home + garden

Q I have very tiny brown bugs in my kitchen cabinets. I've cleaned the cupboards with Lysol, but I can't seem to get rid of them, and I'm wary of using sprays in my kitchen. What are they? How did they come in and how do I get rid of them?

A It sounds as if you have "pantry pests," one of several types of insects that can infest food. They come into your home when foods you buy are infested. Any dry food item, such as flour-based products, cornmeal, cereal, rice, spaghetti, macaroni, dried fruits, nuts, candy, birdseed, dry pet food and spices could be affected.

Insects multiply in the food they infest, in drawers, cracks and crevices in cupboards, or in other places where food debris accumulates. Given enough time, they can penetrate paper, thin cardboard or cellophane packages.

If you're buying in bulk, check foods to be sure they are insect-free. When opening packaged foods at home, do not shake before examining for insects as they will be more difficult to spot if mixed in with the product. If you find insects, return the item. Don't forget also to check dry pet food and birdseed.

Store foods in a glass, heavy plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting lid, especially those products that will not be used quickly. Insects cannot attack properly protected foods.

Keeping storage areas clean will help prevent infestations. Do not allow crumbs or food particles to accumulate. Vacuum-cleaning shelves, cracks and crevices is more effective than cleaning with soap and water because water can wash food particles into cracks and crevices. Also vacuum under furniture cushions, where food particles can accumulate. Empty the vacuum-cleaner bag at least every 30 days.

Your hesitancy to use insecticide sprays is wise. Sprays have no effect on the insects in food packages, and as long as the food source exists, insecticides will not stop pantry pests.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension Service

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