Pantry Pests

Pantry pests—also known as product pests—are tiny insects that target dry goods stored in your kitchen. Their menu includes flour, cereal, pasta, baking mixes, spices, pet food, and virtually any grain-based item.

Here in North Carolina, homeowners commonly battle several types of these invaders, including Indian meal moths, saw-toothed grain beetles, and flour beetles. The Indian meal moth is the most prevalent, measuring about ⅜ of an inch long. These pests don’t just nibble—they contaminate. Their larvae resemble small, cream-colored worms and can be found crawling through your food, making it unsafe to consume.

Pantry pest infestations often begin when contaminated food products are unknowingly brought into the home. Even a single infested item—like a box of cereal or a bag of flour—can introduce these pests and lead to a widespread problem. Unfortunately, this type of contamination is hard to detect at the time of purchase and can happen to anyone. Once inside, pantry pests are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help, as they spread quickly and hide deep within your stored goods.

Aside from the distaste of finding bugs in your food, pantry pests are an actual health concern. They are unsafe and unsanitary to have in your home. Serious illness can be caused by ingesting food they have contaminated. And many people suffer from skin allergies triggered by these pesky invaders.