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Pantry pest control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
Pantry pests are moths, beetles and weevils that infest stored dry food like flour, cereal, rice, pasta, nuts, spices and pet food. They often arrive inside packages from the store.
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How to identify pantry pests
Three kinds of pantry pest turn up most.
Indian meal moths
Small moths with copper coloured wing tips. Larvae leave silky webbing in food and in cupboard corners.
Sawtoothed grain beetles
Tiny, flat brown beetles with tooth shaped ridges along the sides of the body.
Weevils
Small brown beetles with a long snout. They develop inside whole grains like rice and wheat.
Signs to look for
- Small moths flying in the kitchen, especially in the evening
- Silky webbing or clumps in flour, cereal or grains
- Tiny beetles in food packages or along shelves
- Small holes in packaging, and larvae or casings in cupboard corners
Why pantry pests come inside
What draws them in
Pantry pests usually come home already inside a package from the store. Once inside, they spread to other open or loosely sealed foods.
Health and home risks
Pantry pests aren't known to spread disease, but they contaminate food with webbing, shed skins and droppings, so infested food has to be thrown out.
How we handle pantry pests
Find every infested item
We help you check every package, including spices, pet food and birdseed.
Clean out
A clear plan for emptying, vacuuming and wiping down cupboards.
Targeted treatment
Treatment for cracks and shelf corners where larvae hide.
Monitor
Pantry moth traps to confirm they're gone.
Prevention tips
- Store dry food in glass or hard plastic containers with tight lids
- Check packages for holes or webbing before buying
- Use older products first and don't top up old containers with new food
- Keep pet food and birdseed sealed
- Wipe up crumbs and spills in cupboards
- Freeze flour and grains for a few days after buying if you've had pests before
Common questions about pantry pests
Do I need to throw everything out?
Throw out anything with webbing, insects or larvae. Unopened, sealed items can usually be kept, but check them carefully.
How did they get in?
Most often inside a package from the store. Eggs and young larvae are tiny and easy to miss.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.