Pantry infestations can be a frustrating challenge for homeowners in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham. Among the culprits is the biscuit beetle, a common pest known to invade stored food items like biscuits, grains, and cereals. With the right knowledge and prevention techniques, you can rid your kitchen of these pests and prevent future infestations.
How to Identify a Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle (Stegobium paniceum), also known as the drugstore beetle, is small (2-3 mm), reddish-brown, and has two pairs of wings, although it is not a strong flyer. They typically crawl around your pantry and food storage areas, where they reproduce and cause contamination.
Are Biscuit Beetles Harmful?
While biscuit beetles don’t bite humans or pets, they can contaminate food with their faeces, skins, and eggs, making the food inedible and unsanitary. Ingesting contaminated food may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, so it’s crucial to discard any affected items.
Why Do You Get Biscuit Beetles?
Biscuit beetles are attracted to:
- Dry foods: Biscuits, grains, cereals, and spices
- Humidity: Damp conditions promote their reproduction
- Food spills: Poor food storage and crumbs attract these pests
How to Get Rid of Biscuit Beetles: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Inspect the Pantry: Look for signs of infestation—damaged packaging, larvae, and beetle droppings (frass).
- Remove Infested Items: Dispose of contaminated food items immediately by sealing them in plastic bags and removing them from your home.
- Thoroughly Clean the Area: Remove all food from your pantry and vacuum shelves, cracks, and crevices. Wipe down surfaces with soap and water to remove any traces of food that may attract beetles.
- Repackage Remaining Food: Transfer non-infested items to airtight containers. This will prevent further contamination.
- Set Traps: Use pheromone or sticky traps to catch adult beetles in the pantry.
- DIY Repellent Spray: Mix vinegar and water with essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, or cedarwood) to deter beetles and spray the affected areas.
- Seek Professional Help: If the infestation persists, consider hiring a pest control expert in Newcastle, Sunderland, or Durham to handle the situation efficiently.
Preventing Biscuit Beetle Infestations
Prevent future infestations by following these simple tips:
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Regularly inspect your pantry and dispose of expired or infested products.
- Clean shelves and remove food spills promptly.
- Freeze flour, grains, or nuts before storage to kill any potential larvae.