Pantry Pests: How to Keep Your Kitchen Bug-Free This Summer

When summer arrives in Canada, it doesn’t just bring sunshine and longer days—it also brings pantry pests into our homes. These tiny intruders, such as flour beetles, Indian meal moths, and grain weevils, can quickly infest stored food and make mealtime frustrating. At Forbearance Pest Control, we want to help homeowners stay ahead of these unwanted visitors with practical prevention tips.

Why Pantry Pests Thrive in Summer

Warm weather creates the perfect environment for pantry pests to reproduce quickly. With higher humidity and heat, grains, cereals, flour, rice, and even pet food become more vulnerable to infestation. What makes them particularly tricky is that pantry pests often hitchhike into your home through store-bought goods. By the time you notice them, they may have already spread through multiple food items in your cupboards.

Signs of Pantry Pest Infestation

Recognizing the early signs of pantry pests can save you from throwing away large amounts of food. Look out for:

• Tiny beetles or moths inside sealed packages. 
• Webbing or larvae inside flour, rice, or cereals. 
• Unpleasant odours are coming from food storage containers. 
• Small holes in the packaging. 

If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the pests from spreading.

Tips to Prevent Pantry Pests

Keeping pantry pests out of your kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can protect your food and avoid infestations:

1. Inspect Groceries Before Storing – Check packaging for holes or damage before buying or storing items. 
2. Use Airtight Containers – Transfer grains, flour, and cereals into sealed glass or plastic containers to block pests from getting inside. 
3. Practice First In, First Out – Use older food items before newer ones to prevent long-term storage that attracts pests. 
4. Keep the Pantry Clean – Wipe down shelves regularly to remove food crumbs and spills that lure insects. 
5. Store Food in Cool, Dry Places – Heat and humidity encourage pests, so keeping food in cooler conditions helps. 
6. Check Pet Food – Pantry pests also target pet food, so be sure to store it in sealed containers.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, pantry pest infestations spread beyond what a homeowner can handle. If you notice repeated infestations despite your prevention efforts, contacting Forbearance Pest Control is the best step. Our team can identify the source of the problem and provide safe, effective treatment to protect your food and home.

Summer in Canada should be about enjoying barbecues, picnics, and family time—not battling pantry pests. By staying vigilant and adopting simple storage habits, you can keep your kitchen bug-free all season long. And if pests persist, Forbearance Pest Control is here to provide expert help when you need it most.