Store Cupboard Pests

In the home, the same methods of control can be used to deal with infestations of all of these pests. The first step is to place any contaminated foods or packets into a securely sealed plastic bag which is then put out into an outside dustbin and any remaining insects dealt with using an insecticide which is approved as safe for use in food preparation areas. Although most should be already in the bin inside the discarded food packaging, some adults, larvae or eggs may still be hiding in cracks and crevices. With the cupboards emptied, treat with a suitable residual insecticide, ensuring that you get one which is safe to use around food – it will say so on the label – and follow the instructions very carefully, especially regarding how soon the cupboards can be used again. When you do re-stock, try to store likely items in jars or sealed containers to stop any stragglers from getting a meal.

There are, of course, many more species of store cupboard pest, some with very odd dietary preferences and lifecycles to match – the cigarette beetle, tobacco moth, flour mite, rice weevil, spider beetle and warehouse moth, to name but a few. Fortunately, such exotic sounding beasts rarely trouble the average UK household, while the kinds that do can often be dealt with fairly successfully. A combination of removing the immediate cause, treating with appropriate insecticides and good housekeeping usually sees the back of these pests, but if the infestation is a serious or persistent one, professional help should be sought.