INTELLIGENT CONTROLS FOR STORED PRODUCT PESTS

About 300 different types of moths, weevils and beetles can be found eating "our" stored food products (grains, peas, beans, spices, nuts, cheese and macaroni mixes, pancake mix, raisins, cereals, pasta, etc.) in "our" pantries, home decorations, animal bedding, dog food, birdseed, dried fruits, candy, etc. Many of these pests are now resistant to commonly used pesticide poisons, but there are some safe and effective ways to prevent and control them.

First, recognize where you have the problem. Look for flying moths or caterpillars in cupboards on walls and ceilings or beetles crawling around near or in food. Look for evidence on and in packages such as pests or tiny holes in strange places, cast-off skins, tracks, fine dust, excrement, etc. Look for and vacuum them up off walls and from behind moldings, pictures, clocks, wallpaper paste, flower pots, hinges, and in cracks and crevices.

The first step and main control is to throw away all pest infested foods and spices. Then install and properly maintain air conditioners, fans and a dehumidifier which will reduce humidity to a point that it is disagreeable to insects. Use 20 mesh screens that fit windows and doors properly.

1. Routinely and thoroughly clean/vacuum the cupboards and pantry. Clean the entire area with (1 oz. per gallon) Safe Solutions, Inc. Enzyme Cleaner with Peppermint.

2. Purchase insect-free products. Look at the food package very carefully when the box or bag is opened initially and later on. If you buy a new infested product from a store, return them and/or go to another store. Store all susceptible foods in sealed insect-proof containers or in the refrigerator and/or below 50^o F.

3. All broken containers, torn sacks and spilled foodstuffs and/or infested material should be removed and tossed out promptly. Dispose of all out-of-date and/or infested food stuffs. Lightly sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder. Practice first in/first out inventory control. Supplies should be properly stored and used as quickly as possible.

4. Dry animal feed and pet food should be stored away (isolated) from cereal products and dried fruits. Keep it in the freezer if possible, or at least stored in a tightly sealed pail.

5. Store all food stuffs in insect-proof glass containers and/or below 50^o F.

6. A good trap for moths is one part molasses with 2 parts of vinegar; place in a yellow bowl. Clean as needed. Lightly sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder or food-grade DE.

7. Install and properly maintain air conditioners, fans and a dehumidifier.

8. Use 20 mesh screens that fit windows and doors properly.

9. Purchase and use stored product pheromone traps at your grocery or hardware store. The odor attracts insects of the opposite sex, similar to how human pheromones affect us.

10. Steam clean with a Vapor Dragon®.

11. Food-grade DE is wonderful for controlling all stored product pests and it is safe enough to eat.

If you still have pantry pests, &read The Best Control© or The Best Control II© on CD-ROM.

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