Stored product pests
Textile pests take up residence anywhere there is fabric or other textiles, often eating their way through the fibres, creating holes and damage.
WHY STORED PRODUCT PESTS?
Of all the pests, this is most certainly the most complicated and far-reaching pests.
These pests occur in every aspect of our commercial and domestic daily life and cover a wide variety of insects. It is important to be able to identify the type of pest, knowing the life cycle and habits, have a good understanding of likely breeding grounds and related housekeeping issues.
The solution to a stored product pest problem requires finding and destroying all infested products in which these pests have developed, a general clean-up, and use of sealed storage containers to prevent recurring problems. Some stored product pests feed inside whole kernels. These include the granary weevil, rice weevil, and the Angoumois grain moth.
Stored product or pantry pests include several beetles, moths, and a mite that can infest whole grains or processed foods. Usually, the first sign of a problem is the appearance of small beetles crawling over counter tops, moths flying across rooms, or caterpillars crawling up walls or across ceilings.
Based on their feeding habits and biology, stored product pests fall into one of four categories.
Internal feeders lay eggs within the grain and feed on kernels from the inside out. Common internal feeders include granary weevils, lesser grain borers, and Angoumois grain moths.
External feeders feed on the exterior of the kernel or finished cereal product and work their way inside. Indian meal moths and cigarette beetles are well-known external feeders in bakeries.
Scavengers will eat almost anything, including grains that have been processed, broken or damaged by other insects. Scavengers, such as the red flour beetle and saw-toothed grain beetle, can be found in products ranging from cereals to chocolate.
Secondary feeders consume mouldy or damp products and, like external feeders, eat from the outside in. Both spider beetles and fungus beetles will feed on products in poor condition.
Stored product pests are very hardy and can adapt to almost any conditions and locations.
Food products are attacked from the time they are in the field, until they are consumed. Any warm, moist, mouldy climates or conditions can create a thriving environment for store product pests along with poor housekeeping conditions.
Apex Property Solutions has a wide range of products, treatment methods, preventive equipment and fumigation services to help control and eradicate store product pests.
We will also provide expert advice on how to control store product pests with an integrated pest management approach and will leave you with a comprehensive report on housekeeping and hygiene improvements to help exclude store product pests.