You know to watch out for insects around spilled food and any lingering items in your trash - but did you know that are pests that can create a problem in stored dry products? Restaurant and bakery owners who have dried products, such as flour, can be the perfect environment for different insects. Beetles are one of the top pests that can take refuge in dried food products. Read on to learn what you need to know about these stored product pests - and how to keep them away:
This pest looks very similar to red flour beetles - so much so that they are often "confused" with them! According to Grains Canada, starchy foods like beans, peas, yeast and dried chocolate are excellent sources for these insects.
Not sure if confused flour beetles are taking over these dried foods? The website suggested that a pungent odor is a sign of beetles because they secrete a chemical when they are moved.
If a bakery or a processing plant is concerned with confused flour beetles, there are ways to get rid of them. According to Quality Assurance Magazine, small eggs can linger in flour, even after you sift out larger beetles. The publication recommended using a 30-mesh screen - and to make sure that flour doesn't linger long enough to create a breeding ground for beetles, it suggested that flour not sit for longer than 30 days.
Any processing plant working with corn needs to be on the lookout for this pest. The longer corn sits, the more likely it is that merchant grain beetles will contaminate it as a food source.
If they do so, they could lower the overall quality of the corn kernels - and could even create the perfect environment for mold to grow!
It's difficult to get rid of grain beetles - and pest management professionals only use fumigation when all other options have been exhausted. As a result, the best way to handle these beetles is to prevent their appearing. That means maintaining strict cleanliness standards for grain bins - and making sure that any old grain is removed, so as not to contaminate a new batch.
Good Housekeeping recently reported that these bugs were found in a package of Cosmic Brownies - yikes! These pests sustain themselves on a range of grain-based foods. However, they may get into consumers homes via pet food, the article suggested. In order to keep them away, make sure dry foods are tightly sealed - and don't be afraid to do a deep clean! Wiping down counters with soap and water can help to make the environment unwelcome to Indian meal moths.
When dealing with dry packaged goods like flour, it can easy to think that pests will stay away. However, you need to take the proper preventative measures to keep beetles and moths far from these products. To learn more, reach out to Abell Pest Control today.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
