Stored Product Pests

Stored product pests are insects that infest food products stored in kitchens, pantries, and food storage areas. These pests are commonly found in dry goods and can contaminate food with larvae, waste, and webbing, making products unsafe to use.

Stored product pests are a concern in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and food-processing facilities. Even a small infestation can spread quickly if affected food items go unnoticed.

Image

Common Types of Stored Product Pests

Stored product pests include a variety of moths and beetles that feed on grains and packaged foods. Common examples include:

• Indian meal moths.

• Mediterranean flour moths.

• Drugstore beetles.

• Cigarette beetles.

• Flour beetles.

• Grain weevils.

• Rice weevils.

• Sawtoothed grain beetles.

Each of these pests targets stored food products, though their behavior and life cycles vary. This page focuses on their shared characteristics, with species-specific details best covered in individual articles.

Are Stored Product Pests Dangerous?

Stored product pests are not typically considered a direct health threat, but they do pose sanitation concerns.

Most damage is caused during the larval stage, when insects feed directly on food products. Adult females lay eggs inside or on packaging, and once larvae hatch, they contaminate food with waste, shed skins, and feeding damage.

Infested food is generally considered unsafe for consumption and should be discarded.

Why Stored Product Pest Problems Occur

In many cases, stored product pests are unintentionally brought into homes or businesses through packaged food items that were already infested before purchase. Infestations often begin at food processing, packaging, or storage facilities and go unnoticed until products are opened.

Adult stored product pests may also enter structures on their own. Outdoor lighting can attract flying adults, which then enter through open doors, windows, or small gaps. Once indoors, they seek out accessible, unsealed food sources for egg-laying.

Where Stored Product Pests Are Commonly Found

Stored product pest larvae live directly in or on food sources.

Commonly affected items include:

• Flour and cornmeal.

• Cereals and grains.

• Rice and pasta.

• Crackers and baking mixes.

• Dried fruits and spices.

• Chocolate and dried milk products.

• Dry pet food and bird seed.

Infestations are most often found in kitchens, pantries, food storage closets, and basements where dry goods are stored.

When Stored Product Pest Problems Require Professional Help

If pests continue to appear after contaminated items are removed, or activity spreads beyond a single food source, the infestation may be more widespread. Because stored product pests can hide in cracks, packaging, and overlooked food items, professional evaluation may be needed to fully resolve the issue.

Preventing Stored Product Pest Activity

Prevention focuses on limiting access to food sources and reducing entry points.

• Avoid purchasing food with damaged or torn packaging.

• Store dry goods in sealed plastic or glass containers.

• Inspect pantry items regularly and discard expired products.

• Avoid storing large quantities of dry goods for long periods.

• Repair damaged window and door screens.

• Seal gaps around doors and windows.

• Use outdoor lighting that is less attractive to insects near entry points.