How to Keep Pantry Pests Out of Your Kitchen

To keep pantry pests out of your kitchen, store dry foods in airtight containers, check new groceries before you put them away, and clean shelves regularly so crumbs and spills do not build up. Most pantry pests arrive inside packaged food, so catching an infested item early is the best way to stop them from spreading.

Here is how to spot pantry pests, clean them out and keep them from coming back.

What are pantry pests?

Pantry pests are insects that feed on dry, stored foods. The most common ones in New York homes include small moths and tiny beetles. You may notice:

• Small moths flying around the kitchen, especially in the evening.
• Tiny beetles or larvae in flour, cereal, rice, pasta or spices.
• Webbing or clumps in grains and flour.
• Small holes in packages.

They are not usually dangerous, but they ruin food and can spread from one package to the next.

How do pantry pests get into your home?

Most of the time, they come home with you. Eggs or larvae can already be inside a package of flour, rice, nuts, dried fruit, pet food or birdseed when you buy it. Once inside your pantry, they move to other open or loosely sealed packages.

They can also be drawn in by spilled food on shelves and in cracks, especially in cabinets that are not cleaned often.

How do you clean out an infestation?

If you find pantry pests, a thorough cleanout usually solves the problem:

1. Empty the pantry. Take everything off the shelves.
2. Check every package. Look for insects, larvae, webbing and holes. Throw out anything infested, sealed in a bag.
3. Vacuum shelves, corners and cracks. Pay attention to crumbs in shelf seams and under shelf liners.
4. Wipe down shelves with soap and water, then let them dry.
5. Empty the vacuum outside so any insects do not escape back into the house.
6. Restock with sealed containers before putting food back.

How can you keep them from coming back?

A few habits go a long way:

• Use airtight containers made of glass, metal or heavy plastic for flour, grains, cereal, nuts and pet food.
• Inspect groceries before putting them away, especially bulk items.
• Buy in smaller amounts if you do not use certain foods often.
• Rotate older items to the front so nothing sits for months.
• Clean shelves regularly and wipe up spills right away.
• Check pet food and birdseed storage, which are common sources.

When is it more than a pantry problem?

If insects keep showing up after a full cleanout, or you are seeing them in other rooms, the source may be somewhere else. Other pests like ants, roaches and rodents are also drawn to kitchens, and they need a different approach.

Our general pest control service starts with a close look at the activity around your property. We identify likely pressure points, treat the areas that need attention and explain the next sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

Do pantry pests mean my kitchen is dirty?

Not necessarily. Pantry pests often arrive in packaged food from the store. Clean shelves and sealed containers help keep them from spreading.

Should I throw away all my food?

Only infested items need to go. Check each package carefully and keep sealed, uninfested foods.

Can pantry pests spread to other rooms?

Moths can fly to other areas, but they usually stay close to their food source. If you find insects in many rooms, an inspection can help find the source.

What pests does your general service cover?

Our general pest control handles ants, roaches, spiders, carpenter ants, stinging insects and other common household pests.

Need help?

If pests keep coming back, we can help. Request a free quote or call (516) 924-4528.