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.

How to Prevent Entry

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

The best way of avoiding problems with stored food product pests is good hygeine.

In domestic or small commercial situations:

Areas where food is prepared, eaten and stored should be cleaned regularly.
Leaving food exposed in open packets or spilt food on floors or surfaces attracts and harbours these pests.
With good hygiene, attention to detail and regular inspection, you will be most unlikely to have a problem with stored product beetles and moth pests.
Dried pet foods are a very common harbourage.
If you find any food infested with moths or beetles, place the bag/container in a deep freeze for about a week, which will kill any insects, then dispose of the container and all contents.
Wash the container before reusing.If you even just suspect contamination of a bag of foodstufs - be ruthless - deep freeze and throw it out.
Transfer as much food as possible into glass containers.
Seal all cracks and crevices with a suitable sealant.

Within commercial units:

Stores should be constructed so as to be easily cleaned and free of cracks, crevices and damp spots.
They should be well insulated and ventilated.
Commodities should be stacked off the floor on pallets and not touch either the walls or the ceiling. Space shold be allowed betwen pallets to allow ventilation and enable inspection.
Packaging should be within thick, tough and preferrably smooth/shiny well sealed materials.
All food residues should be cleaned up on a daily basis.
Ensure there are no birds nests within the building as these frequently harbour beetles and moths.All contaminated material should be destroyed.
Seal all cracks and crevices with a suitable sealantEnsure ventilation openings are covered with an insect excution grid