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What Are Stored Product Insects?

Stored product insects are insects that infest stored foods and are one of the most common household pest problems. They are often referred to as “pantry pests” because they infest dried food products kept in cupboards and storage areas.

These pests can enter the food supply at any stage — from production and transport through to retail stores and homes — but infestations most commonly develop in homes and supermarkets.

Stored Product Insects

Foods Commonly Infested

Nearly all dried food products are susceptible to stored product insect infestations, including:

  • Cereal products such as flour, cake mix, cornmeal, rice, pasta, crackers, and cookies.
  • Dried seeds including beans, popcorn, and lentils.
  • Nuts, chocolate, raisins, and other dried fruits.
  • Spices, powdered milk, tea, and cured meats.
Infested Pantry Foods

Non-Food Items at Risk

Stored product insects don’t only infest food. A variety of non-food items can also be affected, including:

  • Bird seed and dry pet food.
  • Ornamental seed, dried plant displays, and ornamental corn.
  • Dried flowers, potpourri, and garden seeds.
  • Rodent bait products.
Non-Food Infestations

How Infestations Spread

  • Stored product pests are most likely to infest products left open or poorly sealed.
  • Some species can penetrate unopened packaging by chewing through or entering via folds and seams.
  • Once inside a package, insects multiply rapidly.
  • Infestations can spread to nearby foods and even to other rooms in the home.

Even clean homes can experience infestations, as pests are often unknowingly brought in through purchased goods.

Pantry Pest Spread

How to Tell If You Have a Stored Product Pest Infestation

  • Small beetles found inside or around stored food products.
  • Insects present in cupboards, drawers, or pantry shelves.
  • Indian meal moths flying around kitchens or other rooms.
  • Larvae or silk webbing along cupboard corners, shelves, or ceiling cornices.
  • Powdery residue (frass) inside or around food packaging.
Indian Meal Moth

Prevention & Professional Treatment

  • Store all food products in airtight containers.
  • Inspect new purchases for webbing, larvae, or frass before storing.
  • Ensure packaging is properly sealed before placing in cupboards.
  • Regularly clean pantry shelves and discard infested items immediately.

There’s nothing more off-putting than pests in the food you eat. Professional pest control ensures complete treatment of stored product pests and prevents reinfestation. Get expert pest control in Melbourne to protect your pantry and home.

Pantry Pest Prevention