Stored product pests feed on coarse ground flour products but also on many other products such as grain products, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and beans. Stored product pests are dangerous pests in both homes and other areas where food is prepared, stored or produced.
Stored Product Pest Questions & Answers
What are the most common stored product pests?
There are many kinds of stored product pests but the most common ones are- red and confused flour beetle, the saw toothed and merchant grain beetle, and the Indian meal moth.
What do the red and confused flour beetle look like?
In appearance both - the confused and red flour beetles look alike. They are of reddish brown color with 1/8-inch length and are flat, glossy, and elongated. Antenna of confused flour beetle slowly enlarges whereas the other one forms a three segmented clubs.
Where would I find the confused flour beetle?
Confused flour beetle can be found in cereal products, dried fruits, spices and such another places.
What are the confused flour beetle's breeding habits?
Confused flour beetle can be found in cereal products, dried fruits, spices and such another places.
What do the merchant and saw-toothed grain beetle look like?
These beetles have similar identification. They are flat, reddish-brown and 1/10 –inch long. They are having six saw-like projections on each side of the thorax. When seen under microscope saw-toothed grain beetle has exposed eyes and more triangular head, whereas the merchant grain beetle has small knobs behind the eyes.
Where would I find the saw-toothed grain beetle?
These pests can easily be found in cereals, cornmeal, cornstarch, popcorn, rice, dried fruits, breakfast foods, flour, rolled oats, bran, macaroni, sugar, drugs, spices, herbs, candy, dried meats, chocolate, bread, nuts, crackers, raisins, dried dog and cat food, and other foodstuffs.
What does an Indian meal moth look like?
Indian meal moths have a body length of 1/4 to 3/8 inch and wingspread measure of 5/8 to 3/4 inch. They are of reddish brown color with a copper luster on the back. The young ones are of dirty white color.
Where would I find the Indian meal moth?
With careful inspection, you can find them on grains, seeds, powdered milk, dog food, crackers, candy, nuts chocolate and dried fruit.
What are the breeding habits of the Indian meal moth?
The adult female member of this family lays 400 eggs in 18 days. Based temperature conditions and food supply, they can have four to six generations per year.
How can I prevent an infestation of stored product pests?
In order to prevent your place from such pests, regularly check for stored products in the home or food plant. Throw the infested products immediately on found.This may reduce the chance of infestation.
Preparation Guidelines for a Stored Product Pest Treatment
Vacate all the kitchen cupboards, counters and Drawers.
Leave food in the refrigerator and on the dining room table for inspection.
Food which infested should be thrown or be placed in freezer for minimum of one week. Foods not infested should be placed in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Vacate the areas.
Do not enter in the areas during treatment and after for minimum of 4 hours or until the product dries.
After re-entry if possible open windows and doors for about 20 minutes.
Pregnant women, infants and people suffering from heart, kidney, and other such major ailments should consult doctor before service and if possible avoid the areas for at least 24 hours.
