In facilities that store, process, or sell shelf-stable dried goods, stored product pests (also called “pantry pests”) pose a significant threat. These pests, which include flour beetles, cigarette beetles, drugstore beetles, and more, can spread throughout a facility quickly and destroy stored food supplies. Grocery stores, warehouses, food processing facilities, and more can fall prey to these pests; they will devour anything from pet food to grains to chocolate. This can lead to contamination issues that could cause your facility to fail inspections, recall products, and even leave you open to the risk of closure.
Luckily, Bug Out deals with stored product pests all the time. We can build you a customized, comprehensive plan to make sure these bugs stay gone. All our services are 100% satisfaction guaranteed to give you the ultimate peace of mind.
Signs of Stored Product Pests
The first step is learning how to spot signs of a stored product pest infestation early; the earlier you catch the problem, the easier it will be to treat. Below are a few things to be aware of:
- Visible damage to stored products (such as holes chewed in storage containers or bags)
- Adult insects (small moths or beetles) anywhere in the facility
- Larvae, pupae, or webbing in any food storage area
Remember that these pests are tiny and difficult to spot. Make sure to inspect your facility carefully – or call in a professional to make sure you get to the bottom of things.
Preventing Stored Product Pests
Prevention is the strongest tool in your arsenal, and there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of infestation before the pros even show up. These include:
- Temperature and humidity control. If possible, keep temperatures in your storage areas at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity at 30% or less.
- Good cleaning and maintenance practices. Make sure food spillage and dust is cleaned up promptly on all equipment and machinery.
- Keep food stock away from the walls and off the floor. This doesn’t just reduce contamination risk – it also makes cleaning and inspecting the area easier.
- Use strong and airtight packaging. This will reduce the risk of pest contamination.
- Minimize gaps under doors and around windows with tight-fitting screens, and ensure these screens are kept in good condition. Replace them if holes develop.
- Proper waste management. Make sure all food waste is disposed of properly and that bins are emptied regularly.
Our Stored Product Pest Treatment Plans
Prevention is an invaluable tool, but there’s only so much you can do on your own. Stored product pests are tiny, and it’s easy to overlook them if you don’t know exactly what to look for. This is where the pros come in; Bug Out can build a customized plan to protect your facility from these pests and make sure they stay gone.
We take a three-step approach to protect your facility from stored product pests.
- Prevention and exclusion methods to reduce the risk of an infestation beginning.
- Routine inspections and pest monitoring with pheromone monitors.
- Use of approved pesticides, including insect growth regulators, to manage any pest presence.
We’ll also work with your staff to make sure they’re aware of best practices to improve the facility’s defenses from the inside. Education is key when it comes to keeping pests out!
Count on Bug Out for Stored Product Pest Control
Since 1963, Bug Out has helped food processing facilities in North Carolina keep stored product pests out. We can help you build a plan suited to your building’s specific needs and protect your bottom line from stored product pest-related losses. We use a multi-pronged approach, including pesticides, physical exclusion, and education, to maximize your facility’s safety.
Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!
