Konnecting with Kris Blog

Connect with Saline County FCS agent Kris Boulton.

Preventing Pantry Pests

Having pests in pantries and cupboards can cause problems for many kitchens.

An infestations of pantry pests is not an everyday occurrence, but they can be annoying. When they destroy or spoil considerable amounts of food that hits my food budget. Making my family’s food unsafe that’s more than just a nuisance.

What are ways we can prevent an infestation?

Try these 4 Prevention tips:

1. Purchase dried food in packages that can be used up in a short time.
   
   
2. Examine packages in the store to be certain they are not broken and appear to be fresh. Packages with clear plastic or wax paper coverings should be checked for the presence of insects. Many times foods are infested when brought into the home.
   
   
3. Store unused portions of dried foods in screw-top glass containers. This will prevent entry or escape of insects. Ordinary metal kitchen canisters are not tight enough to prevent insects from entry. Some plastic containers with very tight-fitting lids may be acceptable. Cardboard, paper or plastic wrapping will not prevent insect infestations.
   
   
4. Storing dried foods in a home freezer will prevent pantry pests from developing and will kill those that might be present at the time of storing.

Pantry pests are not all the time but when they show up we want to know how to control them and make them unwelcome guest in our homes.

For more information, check out our Pantry Pests Publication or contact your local County Extension office.