secondary pests
- Internal feeders
- External feeders
Are Stored Product Pests Dangerous?
Stored products pests are only dangerous in the sense that they make food unusable, but they pose no real risk to human beings. They lack a stinger, they don’t bite, and they don’t carry any known pathogens that may cause diseases.
The danger presented by these pests is limited to food damage – but that in and of itself is more than enough to be concerned about. And it might be surprising to hear that these beetles cause the most food waste during their larval phase.
Where Can Stored Product Pests be Found?
Unfortunately for your pantry, the ideal habitat for these beetles includes anywhere where food may be stored. This may include kitchen cupboards, pantries, cellars, and food storage areas. You might also find stored product beetles in basements, attics, and closets, as well as ceilings, walls, and windowsills.
How Can I Prevent Stored Product Pests?
The best way to protect your household and to get rid of these intrusive beetles is to call a professional pest removal service. Once the stored product pests are located in your home, it’s generally inadvisable to deal with the issue yourself as you may cause further damage or even encourage their presence. However, you might be able to stop them from showing up next time by ensuring all food items are properly stored, all surfaces and food storage areas are fully sanitized, and all infested foods are completely removed from your home.
What Are the Signs of an Infestation?
It’s important to watch for common signs of an infestation. If you have food packaging that’s been clearly damaged – and none of the humans or animals in the household or to blame – there’s a good chance that you may have an infestation of stored product beetles in your home.
Watch out for insect bodies – live or dead – and keep an eye out for these unsightly carcasses where you store food as well as any machinery used for processing food. Also, be sure to look over any beams or windowsills as these are common points of entry for your unwelcome hungry visitors.
Control Infestations of Stored Product Pests with ASAP Pest Control
If you need pest control services for the safe removal of stored product pests or other common household pests, contact ASAP Pest Control today. Our highly trained and experienced specialists are happy to provide their friendly and expert services to both homes and businesses.