Seeds and grain products stored for more than 6 weeks must be protected against insect damage. High temperatures tend to destroy the efficacy of protectants. It can be unwise to store large quantities of grain-based ingredients near to commercial ovens.
Cooling of grain to below 15 Deg C will aid in suppressing insect activity. Small quantities of grain can be "saved" by controlling pantry pests with heat or cold. Heating grain to 60 Deg C for 15 minutes or freezing at –18 Deg C for 3 days will kill all stages of weevils, beetles etc. within the grain. Larger quantities will require disposal or professional fumigation.

No guarantee can be given for the quality of any food that has been subjected to intense heat or cold.

Australian Spider Beetle

Ptinus tectus

Attacks seeds, decaying moist foodstuffs, furs, woollens, rodent carcasses, rodent droppings, grain, bird nesting and grain based rodent baits and a wide range of other organic materials.

Black Spider
Beetle

Mezium americanum

Known to attack animal skins, seeds, woollen carpets, furs, rodent carcasses, rodent droppings, tobacco, grain and grain based rodent baits.

Cigarette Beetle

Lasioderma
serricorne

A wide variety of plant and animal-based materials including tobacco, grain, seeds, dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, bamboo, biscuits, herbs and spices, fish and meat meals and grain based rodent baits.

Drugstore Beetle

Stegobium paniceum

A wide variety of plant and animal based materials. biscuits, flour, fruits, nuts, spaghetti, spices, woollens, leather and grain based rodent baits.

Lesser Grain Borer

Rhyzopertha dominica

Primary pest of grain, especially wheat and cereals. Also processed cereals, spaghetti, biscuits etc.

Smooth Spider Beetle

Gibbium psylloides

Attacks seeds, decaying moist foodstuffs, furs, woollens, rodent carcasses, rodent droppings, grain and grain based rodent baits.

TREATMENT

Various dusts and surface sprays are registered and available for use against Pests of Stored Foods, however in most domestic situations, immediate disposal of the spoiled and/or contaminated product is by far the best solution.
All food liable to spoiling should be stored in durable, airtight containers (preferably glass or plastic). Most beetles and larva are perfectly capable of boring through cardboard box containers.
Monitoring stations are strongly recommended for commercial establishments such as food preparation areas and bakeries etc.

RID Pest Control has extensive experience in all aspects of pest control, including commercial, domestic, public housing and strata title.
Call us for an on site, obligation free quote.

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