Pantry Pests

It’s great to have the holidays here, and guests and parties on these cold winter nights. As you pull out long unused baking sheets or flower, pay attention to signs of pantry pests. These signs include webbing in the rice or flour container, evidence of small silky cocoons in the corners of cabinets, or adult moths. These insects have complete metamorphosis, meaning the eggs are laid on or near the infested product, hatch to become a larval stage (worm-like) that feeds on the flour, rice, cereal, or other product, then climbs to a high point to pupate into an adult reproductive moth. Freeze infested products like bird food or pet food if you don’t want to discard them, otherwise discard infested products and clean out cabinets of pupal casings.
-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston