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January 2015 Newsletter |
Indianmeal moths
To eliminate a pantry pest problem, the first step is to locate and remove all infested items. Removing infested items is the easy part; finding the infestation is not always so simple. Begin with the oldest food items, usually in the back of the pantry. Inspect everything, including unopened food items since these can also be a source. If you find an infested item, do not stop your inspection, more than one item may be infested.
Throw away infested items. If you don’t feel that you can throw away food, place the infested food in a ziptop plastic bag and place it in the freezer for about 5-7 days or spread the infested food item on a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 4-6 hours to kill any insects. Once all the insects are dead, you can sift the food item or pick out the insects. Of course, you can always just leave the insects in the food and get a little more protein with your meal!
It is extremely important to find the source, and not all pantry pest infestations come from the pantry. Check rooms for items such as dried, decorative peppers, dried flowers, potpourri or rice heating packs.
For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at www.urban-ipm.blogspot.com
The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas AgriLife Research is implied.