Information provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, NY(585)461-1000. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

The major insect pests in stored foods in homes are flour or grain beetles and flour or grain moths. Some foods that commonly become infested with insects include flours, packaged mixes, cereal, pasta, spices, nuts and pet food. The eggs of these pests are not visible to the naked eye so it is difficult to detect the eggs before they hatch into larvae.

Home food supplies should be inspected periodically and any infested food products thrown away. There is no satisfactory way of separating the insects from the food products.

Flour or grain beetles are one of the most common pantry pests. They are very small slender, reddish brown beetles. During the larval or worm stage, grain beetles appear as small yellowish-white worms. Both larvae and beetles may be found in foods.

The most common food-infesting moth found in homes is the Indian meal moth. These pests are particularly annoying because they not only damage and destroy food but the adults also crawl or fly about the house. Indian meal moth larvae are about 1/2 inch long and are usually white or cream colored with a dark head. Foods infested with moths usually have a silk webbing on the surface left by the larvae while they crawl about.

Carefully examine all susceptible foods that may have been exposed to infestation. Be sure to check birdseed and pet food. These are often a source of an infestation. Insects may even be found in paper wrapped products which have not been opened. All infested packages should be discarded.

Transfer contents of opened packages to glass jars with tightly fitting lids to prevent a new infestation. It is possible that eggs were laid in the products and they could hatch later. You can destroy insect eggs which may be in grain products by placing the food in the freezer at zero degrees or lower for 4 days.

Remove all food containers and utensils from the infested cupboard or closet and clean thoroughly, first with a vacuum cleaner and then soap and water. Special attention should be paid to cracks and corners where bits of flour, meal or other products may have accumulated. Keeping counters, cupboards and shelves clean can help prevent pantry pests.

If additional treatment of the storage area is desired, use an insecticide formulated for the household, and treat the area as follows. Follow the insecticide directions carefully and never store near food. Spray the insecticide on shelves and into corners taking great care to avoid contamination of utensils and food. Allow the area to dry thoroughly. Put down clean shelf paper and replace the contents of the shelf or cupboard. Observe the area carefully for several months. If insects reappear, the cleanup may have been inadequate or a newly infested package may have been brought into the kitchen. Repeat the cleaning and insecticide procedure if this occurs.

Long storage of grain products often leads to infestation. Purchase only what can be used in 3 to 6 months and store carefully.