Beetles

Several beetles are common pests of stored food products and often occur in houses, bakeries, grain stores and warehouses - anywhere that food is stored, especially dried food stuffs such as grain, cereals, flour, nuts, etc. Some of the stored food pests, and a variety of other beetles that frequently invade human habitations, can also damage clothing, carpets and other household furnishings, attacking almost anything made from natural fabrics and furs. Stored Product Insects cause huge monetary losses by damaging food products, so it is important to take rapid action if an infestation is suspected. Best controlled through good hygiene, sprays and dusts.

Best Methods for Controlling your Pest

The following information applies to all beetle and moth stored food pests.

DIY or The Professionals?

Domestic and small shop/store premises can usually be treated DIY
Large industrial units and some large loose grain stores need professional input, especially if the infestation is so bad as to require fumigation.

In domestic or small commercial situations:

Do not use insecticides in pantries, kitchens, dining rooms or food stores. Insecticide contaminaton of food may have toxic effects and is a potential health hazard.

Follow the advice given in 'How to proof against' section to ensure hygiene is good and contaminated food is destroyed.
If potential harbourages still exist within the premises, treat these areas with a suitable non-insecticide dust or spray.
In areas away from food, suitable insecticides may be sprayed into cracks and crevices where the larvae or adult beetles may have secreted themselves.

In large commercial grain or food product stores:

Follow the advice given above regarding hygiene
If in any doubt about your ability and time available to control an infestation, call on the services of a pest control company qualified in fumigation techniques.

Use pesticides safely and always read and understand the label.