Smith-Shively: Keeping pantry pests out of the kitchen

Pantry pests such as weevils, beetles, and moths are common but unwanted guests in many kitchens. These pests are often found in spices and grain foods (flour, cornmeal, cereal, and pasta) and are easily spread to other food items. Foods that are infested with pantry pests are often thrown away, resulting in a loss of money. To help keep pantry pests out of your kitchen, follow these simple tips:

Inspect food packages before buying: Do not buy food if the package looks damaged or has been opened. Tiny tears and holes in packages are opportunities for pantry pests.

Keep your pantry clean: Pantry pests often show up when a food source becomes available to them. Periodically remove food items from your kitchen cabinet or pantry. Vacuum food particles and wash shelves with hot soapy water. Make sure the shelves are dry before the food is returned. If needed, use caulk to seal cracks around shelves where food particles and other debris collect.

Store food properly: If foods are stored in a pantry or cabinet, try to use it within two to four months. To keep insects out, store the food in airtight containers. For longer storage, consider storing grain foods such as flour and cornmeal in the refrigerator or freezer.

Clean containers before refilling them: After emptying a container of flour, rice, pasta, or cornmeal, wash it with hot soapy water before it is refilled.

Fighting an infestation: If your kitchen has been invaded by pantry pests, the first step is to remove the infested food to keep the pests from getting into other foods. Thoroughly clean the pantry or cabinet to remove food particles, insects and insect eggs that are present. This should be sufficient to treat the pests.